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V.  T.  COOK, 

NOT    »  ^  •  -^'^BLE 


COL.  VIRGIL  YOUNG  COOK 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM,  N.  C. 


CtVEN  BY  MIS  DAUGHTER 

MRS.  R.  DWIGHT  WARE 


OATF.  ^~A  e^  J  /^^m/ 


V.  Y.  COO>^, 

NOT    LOAN^etE. 


\r    \     N 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2010  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/reportsofoperati02conf 


REPORT] 


OV  THK   OPERATIONS    OF  ThW. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA, 


*^- 


FKOM  JUNE  lSt>'<J,  TO  AND  INCLUDING  THE  BATTLE  AT 
FKEUERTCKSBURG.  DEC.  13,  18C2 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES  : 
VOLUME  n 


RICHMOND: 

B.  M.  SMITH,  rUBLIC  PRINTER 
1864. 


'^ 


BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  RUN 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  JACKSON. 


Headquarters  Second  Cor.ps,  A.  N.  V.,  ) 

^yprU  4,    1 06 3.       \' 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.   Chilton, 

Assistant  Adjutant,  and  Inspector   General^ 

Headquarters  Department  Northern   Virginia : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  submit  to  you  a  report  of 
the  operations  of  my  command  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  Run,  on  the  9tb 
day  of  August,  1862: 

Intelligence  having  reached  the  commanding  General  that  Gordons- 
ville  vras  endangered  by  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  I  was  ordered  to 
move  in  that  direction  with  EwelTs  and  Jackson's  divisions,  from  my 
position  on  the  Mechanicsville  turnpike,  near  Richmond.  I  arrived 
near  Gordonsville  on  the  19th  day  of  July.  From  inforj^iation  re- 
ceived respecting  the  strength  of  the  opposing  Federal  army,  under 
General  Pope,  1  requested  tbe  comm;\ii<iing  General  to  reitifm-.v  me. 
He  accoidingly  pent  forward  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill,  with  his 
division.  On  the  2nd  of  August,  whilst  Colonel  (now  Brigadier 
Gf'neral)  W  E  Jones,  by  direction  of  Brigadier  GenerMl  Robertson, 
was  moving  with  the  seventh  Virginia  cavalry  to  take  charge  of  pieket 
posts  on  the  Rapidan,  he  receivtMl  intelligence,  before  he  vraohed 
Orjinge  Court- House,  that  the  eni^my  ^^■as  in  possession  of  the  town, 
Fiinlii  g  the  main  street  filled  Avith  Federal  cavalry,  C<dori(l  Jones 
bobilv  rbargcd  the  head  of  the  Ftderal  column,  whilst  its  flvijk  was 
attacked  by  another  portion  tf  the  regiment,  under  Major  Marshall, 
Both  attrjcks  were  successful  and  the  enemy  was  hastily  driven  from 
the  town  ;  but  as  our  cavalry  was  vastly  outnumbered,  ic  was  soon 
after  foicni  10  fall  back,  in  consequence  of  the  enemy's  greatly  supe- 
rior foice  in  front,  aod  the  fire  from  his  flanking  parties.  Upoa 
Colonel  Jones'  eubsi  quent  t-how  of  resistance,  near  where  the  engage- 
ifient  commeiiced,  the  enemy  retired  a  short  distance,  and  about  an 
hour  atierwaids  retreated.     Whilst  Colonel  Jones  was  gallantly  lead- 

181461 


ing  his  men  in  the  charge  he  receiveil  a  sabre  wound.     I  regret  to 
say  that,  .luring  the  eng;igeineiu,  Mivjor  Marshall  was  captured. 

Having  received  inform  ition  that  only  p»rtof  General  Pope's  army 
was  at  Culpeper  .Court-llouse,  and  hoping,  through  the  blessing  of 
Providence,  to  he  able  to  defeat  it  before  reinforcements  should  arrive 
tht^re,  Ewell's,  Hill's  anil  Jackson's  divisions  were  moved,  on  the  7th, 
in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  from  their  respective  encampments 
near  Gordonsv  ille.  On  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
north  of  the  R::pidan,  was  driven  back  by  ours,  under  Brigadier 
General  Robertson.  Our  cavalry  pursued  the  enemy's  on  the  direct 
road  from  Barnett's  ford  to  Culpeper  Court-llouse,  and  was  followed 
by  the  other  troops,  Ewell's  diviriion  leading.  As  the  Federal  cavalry 
Bubsequenily  displayed  unusual  activity,  a'kd.  from  reports  received 
by  me.  was  seriously  endangering  "the  train  of  Jack-Jon's  division,  I 
directed  General  Lawton  to  guard  it  with  his  brigade.  He  was  thug 
thrown  in  rear  of  the  division,  and  prevented  from  taking  part  in  the 
battle  of  the  following  day. 

On  the  9th,  as  we  arrived  within  about  eight  miles  of  Culpeper 
Court-llouse,  we  found  the  enemy  in  our  front,  near  Cedar  Hun,  and 
a  short  distance  Vest  and  north  of  Slaughter's  Mountain.  VVhen  first 
seen,  his  cavalry,  in  large  force,  occupied  a  ridge  to  the  right  of  the 
road.  A  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Terry,  opened  upon  the  cavalry, 
which  soon  forced  it  to  retire.  Our  fire  was  response  1  to  by  some 
guns  beyond  the  ridge,  from  which  the  Federal  advance  had  just  been 
driven.  Soon  after  this,  the  enemy's  cavalry  returned  to  the  posi- 
tion where  it  was  first  seen.  General  Eirly  was  ordered  forward, 
keeping  near  the  Culpeper  road,  whilst  General  Ewell,  with  his  two 
remaining  brigades,  Trimble's  and  Hays',  (the  latter  com:nmded  by 
Coloncd  Forno,)  diverged  from  the  road  to  the  right,  a  Ivauciug  along 
the  western  slope  of  Slaughter's  Mountain.  General  Early,  forming 
his  brigade  in  line  of  battle,  moved  into  the  open  fi  dd,  and  passing 
a  short  di.-gance  to  the  right  of  the  road,  but  parallel  to  it,  pu-hed 
forward,  driving  the  Federal  cavalry  before  him  to  the  ci^st  of  a  hill, 
which  overlooked  ihe  ground  between  his  troops  and  the  opp  ijite  hill, 
along  which  the  enemy's  batteries  were  posted.  In  his  front  the 
country  was,  for  some  distance,  open  and  broken.  A  coru-fioll,  and, 
to  the  It'tt  of  it,  a  wheat-fieh^,  upon  which  the  shocks  were  yot 
standing,  extended  to  the  opposite  hill,  which  was  cove.riil  with 
timber.  So  soon  as  Early  reached  the  eminence  (lescrihed,  the  Fed- 
eral batteries  were  opened  upon  him.  Largo  bodies  of  cavalry  were 
i-oen  in  the  wheat-field  to  the  left.  General  Early  hijving  retired  his 
troops  under  the  protection  of  the  hill.  Captain  Brown,  with  one 
piece,  and  Captain  Dement,  with  three  pieces  of  artillery,  pi  mted 
their  guns  in  advance  of  his  right  and  opened  a  rapid  and  well 
directed  fire  upon  the  Federal  batteries.  By  this  time.  General 
Winder,  with  Jackson's  division,  hal  arrived,  and,  after  having  dis- 
posed Campbell's  brigade.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Garnett  comman  ling, 
to  the  left,  under  cover  of  the  wood,  near  the  wheat  field,  Tali*- 
ferro's  brigade,  parallel  to  the  road,  in  rear  of  the  batteries  of  Poague*, 
Carpenter,  and  Cuskic,  then  being  placed  near  the  road,  uirder  the 


direction  of  Major  Andrews,  chief  of  artillery  of  tlie  division,  and 
Winder's  brigade.  Colonel  Ronald  commanding,  as  a  reserve,  he  was 
proceeding  to  direct,  with  his  usual  pkill  and  coolness,  the  movements 
of  those  batteries,  when  be'wa.«  struck  by  a  shell,  from  v.liich  he  ex- 
pired in  a  few  hours.  It  is  difficult  within  the  proper  reserve  of  an 
official  report,  to  do  justice  to  the  merits  of  this  accomplished  oflicer. 
Urged  by  the  medical  director  to  take  ro  p^rt  in  the  movements  of 
the  day,  becaur-e  of  the  then  enfeebled  state  of  his  health,  his  ardent 
patriotism  and  military  pride  could  bear 'no  such  restraint.  Richly 
endowed  with  thos-e  qualities  of  mind  and  person  which  fit  an  officer 
for  command,  and  vhich  attract  the  admiration  and  excite  the  enthu- 
siasm of  troops,  ho  was  rapidly  rising  to  the  front  rank  of  his  pro- 
fession. His  loss  has  been  severely  felt.  The  command  of  Jackson's 
division  now  devolved  upon  Rrigadier  General  William  B  Taliaferro, 
whose  liigade  during  the  remainder  of  the  action  was  commanded  by 
Colonel  A.  G,  Taliaferro. 

In  the  meantime  General  Ewell,  with  the  brigades  of  Trimble  and 
Hays,  r-^ached  the  northwest  terminati^p  of  Slaughter's  Mountain, 
and,  uron  jin  elevated  spot  about  two  hundred  feet  al  ove  the  valley 
below,  had  planted  Lattiraer's  guns,  which  opened  with  marked  effect 
upon  the  enemy's  batteries.  For  some  two  hours  a  rapid  and  con- 
tinuous fire  of  artillery  was  kept  up  on  both  sides.  Our  batteries 
were  well  served,  and. damaged  the  enemy  seriously.  Especial  credit 
is  due  Mfijor  Andrews  for  the  success  and  gallantry  with  which  his 
guns  were  directed  until  he  was  severely  wounded  and  taken  from  the 
field.  About  five  o'clock,  the  enemy  threw  forvaa-d  his  ekirmisbers 
through  a  corn  field,  and  advanced  his  infintry,  until  then  concealed 
in  the  wood,  to  the  rear  and  left  of  his  batteries.  Another  body  of 
infantry,  apparently  debouching  fn^m  one  of  those  vallies  hid  from 
the  view  by  the  undulating  character  of  the  country,  moved  upon 
Early's  light,  whieji  rested  near  a  clump  of  cedars,  where  the  guns 
of  Brown  and  Di  mcnt  were  posted. 

The  ii.fantjy  fight  soon  extended  to  the  left  and  centre.  Early  be- 
came Wiuraly  engaged  with  the  enemy  on  his  right  and  front  lie  had 
previously  called  for  reinforcements.  As  General  Rill  had  arrived 
wilii  hi'^  fli^inion,  (ne  of  his  brigades,  General  Thcma.^',  was  sent  to 
Early,  and  joined  him  in  time  to  render  efficient  service.  Whil-rthc 
attack  upon  Early  was  in  progress,  the  main  body  of  the  Federal  in- 
fantry moved  down  from»the  wo-d,  through  the  corn  and  writ  at  fields, 
and  fell  with  great  vigor  upon  our  extreme  left,  and,  by  the  force  of 
superior  numbers,  bearing  down  all  opposition,  turned  it,  and  poured  a 
destructixe  fire  into  its  rear.  Campbell's  brigade  fell  back. in  disorder. 
The  enemy  pushing  forward,  and  the  left  flank  of  Taliaferro's  brigade 
being,  bv  these  movements,  exposed  to  a  flank  fire,  fell  back,  as  did 
also  the  I.  ft  (if  Eaily's  line,  the  remainder  of  his  command  holding 
its  positif  n  with  great  firmness. 

Duripg  the  adxaiK  e  of  the  enemy,  the  rear  of  the  guns  of  Jackson's 
division  ifconung  exposed,  they  were  withdrawn.  At  thirt  critical 
moment  Branch's  Inigade.  of  Hill's  division,  with  Winder's  brigade 
further  to  the  left,  met  the  Federal  forces,  flushed  with  their  icmpo- 

1814 1  i  1 


A 


rary  triumph,  nnd  drove  thorn  back  T^-iih  terrible  slaughter,  through 
the  wootl.  The  fight  was  still  maintained  with  obavinacy,  between  tlio 
enemy  and  the  two  brig  ides  just  namod,  "  when  Archer  and  Pertder 
coming  up,  a  general  charge  was  made,  which  drove  the  enemy  across 
the  field  into  the  opposite  woo. Is,  strewing  the  narrow  valley  with  their 
dead.  In  this  charge,  Archer's  brigade  was  subjected  to  a  heavy  fire. 
At  this  time  the  Federal  cavalry  charged  upon  Taliaferro's  brigade  with 
impetuous  valcr;  but  were  met  with  such  deteimincd  resistance  by 
Taliaferro's  brigade  in  its  front,  and  by  so  galling  a  fire  from  Branoh'8 
brigade  in  flank,  that  it  was  forced  rapidly  from  the  field,  with  loss 
and  in  dis(>ril(T. 

In  the  uicantime,  General  Ewell,  on  the  right,  found  himself  kept 
back  fioiii  adviincing  by  the  incessant  fire  from  our  batteries  in  ihe 
valley,  which  swept  his  only  approach  to  the  enemy's  left,  This<liffi. 
culty  no  longer  existing,  h^  moved  with  his  two  brigades,  Trimble's 
in  the  advance,  and  pressed  forward  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  en- 
emy's artillery,  the  front  covered  by  skirmishers  Irom  the  fiftt'enth 
Alabama,  and  the  brigades  ^iil van cinj;  in  echelon  of  regiments.  'J'hus 
repuNed  Irom  ciur  left  anil  centre,  and  now  pressed  by  our  right,  ccntro 
and  lift,  th«  Federal  force  fell  back  at  every  poiiit  of  their  line,  and 
commenced  letreating,  leaving  their  dcfid  and  woundt-d  on  the  field  of 
battle.  Though  la'e,  1  was  so  desirous  of  reaching  Culpeper  Court- 
Ilouse  belote  morning,  as  to  induce  me  to  pur-pe.  The  advance  was 
accortiingly  ordered — General  IIill,  with  his  division  leading;  but 
owing  to  the  daikness  of  the  night,  it  was  necessary  to  move  cau- 
tiotisjy.  Stafford's  brigade,  which  was  in  front,  captured  some  prisoners. 
Befoie  we  had  probably,  advance<l  more  than  a  mile  aiid  a  half,  Far- 
row, my  mcst  reliable  scout,  reported  to  me  that  the  enemy,  was  hut  a 
few  bundled  }ards  from  our  advance.  IVgram's  .hatteiy,  supported 
by  Field's  luigatle,  soon  took  position. just  heyoml  the  wood  through 
which  we  had  passed,  and  opened  upon  the  enemy.^  'J'liis  well  directed 
and  unex|ectKl  fiie  pr()duce<l  much  disorder  ami  confusion  atnong  that 
portion  of  the  Federal  troops.  'Jhree  batteries  were,  however,  soon 
opened  in  re{)Iy,  and  a  heavy  caniionade  was  coniii  ued  lor  some  time, 
causing  C'aptain  Pegram  severe  lo.-is  and    ileneing  him 

]n  tl:e  meantime.  Colonel  Jones,  with  the  sjventh  Viiginia  cavalry, 
had  p>8se<l  to  our  rii^bt  and  front.  lie  succeeded  in  capturijig  some 
prisoners,  one  of  whom  reported  that  Federal  reinforcements  had  ar- 
rived.  IJelieving  it  imprudent  to  cciitinue  40'  move  iorward  during 
the  <laikness,  1  onlered  a  halt  for  the  night. 

On  the  fo'llowing  morning,  (pith)  having  reason  to  believe  the 
Federal  army  hail  been  so  la>gely  rei.f.iced  as  to  render  it  iin- 
prud<  nt  for  me  to  attempt  to  advance  fur;her.  <lirection8  were  givtn 
for  sending  the  wounded  to  the  rear,  for  hurying  the  dvad,  and  colleut- 
fng  anIl^  froitj  the  battle  fieM.  In  the  course  of  the  same  morning, 
General  J.  K.  B.  Stuart  arrived  on  a  tour  of  in>pection.  At  my  re- 
quest ho  took  command  of  the  cavalry,  and  made  a  recoonoissance  for 
the  purpose  of  gaining  information  respecting  the  numbers  and  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  From  his  report,  as  well  as  frotn  other  sources 
of  iiiformation,  1  was  coufinncd  iu  uiy  opinion'  that  the  heavy  forces 


concentrated  in  front,  rendered  it  unwise,  on  my  part,  to  renew  the 
actioa.  The  main  body  of  my  troops  were,  however,  so  posted  as  to 
receive  the  attack,  if  the  enemy  decided  to  advance. 

On  the  Uth,  a  flag  of  truce  was  received  from  the  enemy,  who  re- 
quested permission,  until  two  o'clock,  to  remove  and  bury  his  dead, 
not  already  interred  by  our  troops.  This  was  granted  and  the  time 
subsequently  extended,  by  request  of  the  enemy,  to  five  in  the  morning. 

We  captured  foiir  hundred  prisoners,  and  among  them  Brigadier 
General  Pi  ince  ;  five  thousand  three  hundred  and  two  small  arms, 
one  twelve-pounder  Napoleon  and  its  caisson,  with  two  other  caissons 
and  a  limber;  three  colors,  by  Winder's  brigade,  one  being  from  the 
fifth  Connecticut,  and  another  from  the  twenty-eighth  New  York. 

The  official  reports  of  the  casuHlties  of  my  command  in  this  battle 
show  a  loss  of  nineteen  officers  killt-d  and  one  hundred  and  fourteen 
wounded  ;  of  non-comraissioned  officers  and  privates,  two  hundred 
and  four  killed  and  nine  hundred  and  forty-six  wounded,  with  tliirty- 
one  missing,  making  two  hundied  and  twenty -three  (223)  killed,  and 
one  thousand  and  sixty  (1,(I6<>)  wounded.  Total  loss  of  killed, 
woun(led  and  missing,  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  fourteen 
(l,3l*.)  This  loss  was  probably  about  one-half  that  sustained  by 
*he  enemy. 

I  remained  in  p^^sition  until  the  night  of  the  11th,  when  I  returned 
to  the  vicinity  of  Gordonsville,  in  oriler  to  avoid  being  attacked  by 
the  vastly  superior  foice  in  front  of  lue,  and  with  the  hope  that  by 
thus  falling  back,  General  Pope  would  be  induced  to  follow  me  until  I 
ahould  be  reinforced 

The  conduct  of  officers  and  men  during  the  battle  merits  great 
praise.  My  chief  of  artillery,  Colonel  S  Crutchfiidd,  ably  discharged 
his  duties.  In  the  prompt  transmission  «  f  orders,  great  assistance 
was  received  fiom  M^jor  E.  F,  Paxton,  A.  A  A.  G.  ;  Captain  A.  8. 
Pendleton,  A.  A.  G.  ;  First  Lieutenant  J.  K.  Bcswell,  Chief  Engi- 
neer ;  First  Lieutenant  J  G.  Morrison,  A.  D  G.  ;  First  Lieutenant 
H.  K.  Douglass,  A.  L  G.  ;  Fir.st  Lieutenant  J.  T.  L.  ?nead,  of  the 
engineer  corps  ;  Colonel  Wm,  L.  J^^ck^ull,  voluiiteer  A.  D.  C,  and 
Colonel  A.  K.  Boteler,  volunteer  A.  D  0.  The  wounded  received 
8peci:il  attention  from  my  m«dical  director.  Dr.  Hunter  McGuire . 
The  quartermaster  and  comtnissary  depaitments  were  well  managed 
during  the  expedition  by  iheir  respective  chiefd.  Major  J.  A.  ILirmaa 
and  Mitjor  W    J.  Hawks. 

For  further  information  respecting  the  detoiled  movement  of  troops 
and  conduct  of  individual  officers  an<l  m«n,  I  would  respectfully  call 
your  attention  to  the  accompanying    official  reports    of  other  officers. 

Tivo  maps,  by  Mr.  J.  llotchkise — one  of  the  route  of  the  army 
during  the  expedition  and  thp  other  of  the  battle-field — are  trans- 
mitted herewith. 

In  or<<er  to  render  thanka  to  God    for  the    victory  at    Cedar    Run, 
and  other  past  victories,  and  to  implore   His  continued    favor  in  the 
future,  divine  service  was  held  in  the  army  on  the  14th  of  August. 
1  am,  General,  very  rc-pectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.   JACKSON,  Litutenant  General. 


LIST   skinving  the  killed    and  toounded    in    the    army  commanded  by 
Major  General  Jackscn  in  t/ic  battle  of  Cedatst  Run, 


Officers. 

Enlisted  men. 

Enlisted 
men 

Divi^rovs. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Killed. 
> 

C 

1 

J  ackson's, 

12 
3 

4 

65 
17 
32 

145 
14 
45 

472 
161 

313 

31 

EwoU'a, 

A   P.  Hill's, 

Total 

19 

114 

204 

946 

31 

Total  killed,  wounded  a?»d  misBing,  1,314. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  IlWELL. 

Richmond  Virginia,  March  6,  1863. 

Colcnel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  as  follows,  the  movements  of  my 
division  at  Cedar  Run,  on  the  9th  August,  1862! 

My  division  foUpwed  the  cavalry  advance,  and  when  we  reached 
the  south  end  of  the  valley,  the  enemy's  cavalry  were  seen  in  strong 
force  in  our  front.  A  reconnoissance  was  made,  and  artillery  fired 
on  the  enemy,  which  drove  them  back,  soon  to  re-appear.  It  was 
evident  that  the  enemy  intended  to  make  a  stand  at  this  pla6e. 
Shortly  after  one  o'clock,  my  division  was  orjilered  forward.  Early's 
brigade,  under  cover  of  the  woods,  to  the  left,  Trimble's  and  Forno's 
brigades  on  the  right,  Demont's  Maryland  artillery.  Brown's,  Chesa- 
peake artillery,  D'Aquin's  Louisiana  artillery,  were  posted  in  the 
valley,  and  served  with  effect,  under-the  general  direction  of  Major 
Ccurtnay,  in  the  plain.  I  reached  the  point  of  Slaughter's  Moun- 
tain, with  the  two  brigades  of  Trimble  and  Forno,  and  established, 
from  a  commanding  position,*  Latimer's  battery,  with  a  section  of, 
Johnson's,  under  Lieutenant  Terry,  which  opened,  with  marked  ef- 
fect, on  the  enemy,  drawing  much  of  the  artillery  fire  which  had  been 
concentrated  against  our  left  wing.  Captain  Latimer  was  advanced 
later  in  the  evening,  so  as  to  obtain  a  more  effective  position.  The 
enemy  moved  a  section  of  artillery  to  meet  this  fire  and  protect  their 
left  flank.  Captain  Latimer  exhibited  His  usual  coolness  and  judg- 
ment. Major  Lowther  was  ordeied  forward  with  the  fifteenth  Ala- 
bama, deployed  as  skirmishers,  against  the  enemy's  left  flank.  They 
were  cxpot^ed  to  the  fire  of  artillery,  which  they  supported  with 
unflinching  bravery,  and  led  the  later  movements  from  our  right.  I 
found  that  a  mill  pond  stepped  the  further  progress  of  our  right,  and 
for  a  short  time  the  only  approach  a!2;ain8t  the  enemy  was  swept  by 
our  batteiico  in  the  vujley:  When  this  difficulty  was  removed,  the 
two  biigades  marched,  under  a  heavy  fire,  fjom  the  enemy's  artillery, 
against  he  battery  on  their  left,  the  front  covered  by  skirmishers 
from  the  fifteenth  Alabama,  the  brigade  advancing  in  echelon  of  reg- 
iments. The  enemy  hastily  abandoned  the  field,  leaving  their  wounded, 
several  loaded  ammunition  wagons,  and  a  piece  of  artillery.  As  it 
was  too  late  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe,  and  shouting  was  heard  to 
my  lett,  (in  rear  of  line  of  battle,)  I  halted  to  communicate  with  thd 
centre,  now  advancing  under  General  Early,  in  a  direction  to  inter- 
sect my  line  of  march.  While  waiting,  I  received  orders  to  join  the 
left  wing,  under  the  M^jor  General  in  person.  Night  stopped  the 
pursuit,  and  next  morning  I  was  remanded  to  Slaughter's  Mountain. 
An  armistice  having  been  agreed  on  to  bury  the  dead,  General  Early 
returned  to  the  field  with  a  detachment  from  his  brigide,  and  while 
there,  secured  six  wagon  loads  of  arms,  besides  burying  nearly  one 


10 

hundred  dead  left  bjf  the  other  divisions  of  the  army, .and  which 
"wouhl  not  have  been  buried  but  for  his  enerp;y.  General  Early, 
though  on  duty  since  the  battle  of  Malvern  Hill,  was  still  so  enfee- 
bled irom  the  effects  of  a  wound  received  at  Williamsburg,  as  to  be 
unable  to  mount  his  horse  without  assistance.  I  bog  to  call  the  at- 
tention of  the  Msjor  General  commanding  to  the  gallant  and  effec- 
tive service  rendered  by  General  Early  in  repulsing  repeated  attacks 
of  the  enemy,  and  contributing  largely  in  driving  him  irom  the  field. 
I  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  for  promotion,  and  also  heartily  en- 
dorse his  recommendation  for  the  promotion  of  Colonel  Walker,  of 
the  thirteenth  Virginia,  to  the  rank  of  Brigadier  General.  My  staff 
presprit  were,  Lieutenant  Colonel  J  M  Jones  and  Captain  G  Camp= 
bell  Brown,  adjutant  general  department.  Lieutenant  T.  T.  Turner, 
aid  de-camp,  and  Lieutenant  Richard  on,  engineer  corps.  These 
officers  were,  as  usual,  active  and  efficient  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties.  Lieutenant  ElUott  Johnson,  aid-de-camp  to  Briiradier  Gen- 
eral (Jarnctt,  volunteered  on  iry  staff,  for  the  battle,  and  here,  as  well 
as  afterwards,  at  Brit-t'  e,  1  profited  larg.  ly  by  his  activity,  co<lnes3 
and  intelligence.  This  officer  was  severely  wounded  at  Sharpsburg. 
His  valuai-ie  and  long  services  to  the  Confederacy,  much  <  f  the  lime 
•without  rank,  entitle  liiia  to  promotion.  I  enclose  herewith  reports 
from  Captain  D'Aquin's  Loui>iana  battery.  Major  Courtay,  chief  of 
artillery.  Colonel  Walker,  thirteenth  Virginia,  Colonel  Forno,  com- 
nian<iing  Hays'  brigade,  (Loui  iana,)  G*^neral  Trimble  and  General 
Early.     My  losses  were  eight  woundtd  in  the  artillery.- 


KILLED. 

WOUWDED. 

Early*8  Brigade, 

10' 

145 

Trimble's     " 

I 

17 

X<"ornc'B  (Hays')  Brigade, 

0 

8 

Total,  17  178 

ReepectfuUv, 

11.  S.'EWELL,  Commanding. 

P.  S.  I    enclose  a  drawing   of  the  field  of  battle,  by    Lieutenant 
Richardson,  engineer  corps,  showing  movements  of  the  division. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL. 

Headquarters  Light  DrvisroN, 
Camp  Gregg,  March  8,  1863. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner,  ^L.  A.  G.  : 

■  jCoLONEi. :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  the  li^hc  division,  under  my  command,  at  the  battle  of 
Cedar  Run  : 

On  the  night  of  the  7th  Argust,  1862.  my  division,  to  which  had 
been  added  the  Lou^iana  brigade  of  CoIi)nel  >taflrord.  encHmpcd  around 
Orange  Court-Ilouso  That  night  orders  were  received  by  me,  from 
M«ji>r  General  Ja<kson,  to  move  at  dav^n  in  the  morning,  and  in  the 
foll«)wii!g  onler,  viz:   Kwells  llilTs  und  Jacksoik's  divi  ions. 

At  tlie  appointed  time,  I  was  ready,  with  the  head  of  my  leading 
brigade  resting  near  the  street  down  which  I  understood  Ewell  waste 
paf*a.  and  ready  to  take  my  afipoirited  place  in  the  colutnn  of  mnrch. 
A  liitlw  after  sunrise,  a  division  comtnenced  passing,  which  I  sup- 
posed to  be  Ewell's.  One  or  two  bngadea  iiaving  passed,  I  then  re- 
cognized it  to  be  Jackson's,  and  learned  that  Kweil  had  taken  another 
route  by  Liberty  Mills.  < 'f  this  no  intimation  had  b^n  given  me. 
Not  (K'siritig  to  separate  the  btigades  of  the  division,  I  awaited  its 
pas.-ing  and  fell  in,  in  rear  of  it.  Jackson's  division  was  followed  by 
quite  a  train  of  wagons,  and  such  I  understood  to  be  General  Jack- 
son's Older,  and  nothing  had  been  said  about  the  trains  in  the  order 
of  niaieh.  My  column  progressed  so  slowly  that  I*ode  on  to  the 
river  to  hee  the  cause  of  the  delay.  I  there  found  that  a  portion  of 
Jackson's  division  ha  1  n(:t  crossed,  and  all  were  .delayed  by  the  pass- 
ing ol  Ewell's  troops  and  traiys,  his  road  joining  ours  at  this  point, 
I  ^ent  word  to  General  Jaek^^on  that  the  trains  were  delaying  the 
march  of  the  troops  very  much,  and  to  know  if  it  wts  his  older  that 
the  trail  s  were  to  follo>v  in  rear  of  each  division.  Between  four  and 
five  o'cl'tk,  the  wagc»ns  of  Ewell  still  passing,  and  a  poiiion  of  Jack- 
son's division  ."-till  no*  having  crois<'«I  the  river,  I  received  an  O'^der 
from  General  Ja.<;k;-on,  to  go  back  to  Orange  Court  Ilous'  and  en- 
f5am|Jfor  the  night.  The  head  of  my  column  having*  only  made 
about  a  mile,  I  l.ivouacked  the  biigades  where  they  were.  That 
night,  1  sent  a  note  to  General  Jackson,  at  Garnett's  house^ 
that  it  would  be  impos-fhle  for  me  to  get  along  the  next  day 
with  my  artillery,  unless  the  road  was  cleared  of  the  trains  ;  that,  fa- 
milial" with  the  <;ountry,  if  he  would  permit,  I  could  take  my  divisiort 
by  a  short  load,  by  the  ford  at  LLdlnlay's  Mill,  and  join  hnu  at  any  point 
he  might  de-ignate.  The  reply  I  receive"!  wa-j,  th:it;the  trains  had  been 
ordered  from  the  road,  and  to  move  iiumediately  by  tho  route  first  de- 
Bigr.ated,  as  it  was  his  intenticin  to  be  in  Culpeper  Court  IL.use  that 
night.  Moving  before  daylight,  Lawtcn's,  Tallia'erro's  and  other 
brigades  were  overhauled  just  as  they  were  in  motion  The  enemy's 
cuvalry  having  made  some  demonstrations  on  our  left,  Gregg  was  or- 


12 

dered  to  remain  at  the  ford  and  protect  the  crossing  of  the  trains,  and 
as  a  guard  on  the  march.  My  order  of  march  was,  Thomas,  Branch, 
Archer,  Pender,  Stafford  and  Field.  Arriving  within  about  six  miles 
of  Culpeper  Court-House,  the  heavy  firing  in  front  gave  notice  that 
the  battle  had  commenced.  I  was  then  directed  by  General  Jackson  to 
send  a  brigade  to  the  support  of  Taliaferro,  who  was  in  line  of  battle 
on  the  right  of  the  main  road.  Thomas  was  sont  on  this  dutVj  and 
formed  his  line  immediately  in  rear  of  Taliaferro's.  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Walker  placed  Pegram'sand  Fleet's  batteries  in  eligible  positians 
in  front  of  Early's  brigade,  (General  Taliaferro's  right;)  Branch, 
Aicher  and  Pender,  as  they  came  up,  were  successively  formed  on  the 
left  of  the  road.  Winder's  brigade,  immediately  in  front  of  Branch, 
being  hard  pressed,  broke,  and  many  fugitives  came  back.  Without 
waiting  for  the  formation  of  the  entire  line,  Branch  was  immediately 
ordered- forward,  and  passing  through  the  broken  brigade,  received  the 
enemy's  fire,  promptly  returned  it,  checked  the  pursuit,. and  in  turn 
drove  them  back,  and  relieved  Taliaferro's  flank.  The  enemy,  driven 
across  an  open  field,  had  rallied  in  a  wood  skirting  it.  Branch  was 
engaging  when  Archer  came  up,  arid,  with  Pender  on  the  left,  the  en- 
emy were  charged  across  this  field,  the  brigade  of  Archer  being  sub- 
jected to  a  very  heavy  fife.  General  Thomas,  on  the  right,  had  "been 
ordered  by  General  Jackson  to  the  right  to  support  Early's  brigade. 
Quite  a  larg^  portion  of  both  Early's  and  Taliaferro's  brigades  had 
been  thro^yn  into  confusion,  some  of  the  regiments  standing  firm,  the 
the  thirteenth  Virginia,  twenty-first  Virgihia  and  twelfth  Georgia. 
Thomas  formed  his  line  of  battle  along  a  fence  bordering  a  corn-field, 
through  which  the  enemy  were  advancing.  After  a  short  contest  here, 
the  enemy  wei^  hurled  back.  Pegram's-and  Fleet's  batteries,  the  latter 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Hardy,  did  heavy  execution  this  day, 
and  drove  back  several  attempts  to  capture  their  guns.  The  four- 
teenth Georgia,  under  the  gallant  Colowel  Folsom,  having  become  sep- 
arated from  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  by  our  fugitives,  charged  the 
advancing  enemy,  and  with  brilliant  success.  The  enemy  had  now 
been  driven  from  every  part  of  the  field,  but  made  an  attempt  to  retrieve 
his  fortunes  by  a  cavalry  charge.  Their  squadrons,  advancing  across 
an  open  fied  in  front  of  Branch,  expo.c;ed  their*Qank  to  him,  and,  en- 
countering a  deadly  fire  from  the  fourteenth  Georgia  and  thirteenth 
Virginia,  h<u\  many  saddles  emptied,  and  fled  in  utter  disorder.  %Iuch 
credit  is  due  Thomas'  brigade  for  the  admirable  manner  iu  which  they 
acted,  under  very  discouraging  circumstances. 

It  was  now  dark,  and  the  field  had  been  won.  I  was  directed  to 
follow  the  enemy.  Colonel  Stafford  and  General  Field  being  now  up, 
Stafford's  brigade  was  put  in  advance,  and  Field,  with  Pegram's  bat- 
tery next.  The  woods  in  our  front  having  first  been  shelled  for  seme  min- 
iates by  all  my  batteries,  Stafford  advanced,  feeling  his  way  cautiously, 
skirmishing  and  taking  prisoners.  Passing  through  the  woods,  he 
came  upon  the  enemy  in  force.  By  direction  of  General  Jackson, 
Pegram  occupied  a  little  knoll  upon  the  margin  of  the  field  and  opened 
fire.  Field  was  thrown  into  line  along  the  edge  of  the  woods  bor- 
dering the  field,  and  a  little  in  rear  of  Pegram.     Very  soon  a  concen- 


13 

trie  fire  from  three  batteries,  at  ^hort  range,  was  opened  on  Pegram, 
and  his  loss  in  men  and  horses  was  so  great  that  he  was  soon  silenced, 
No  further  attempt  was  made  to  advance.  My  brigade  bivouacked 
apon  the  ground,  and  next  day  were  withdrawn  a  short  distance  back, 
sind  the  dead  buried. 

Major  J   G.  Field  and  Capt.  F-  T.  Hill,  of  my  staff,  were  wounded, 
the  former  severely.  , 

My  loss  was  as  follows : 

Killed.  Wounded. 

Colonels,  0  1 

Lieut.  Colonels  0  3 

Majors,  0-  3 

Captains,  1 

Lieutenants,  3 

Privates,  45  113 


.1 


49  145— Total,  194 

Very  respectfully. 


A.  P.  HILL. 


On  the  above  report  was  the  following  endorsement : 

Headquarters  2d  Corps,  A.  N.  V.,  March  19,  1863. 

Respectfully  forwarded.  The  reason  assigned  by  Generol  Hill  for 
his  division  not  being  next  to  Ewell's  on  the  day  preceding  the  battle 
of  Cedar  Run,  renders  it  proper  that  the  f.icts  of  the  case  should  be 
stated.  For  the  purpose  of  attacking  the  enemy  at  or  near  Culpeper 
Court-House,  I  directed  Generals  Ewell  and  Ilill  to  leave  their  en- 
campment on  the  7th,  and,  at  dawn  on  the  following  morning,  to  re- 
sume the  march,  and  move  via  Barnett's  ford.  The  positions -of  the 
two  divisions  were  such  that  I  did  not  require  General  Hill's  division 
to  follow  General  Ewell's  on  the  7th,  but  I  did  expect  it  to  do  so  on. 
the  8th  ;  and  such  would  have  been  the  case,  had  General  Hill  car- 
ried out  the  instructions  which  I  gave  him  before  he  left  his  encamp- 
ment on  the  7th.  to  move  at  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  8th.  Ewell 
moved  early  in  the  morning,  and  though  he  did  not  cross  at  Barnett's 
ford,  yet  he  passed  near  that  point  in  roming  into  the  roa*d  upon  which 
the  troops  were  to  move.  I  passed  the  night  probably  three-qunrters 
of  a  mile  from  the  centre  of  the  village  of  Orange  Court-House. 

After  sunrise  next  morning,  I  observed  some  of  General  Elill's 
troops  still  where  they  had  bivouacked,  and  such  was  mji  concern  at 
their  not  having  moved,  that  I  ordered  my  horse  and  rode  t0  4i)range 
Court  House,  where  I  found  General  Hill,  but  did  not  see  any  of  his 
troops  with  him.  I  spoke' to  him  about  his  not  having  moved,  and 
understood  him  to  say  that  he  was  waiting  for  Jackson's  division  to 
pass.  The  sun  was  then  probably  over  an  hour  high.  The  advance 
of  Jackson's  division  had  reached  the  town  and  halted.     Losiring  to 


14 

avoid  delay,  I  directed  my  A. -A.  Gerioral,  Major  E.  F.  Paxton,  to 
order  Jackson's  division  forward.  Upon  reaching  Barnett's  ford,  oc 
the  Ilipidan,  I  found  Ewell's  divisioTi  moving  by  there.  Had  Gene- 
ral Hill  moved  at  dawn,  I  could,  had  1  deemed  it  necessary,  have 
halted  EwelTs  train  before  it  reached  the  road  upon  which  General 
Hill  was  to  move,  and  thus  have  brought  the  division  of  General  H, 
immediately  in  rear  of  that  of  General  Ewell..  As  General  H.  says 
that  he  was  to  move  at  dawn  and  follow  Ewell,  Tie  should  have  e.^c- 
pectcd  Ewell  to  bo  in  front,  and  not  in  rear  of  him  at  that  time.  If 
he  believed  that  the  division  for  which  he  was  waiting  to  pass  was 
Ewell's,  he  could  easily  have  sent  some  one  and  ascertained  the  fact. 
But  though  the  better  part  erf  two  hoars  had  elapsed  since  the  time 
fixed  for  marching,  ye^it  dpes  not  appear  that  he  had  taken  any  steps 
to  ascertain  ;  but  appears  to  have  taken  it  for  granted  that  the  divis- 
ion which  should  have  been  in  advance  of  him,' was  in  rear.  No  or- 
der was  sent  by  me  to  General  ll\l\  to  go  back  to  Orange  Court- H  mse 
and  encamp  for  ihe  night ;  en  tho  contrary,  I  sent  a  verbal  order  to 
him,  by  my  chief  of  artillery.  Colonel  Crutchfield,  urging  him  for- 
ward, and  also  sent  a  written  order  to  the  same  effect  by' a  couiier, 

T.  J.  JACKSON,  Lieutenant  Geiieral 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  TALIAFERRO. 

.Headquarters  First  Division,  Valley  Army,  > 
Camp  near  Liberty  Mills,  ^''a.,  August  13,  1.862.      5 

To  Captain  A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  A^G  : 

Captain  :  By  direction  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  I  have 
the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  ray  command  on  the  9th  infitant. 
during  the  engiigement  nenr  Cedar  Run  ; 

On  the- morning  of  the  9th,  the  first,  second  and  third  brigades  of 
this  division,  under  Brigadior. General  C.  S.  Winder,  first  brigade,  (the 
fourth  having  been  detailed  to  protect  the  trains,)  marched  from  the 
encampmenr,,  near  Barnett's  ford  of  the  Rapidan  river,  upon  the  turn- 
pike road  leuling  in  the  direction  of  Culpeper,  the  division  of  Major 
General  Ewoll  having  preceeded  it  the  morning  previous.  After 
crossing  the  Robertson  river,  and  proceeding  some  threo  miles,  we 
overtook  ihe  division  of  General  Ewell,  and  discovered  the  enemy  in 
front,  when  our  troops  ware  halted  to  make  dii^positions  to  attack  them. 
This  division  was  ordered  to  attack  the  enemy's  right,  whilst  the  divis- 
ion of  General  Ewell  was  ordered  to  attack  him  upon  the  left. 

On  my  riding  to  the  front,  I  perceived  the  enemy'.s  cavalry  drawn 
up  on  the  range  of  hills  near  Cedar  Run,  with  a  line  of  videttea  in 
front,  whilst  the  fall  of  the  hills  in  rear  and  the  woods  beyond  evi- 
dently concealed  their  batteries  and  infantry.  A  corn-field  in  front  of 
this  position  also  concealed  the  movements  of  the  enemy,,  and  the 
undulation  of  the  country  made  reconnoisances  very  difficult.  The 
field  batteries  of  General  Ewell  were  now  shelling  the  enemy,  when 
General  Winiler  ordered  the  division  forwd,rd  along  the  turnpike  to  a 
point  at  which  the  wood*  on  the  right  of  the  road  terminated.  Be- 
yond this  point,  the  woods  on  the  left  extended  to  a  wheat  field,  be- 
yond which  a  denize  wood  again  appeared.  On  the  right  of  the  road 
from  the  point  of  termination  of  the  woods,  an  extensive  bare  field 
Btretched  to  the  left  to  a  considerable  distance  and  to  the  front  to  a 
cornfield.  A  brigade,  under  General  Early,  protected  by  the  fall  of 
the  hills,  aceiipied  the  riglit  of  this  field  in  line  of  battle  directly  front- 
ing ihe  gptieral  J.ne  of  the  enemy,  (as  far  as  we  could  make  it  out,) 
General  Winder  now  ordered  ihe  s>ccond  brigade,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Gariiett,  f  >r-^y-eighth  Virginia,  to  move  forward  to  the  left, 
undercover  of  the  woocls,  to  the  wheat  field  ai.d  to  extend  back  to  the 
leit  along  the  skirt  of  the  woods.  lie  then  ordered  some  pieces  of 
artillery,  under  the  general  charge  of  Major  Snowden  Andrews,  chief 
of  artillery  for  the  ilivi^ion,  to  the  point  where  the  bare  field  com- 
menced, and  ordered  the  third  brigade,  under  ray  command,  to  move 
along  up  paralltd  to  the  road  in  rear  of  the  batteries,  and  under  cover 
of  the  wood,  until  ifie  head  of  the  column  rested  near  the  rear  of  the 
secoivl  brigade.  The  brigade  was  then  faced  to  the  road.  The  first 
brigade.  Colonel  C.  F.  Ronald,  fourth  Virginia  regiment,  commanding, 
was  ordered,  as  I  was  informed,  to  move  up  as  a  reserve. 


16 

Whilst  these  dispositions  were  being  made,  the  troops  were  sub- 
jected to  a  heavy  discharge  of  shell  and  shot  from  the  enemy's  artil- 
lery, thrown  mostly  at  random  into  the  woods.  The  effect  of  our 
batteries  from  the  point  of  woods  and  from  a  position  subsequently 
taken  in  the  open  field  to  the  right,  was  very  gre.it,  to  a  great  extent 
silencing  the  enemy's  guns.  '  After  the  pic^es  had  been  placed  in  bat- 
tery, at  the  corner  of  tlic  woods,  and  hail  opened  some  fifteen  minutes 
upon  the  erferay,  1  returned  to  in^  brigade,  a  short  dietince  back  ia 
the  woods  and  out  of  sight  of  the  enemy,  to  await  General  Winder's 
orders.  I  left  this  brave,  generous  and  accompli.shed  officer  at  this 
poiilt,  and  was  informed  a  short  time  afterwards  that  he  had  been 
struck  by  a  shell  and  mortally  wounded.  I  now  assumed  coinmand  of 
the  aivision,  under  the  disadvantage  of  being  ignorant  of  the  plans 
of  the  General,  except  as  far  as  I  could  form  an  opinion  from  my  ob- 
servation of  the  dispositions  made.  I  at  once  rode  to  the  front  to 
acquaint  myself  with  the  position  of  the  second  brigade,  .and  recon- 
noitre tbe  enemy's  position  from  the  field  in  front  of  the  first  Virginia 
battalion  of  that  brigade.  I  could  discover  no  evidences  of  the  enemy 
in  front ;  but  could  discover  them  in  force  on  the  right  of  that  posi- 
tion in  the  corn-field,  somewhat  concealed  from  the  view  of  our  troops 
by  the  undulations  of  the  country.  I  now  returned  to  the  position 
occupied  by  our  batteries,  when  I  was  overtaken  by  an  officer  who  re- 
ported that  the  eriemy  were  showing  themselves  in  front  of  the  posi- 
tion I  had  just  left,  and  were  advancing  I  at  once  ordered  the  tenth 
Virginia  regiment  to  be  detached  from  the  third  brigade  and  st-nt  for- 
ward to  reinforce  the  first  Virginia  battalio-n,  and  sent  an  order  to 
Colonel  Ronald  to  move  his  brigade  (the  first)  rapi  lly  to  the  support 
of  the  second  brigade.  I  now  perceived  the  enemy  advancing  through 
the  corn-field,  and  directed  Colonel  Garnett  to  throw  his  right  forward 
and  drive  them  backj  and  ordered  Colonel  TMliaferro  to  move  his 
brigade  into  the  open  field  to  the  right,  and  attack  and  drive  back  the 
enemy  in  front.  The  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment,  second  brigade^ 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Cunningham,  poured  a  destructive  fire  upon  the 
enemy,  and  exhibited  a  degree  of  heroic  valor  rarely  ever  witnessed.- 

The  third  brigade  advanced  in  fine  style,  and  the  enemy  gave  way 
before  the  severity  of  its  fire.  At  this  moment  I  discovered  that, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  the  fir^t  brigade  had  not  been  moved  sufficiently 
near  originally,- or  that  the  order  had  not  reached  Colonel  Ronald  in 
time,  the  enemy  had  attacked  the  left  wing  of  the  second  brigade  and' 
turned  it,  and  that  it  was  falling  back  in  some  disorder.  This  move- 
ment exposed,  also,  the  left  Hank  of  the  third  brig!vde,and  caused  it  to 
fall  back  ;  but  it  was  soon  afterwards  brought  back  to  its  original  posi- 
tion. At  this  critical  moment,  the  first  brigade  moved  up,  and  with 
General  Branch's  brigade,  of  General  Hill's  division,  encountered 
the  enemy,  confused  by  their  severe  conflict  with  the  second  brigade, 
and  drove  them  back  with  terrible  slaughter.  The  third  brigade  now 
advanced  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  overlooking  the  corn-field,  and  the 
second  brigade  to  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  drove  the  enemy  in  front 
of  them,  from  their  positions,  in  confusion.  To  cover  his  retreat,  the 
enemy's  cavalry  charged  the  third  brigade  ;  but  they  were  tuet  by 


17 

such  a  storm  of  missiles  that  the  whole  column  was  turned,  wheeled 
to  the  right  and  before  it  could  be  wheeled  off  to  the  rear  was  forced 
to  run  the  gauntlet  of  the  other  brigades,  and  scattered  in  every  di- 
rection with  heavy  loss. 

This  was  the  last  effort  of  the  enemy  to  make  a  stand  ;  they  re- 
treated and  our  troops  pursued  them,  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners. 
This  division  crossed  the  corn-field  diagonally  towards  the  railroad. 

Brigadier  General  Prince,  United  States  array,  was  made  a  prisoner 
and  surrendered  to  me  as  we  were  crossing  this  field,  and  his  command, 
which  was  on  our  right,  had  been,  I  think,  principally  engaged  with 
Brigadier  General  Karly's  brigade,  fled  upon  our  approach  with 
scarcely  any  opposition.  We  continued  to  push  forward  until  we  had 
driven  the  enemy  some  three  miles,  and  until  the  darkness  rendered 
it  impossible  to  distinguisli  our  troops  from  those  of  the  enemy.  Af- 
ter having  made  report  of  mj'  position  to  the  commanding  General,  I 
was  ordered  to  permit  the  troops  to  rest  for  the  night,  which  was  done 
in  advance  of  the  field  of  battle.  From  my  own  personal  observa- 
tion and  the  reports  of  olficers,  it  affords  me  pleasure  to  bear  renewed 
testimony  to  the  efiioiency  and  gallantry  of  this  veteran  division. 

The  first  brigade  fully  sustained  its  ancient  reputation.  I  captured 
a  number  of  prisoners,  and  four  stands  of  colors.  Colonel  Ronald, 
who  ably  and  gallantly  commanded  it,  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  «f 
the  support  he  received  from  the  courage  and  zeal  displayed  by  his 
officers  and  men.  He  pirticularly  mentions  Major  Williams,  fifth 
Virginia  regiment ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lawson  Botts,  second  Virginia 
regiment ;  Ijieutenant  Colonel  H.  I).  Gardner,  fourth  Virginia  regi- 
ment ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Edward  D.  Lee,  thirty-third  Virginia  regi- 
ment ;  Captain  Charles  L.  Haynes,  twenty-seventh  Virginia  regiment; 
Captains  Carpenter  and  Poague,  commanding  batteries;  Captain  John 
II.  Fulton,  fourth  Virginia;  Major  HoUiday,  thirty-third  Virginia, 
and  Lieutenant  Garnett,  of  General  Winder's  staff. 

The  second  brigade,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gaynett, 
who  exhibited  a  rare  skill  and  courage,  refusing  to  leave  the  field,  al- 
though severely  wounded,  until  the  close  of  the  fight,  although  at  on« 
time  overwhelmed  by  superior  numbers,  pressing  and  turning  their  / 
left  flank,  yet  renewed  the  fight  with  determination  and  braverjr. 
The  conflict  of  this  command  with  the  enemy  was  most  severe. 
The  bayonet  was  freely  used,  and  a  hand  to  hand  fight,  with  superior 
numbers,  ensued  before  the  right  of  the  brigade  fell  back.  Colonel 
Garnett  makes  special  mention  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cunningham, 
who,  with  most  heroic  gallantry,  led  the  twenty-first  Virginia,  and 
fell  at  their  head  ;  of  Major  Layne,  of  the  forty-second  Virgina,  who 
was  mortally  wounded  ;  -of  Major  Seddon,  commanding  first  Virgrni* 
battalion  ;  Captain  Ilannum,  of  the  forty-eighth  Virginia;  Captaio 
Dyerle,  forty-eighth,  mortally  wounded  ;  Captain  Wilson,  A.  A.  G, ; 
Lieutenant  Dabney,  A.  D   C,  and  Lieutenant  White,  A.  D.  C. 

The  third  brigade.  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro,  twenty-third  Virgin) 
commanling,  was  conducted  into  action  by  that  officer  with  the  in*^ 
pidity  and  courage  which  has  heretofore  distinguished  him.   His  •^°^' 
mand  was  subjected  to  "a  terrific  fire,  which  it  gallantly  withsto^'  * 

9. 


IS 

to  a  charge  of  cavalrv  v*hich  it  instantly  repulsed,  and  when  the  left 
flank,  for  a  time,  gave  way  under  an  ovi'rwhelming  force,  the  right, 
and  pnrticuhirly  the  twenty-third  Vir;:^inia  regiment,  which  deserves 
speciai  mention  for  its  firmness  and  iuimirable  conduct  in  tlie  engage- 
ment, remained  unbroken.  Colonel  Taliaferro  particularly  mentions 
Major  Stover,  commanding  tenth  Virginia  regiment ;  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Curtis,  commanding  twenty-thir<l  Virginia,  who  fell  mortally 
wounded:  Major  Walton,  twenty  third  Virginia;  Colonel  T.  C.  Wil- 
liams, of  the  thirty-seventh  Virginia,  who  was  wounded;  Major  Wood, 
thirty-seventh  Virginia  ;  Ijioutenant  Colonel  Jackson,  of  the  forty- 
seventh  Alabama  regiment  ;  Colonel  Sheffield,  of  the  forty-eighth  Ala- 
bama regiment,  who  was  severely  wounded  ;  Major  Aldrich,  forty- 
eighth  Alabama  regiment,  severely  wounded  ;  and  of  his  A.  A.  G., 
Lieutenant  Colonel  F.  Coleman.  The  batteries  of  the  division,  engaged 
in  the  action,  were  those  of  Captains  Carpenter,  Poague  and  Caskie. 
The  officer?  and  men  of  the'se  batteries  behaved  well.  Captain  Caskie  was 
wounded.  Captain  Wooding's  battery  wa3  not  engaged  ;  he  himself 
acted  for  a  time  with  the  General  commanding. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  the  reports  of  brigade,  regi- 
mental and  battery  commanders, to  which  the  Major  General  is  referred 
for  more  minute  details,  and  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded  of  the  division. 
No  one  can  estimate  the  loss  this  brigade  and  this  divisioti  of  the  army 
has  sustained  in  the  early  death  of  IJrigadier  General  Winder.  He 
was  warmly  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  as  a  man.  and  had  the  full 
confidence  of  his  command  as  a  soldier.  I  beg  leave  in  conclusion  to 
allude  to  the  gallantry  of  Major  SnoAvden  Andrews,  chief  of  artillery 
who  was  severely,  and  I  fear  mortally,  wounded;  to  that  of  my  adju- 
tant general.  Captain  AVra.  B.  Pendleton,  who  was  severely  wounded, 
loosing  his  leg  ;  of  Lieutenant  Meade,  A.  D.  C. ;  Major  Taliaferro, 
volunteer  aid-de-carap.  who  rendered  me  most  efficient  and  important 
service,  and  to  speak  particularly  of  the  gallant  conduct  of  my  orderly, 
a  youth  of  sixteen,  private  Clinton  Depriest,  company  II,  twenty- 
third  Virginia  regiment.  It  affords  me  pleasure  to  mention  the  effi- 
cient service,  in  their  department,  of  the  medical  officers  of  the  com- 
mand I  beg  to  refer  especially  to  Surgeon  (,'oleman,  second  brigade; 
Surgeon  Daily,  third  brigade,  and  Surgeon  Black,  first  brigade. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  B.  TALIAFERRO, 
Brigadier  General,  commanding  First  Division,  V.  A. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FIELD. 

i  Headq'rs  First  Brigade,  Light  Division,  > 

Augti-st  13,  1862.      S 

Major  R.  0.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  my  brigade  marched  from 
Orange  Court- House  early  on  the  morning  of  the  9th  instant,  bring- 
ing up  the  rear  of  the  whole  army.  About  two  or  three  o'clock,  can- 
nonading was  heard,  and  I  endeavored  to  push  forward  rapidly;  but 
on  account  of  detentions  in  the  brigades  in  my  front,  I  did  not  reach 
tho  scene  of  action  until  sunset,  when  the  firing  was  nearly  over. 

Forming  in  line  of  battle  on  the  field,  I  was  directed  by  General 
Hili  to  push  forward  on  the  Culpeper  Gourt-IIouse  road  and  press 
the  retreating  foe.  After  moving  about  a  mile  and  a  half  to  the 
front,  the  enemy  was  found  in  position  on  the  left  of  the  road.  Pe- 
gram's  battery,  of  my  brigade,  was  directed  by  General  Jackson  to 
open  with  shell  and  canister,  whilst  I  was  ordered  by  General  Hill, 
who  came  up  at  that  moment,  to  take  position  with  the  infantry,  a 
little  to  the  left  front,  as  support.  Pegram's  battery,  of  four  guns 
only,  was  soon  replied  to  by  three  batteries  of  the  enemy.  This  gal- 
lant officer  maintained  this  unequal  contest  for  ofi.  hour,  and  until  his 
guns  were  silenced  by  his  losses  in  men.  I  remained  in  this  position 
until  next  morning,  when  I  was  withdrawn  and  placed  on  picket  in  a 
wood  on  ray  left  rear,  being  retired  from  that  point  late  in  the  even- 
ing. It  is  proper  to  observe  that  several  prisoners  were  captured  by 
my  brigade  during  that  night.  I  have  taken  occasion  before  to  speak 
of  the  distingui.*hed  services  of  Pegram's  battery.  It  is  sufficient  to 
say  now  that  it  fully  sustained  the  reputation  made  on  other  fields 
The  battery  sustained  a  heavy  loss  in  the  death  of  the  brave  and  ac- 
complished Lieuteniint  Mercer  Feather ston. 

A  list  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  is  herewith  enclosed. 
I  am,  sir,  verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHARLES  L.  FIELD, 
Brigadier  General  coinjnandnts: 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FORNO  OF  EIGHTH  BRIGADE. 

Heapquarters  Hays'  Brigade,  i 
August  18,  1862.      I 

Captain  G.  Campbell  Brown, 

A.  A.  General,  Third  Division  : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  by  Hays'  brigade. 
now  under  my  command,  during  the  battle  of  the  9th  instant,  at 
Cedar  Run.  Although  not  actively  engaged,  the  brigade  being  helc 
in  reserve  by  General  Trimble's  command,  were  under  fire  and  in 
range  of  the  enemy's  shell,  and  suffered  considerably.  A  list  of  the 
casualties  accompanies  this  report. 

Very  respectfully,  yourff, 

H.  FORNO, 
Colonel  5th  La.,  commanding  Brigade. 


I 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ARCHER. 

Headquarters  Archer's  Brigade, 
General  A.  ,P.  Hill's  Light  Division,  August  14,  1862. 

To  Major  R.  C.  Morgam, 

A.  A.   General,  A.  P.  Hiirs  Division : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  9th  instant,  I  marched  with  my  brigade,  about  twelve  hundred 
strong,  constituting  a  part  of  Major  General  Hill's  division,  from 
Orange  Court-House  toward  the  battle-field.  On  arriving  near  the 
point  where  General  Jaclcson's  division  was  already  engaged,  I  pro- 
ceeded to  form  line  of  battle  in  the  woods,  to  the  left  of  Branch's 
brigade,  which  completed  its  formation  and  advanced  before  my  line 
was  half  formed.  Supposing  that  I  would  be  wanted  in  front  imme- 
diately, I  moved  forward  with  the  first  Tennessee  and  nineteenth 
Georgia  regiments,  fifth  Alabama  battalion  and  seventh  Tennessee  in 
line,  leaving  the  fourteenth  Tennessee,  which  was  in  rear,  to  come  up 
into  line  and  overtake  the  brigade  as  it  best  could.  I  advanced 
several  hundred  yards  in  this  manner,  obliquing  towards  the  right,  in 
order  to  get  near  the  left  of  Branch's  brigade,  when  I  overtook  its 
left  regiment,  which  had  become  separated  from  its  main  body.  In 
passing  to  the  front  of  this  regiment  my  line  became  somewhat 
broken,  and  I  halted  a  few  minutes  for  it  to  reform. 

During  the  time  thus  employed.  Colonel  Forbes'  fourteenth  Ten- 
neseee  regiment  came  up  into  line,  and  I  rode  to  the  road,  about 
fifty  yards  on  my  right,  to  ascertain  whether  they  were  our  or  the 
enemy's  troops  firing  there.  I  found  it  was  Branch's  brigade,  in  the 
open  field,  on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  in  a  line  even  with  that  of 
my  own,  halted,  and  firing  at  an  enemy  in  front. 

I  rapidly  returned  to  my  brigade  to  move  it  forward,  when  I  met 
Captain  Taylor,  with  orders  from  General  Hill  to  advance.  Imme- 
diately after,  on  reaching  the  edge  of  the  wood,  we  encountered  the 
long-range  fire  of  the  enemy,  posted  in  the  margin  of  another  wood, 
beyond  a  wheat-field.  My  brigade  hjilted  here,  and  commenced  a 
rapid  fire,  which  it  was  several  miniftes  before  I  could  arrest  and 
move  the  brigade  forward,  across  the  open  field.  In  crossing  this 
field  I  was  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy,  who,  from  their 
position  in  the  wood,  were  comparatively  safe.  My  loss  here  was 
nineteen  killed  and  one  hundred  and  sixteen  wounded. 

After  entering  the  wood,  and  in  passing  through  it,  my  two  left 
regiments  met,  and  became  to  some  extent  mingled  with,  the  right  of 
General  Pender's  brigade,  which  was  sweeping  through  from  the  left, 
obliquely  across  my  course.  From  this  point,  by  agreement  between 
us.  General  Pender  and  I  commanded  the  two  brigades  together, 
without  regard  to  the  proper  brigades  to  which  the  regiments  be- 
longed, he  taking  the  right  and  I  the  left. 


22 

I  did  not  again  meet  with  any  opposition,  but  took  a  number  of 
prisoners,  and  continued  the  pursuit  until  night. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
%  J.  L.  ARCHER, 

Brigadier   General. 

P.  S. — I  beg  to  refer  to   the  list  of  killed  and  wounded  sent  in 
yesterday. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  TRIMBLE. 

IIeadquartkh?  Seventh  Brigade,  ) 
August   14,    1862.  5 

Major  General  R.  S.  Ewkll, 

Commanding  Third  Division  : 

General:  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  submit  a  statement 
of  the  operations  of  the  seventh  brigade  on  the  9th^  instant,  in  the 
baitle  of  Slaughter's  Mountain,  (Cedar  Run  ) 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  being  in  view  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  I 
was  directed  to  approach  under  cover,  and  occupy  a  pine  thicket, 
about  three.-quartcrs  of  a  mile  from  the  enemy's  picket.  This  was 
done  successfully,  undiscovered  by  the  enemy,  and  a  company  ordered 
to  support  a  battery  placed  on  our  tight,  which  opened  and  drove  back 
the  cavalry  scouts,  who  reformed  again  and  returned  to  their  first 
position,  after  the  artillery  ceased  firing.  About  two  o'clock,  I  was 
ordered  to  advance  through  the  woods  on  our  right  along  the  slope  of 
Slaughter's  Mountain,  and  occupy  a  favorable  position.  About  three 
o'clock,  the  brigade  reached  the  northwest  termination  of  the  moun- 
tain, in  an  open  space,  elevated  about  two  hundred  feet  above  tae  valley 
below,  and  distant  from  the  position  of  the  enemy's  batteries  about  a 
mile  and  a  quarter,  where  -sve  remained  concealed  from  vie-v.  Having 
sent  for  you  to  examine  this  point,  you  decided  to  drag  up  Latimer's 
battery,  of  my  brigade,  and  place  it  in  position,  wbich  was  done 
promptly  about  half-past  three,  P.  M.,  and  fire  opened  with  effect 
on  the  enemy's  batteries,  which  drew  their  fire  from  the  front,  upon 
us  At  five,  P.  M.,  we  first  heard  our  musketry  across  the  valley,  on 
our  left,  (Ger.eral  Early's  advance.)  About  five,  some  batteries  were 
advanced  within  half  a  mile  of  the  enemy  in  our  front,  and  opened  a 
brisk  fire.  Latimer's  battery,  admirably  served,  drew,  throughout 
the  action,  the  attention  of  the  enemy's  chief  batteries,  and  thus 
aided  materially  in  deciding  the  result  of  the  day.  At  fivej  P.  M., 
the  fifteenth  Alabama  regiment  was  sent  out  as  skirmishers  on  the 
right,  with  orders  to  advance  on  the  enemy's  flank.  On  S3eing  this 
movement,  a  battery  was  turned  on  them  for  the  rest  of  the  day. 
About  sunset,  the  action  appearing  to  be  general  in  front,  by  your 
orders,  the  twenty-first  Georgia  and  twenty-first  North  Carolina  regi- 
ments, were  ordered  to  advance,  and  gained  the  clump  of  woods  in 
the  valley,  four  hundred  yards  from  the  battery  on  the  Federal  left, 
followed  by  the  fifteenth  Alabama,  I  here  determined  to  charge  the 
battery,  but  Latimer's  shot  and  shell  directed  against  it,  was  falling 
thick  in  the  open  space  which  we  had  to  pass,  and  I  sent  back  Lieut. 
McKim  tD  direct  him  to  cease  his  fire  on  this  battery,  that  w^e  might 
charge  it.  While  Lieut.  McKim  was  gone,  I  sent  two  companies  of  skir- 
mishers up  the  road,  who  deployed  to  the  right  along  a  fence  and 
opened  fire  on  the  battery.  Soon  after  which,  the  brigade  advanced 
to  capture  it,  but  fouud,  on  reaching  the  top  of  the  hill,  that  the  guns 


*  24 

had  been  moved  off  a  few  minutes  before.  It  ia  to  be  regretted  that 
the  short  delay,  in  making  the  charge,  caused  by  our  ow.n  fire,  ena- 
bled the  enemy  to  get  off  his  guns.  The  battery  and  troops  in  its 
support  were,  however,  driven  off  by  the  advance  of  the  brigade,  and 
thus  the  left  of  the  Federal  forces  completely  turned.  At  dark,  wo 
had  possession  of  the  ground  occupied  by  the  Federal  left,  and  soon 
after  took  possession  of  and  removed  some  ambulances  and  ammuni- 
tion wagons,  abandoned  by  the  enemy,  the  remainder  of  which  were 
removed  the  next  day.  The  seventh  brigade,  with  the  army,  followed 
the  enemy  one  mile  or  more  from  the  field,  and  bivouacked  for  the 
night  on  their  former  can)p  ground.  Subjoined  is  a  list  of  the  killed 
and  wounded.  The  small  loss  sustained  by  the  brigade  was  in  conse- 
quence of  the  positions  selected  throughout  the  day,  which  screened 
the  men  the  most  of  the  time  from  the  view  of  the  enemy,  even  while 
advancing  upon  their  battery  on  their  left.  Latimer's  battery  was 
also  protected  from  lot^s,  under  a  several  hours'  incessant  fire  from 
three  batteries  of  the  enemy,  by  tlje  judicious  position  in  which  it  was 
placed  by  you,  preventing,  entirely,  casualties  from  the  enemy's  shot 
or  from  the  effects  of  ricochet  shot. 
Kespectfuliy, 

J.  R.    TRIMBLE. 

Brigadier  General. 


Killed,   Wounded f  and  Missing. 

Killed.  Wounded.  Total. 
Fifteenth  Alabama  regiment,                        I                  7  8 

Twenty-first  Georgia  regiment,  3  3 

Twenty-first  North  Carolina  regiment,  2  2 

Courtnay  battery,  5  5 

_;^  _  — 

Grand  total,  1  17  18 

The  only  oflBcers  included  in  the  above  are  the  following  :  Third 
Lieutenant  Jno.  F.  Irvine,  company  I,  twenty-first  Georgia,  wounded; 
First  Lieutenant  R.  II.  Vaughan,  Courtnay  artillery,,  wounded. 


V.Y.COOK, 

NOT  LOANABLE. 

REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BRANCH, 

Headq'rs  Branch's  Brigade,  A.  P.  Hill's  Division,  ) 

August  18,  1862.      5 

Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir:  I  have  th3  honor  to  report  that,  on  Saturday,  9th  August, 
whilst  on  the  march  towards  Culpeper  Court-House,  I  was  ordered  to 
halt  my  brigade  and  form  it  in  line  of  battle  on  the  left  of,  and  at 
right  angles  to,  the  road.  The  formation  was  scarcely  completed  be- 
fore I  was  ordered  to  advance  in  line  through  the  woods  and  thick 
undergrowth,  a  heavy  musketry  fire  being  heard  not  far  fro:a  my 
front.  I  had  proceeded  about  one  hundred  yards  when  I  commenced 
meeting  the  men  of  a  brigade  which  had  preceded  me,  retreating  in 
great  disorder,  and  closely  pursued  by  the  enemy.  Opening  ranks 
to  permit  the  fugitives  to  pass,  and  pressing  forward  in  uub^ken 
line,  my  brigade  met  the  enemy,  who  had  already  turned  the  flank  of 
General  Taliaferro's  brigade,  which  was  on  the  right  of  the  road. 
Not  in  the  least  sfiaken  by  the  panic  cries  of  the  fugitives,  and  with- 
out halting,  my  regiment  poured  volley  after  volley  into  the  enemy, 
who  broke  and  fled  precipitately  through  the  woods  and  across  the 
field.  On  reaching  the  edge  of  the  field,  I  discovered  the  enemy  in 
force  on  the  opposite  side,  and  halting  my  brigade  in  an  eligible  posi- 
tion, opened  fire  along  the  whole  line.  For  a  time,  the  enemy  stood 
their  ground,  but  we  were  w^ithin  good  range  across  an  open  field, 
and  the  execution  we  were  doing,  (clearly  perceptible  to  the  eye,) 
compelled  them  to  commence  breaking.  Now  it  was  that  their  cav- 
alry attempted  to  charge  upon  General  Taliaferro's  brigade,  which 
had  partially  rallied,  after  I  had  cleared  their  flank.  The  cavalry 
moved  diagonally  across  my  front,  presenting  to  me  their  flank.  The 
combined  fire  of  Taliaf^o's  brigade  in  front,  and  mine  in  flank, 
broke  up  the  column  and  sent  it  flying  to  the  rear.  My  brigade  im- 
mediately moved  forward  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  enemy,  and 
whilst  I  was  hesitating  in  the  field,  in  doubt  what  direction  I  should 
take.  Major  General  Jackson  came  up,  and,  by  his  order,  I  changed 
front  so  as  to  incline  to  the  right,  and  pushed  on  to  a  point  some  dis- 
tance in  advance  of  the  battle-field,  at  which  he  had  ordered  me  to 
halt. 

The  battle  having  terminated  in  a  complete  rout  of  the  enemy, 
my  men  slept  on  the  ground  they  had  so  bravely  won. 

My  officers  and  men  behaved  finely,  and  I  refrain  from  discrimina- 
tions. Such  was  their  steadiness,  that  I  was  able  to  preserve  my 
line  of  battle,  unbroken,  throughout  the  day. 

Captain  J.  T.  Hawks  and  Lieutenant  J.  A.  Bryan,  of  my  staff, 
were  with  me,  and  conducted  themselves  gallantly. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L  O'B.  BRANCH, 
'  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENRAL  PENDER. 

Headq'rs  Sixth  Brigade,  Light  I^inision,  ) 

August,  I8G2.      \ 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that,  in  obedience  to  your  or- 
ders, I  formed  uiy  brigade  on  the  left  of  General  Archer's,  on  the 
left  of  the  road  going  from  Cedar  Run  to  Oulpeper,  in  the  battle  of 
the  9th  instant.  As  he  had  moved  forward  before  my  line  was  com- 
plete, and  as  I  had  to  move  through  thick  wcods,  I  found  myself 
some  distance  to  his  left  on  coming  into  a  field,  and  consequently 
flanked  to  the  right ;  but  on  receiving  a  request  to  go  to  the  support 
of  troops  in  front,  which  were  being  flanked  on  the  left,  faced  about 
and  moved  to  the  left  until  I  had  reached  the  wood  on  the  extreme 
left  of  our  position,  and  then  I  moved  to  the  front.  This  mana^uvring 
placed  my  line  obliquely  to  that  of  General  Archer's,  and  as  we 
raov^  forward,  come  together  a^ain,  and  from  this  time  co-operated. 
However,  before  we  had  joined  our  troops,  I  met  the  enemy,  repuls- 
ing him  with  heavy  loss  in  almost  the  first  round.  He  made  but 
slight  resistance  again  during  the  evening.  I  thought  it  prudent, 
during  my  advance,  to  detach  the  twenty-second  North  Carolina  to 
operate  well  on  my  left,  as  it  looked  probable  that  I  might  be  flanked 
in  that  direction.  This  turned  out  to  be  timely,  for,  as  we  advanced 
into  the  field,  after  dusk^  a  body  of  cavalry  was  seen  on  the  left ;  but 
it  soon  scampered  off  as  this  regiment  was  coming  up  in  its  roar  and 
our  advance  was  cutting  it  oft"-  General  Archer  and  myself  advanced 
well  to  the  front,  and  halted  until  we  could  feel  our  way,  witii  skir- 
mishers, in  the  wood  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  run.  At  this 
time  we  had  gotten  to  the  right  of  the  wood.  Here  we  received  or- 
ders to  halt  and  remain  until  late,  when  we  were  ordered  to  the  road 
to  follow  in  the  pursuit. 

My  loss  in  killed  was  only  two;  in  wou^ped,  eleven,  and  in  miss- 
ing, two — making  a  total  of  fifteen. 

The  officers  and  men  behaved  well.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gray  and 
Major  Cole,  twenty -second,  and  Captain  Ashford,  thirty- eighth, 
handled  their  men  skillfully,  showing  great  coolness. 

Captain  Ashe,  mj  assistant  adjutant  general,  deserves  notice  for  his 
conduct,  being  found  at  every  point  almost  at  the  same  time,  direct- 
ing the  men.  Lieutenant  Young,  my  aid-de  camp,  acted  with  his 
usual  efficiency.  Language  cannot  express  the  appreciation  I  have 
for  his  services  in  action. 

A'^ery  respectfully, 

W.  D.  PENDER. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  EARLY. 

HEfoQUARTERS    FoURTH    BrKJADE,    ThIRD    DiVISION,  } 

August    14,    1862.       i 

Captain  G.  C.  Brown, 

Assistant  Adjutant   General,   Third  Division  : 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  brigade  in  the  battle  on  Cedar  Creek,  near  Slaugh- 
ter's mountain,  in  Culpeper,  on  Saturday,  the  9th  instant : 

Early  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  I  was  ordered  by  Major  General 
Ewell  to  move  forward  to  the  cavalry  camp  of  General  Robertson, 
picketing  the  road  at  suitable  points,  to  the  right  and  left,  to  prevent 
surprise  by  the  enemy's  cavalry  on  our  flanks,  and  the  forty-fourth 
Virginia  regiment  and  six  companies  of  the  fifty  second  Virginia 
regiment  were  detached  for  that  purpose.  With  the  balance  of  the 
brigade  I  reached  General  Robertson's  headquarters.  Alter  some 
time  spent  in  observing  the  enemy's  cavalry  in  our  front,  my  brigade, 
by  direction  of  General  Ewell,  was  advanced  on  the  road  towards 
Culpeper  Court-IIouse,  to  a  school  house,  at  the  intersection  of  a 
road  from  Madison  Court-House  with  the  road  to  Culpeper  Court- 
House,  and  was  placed  in  the  woods  by  the  side  of  the  road,  the 
thirteenth  Virginia  regiment  being  extended  to  the  left,  behind  the 
school-house,  so  as  to  comman<i  the  road  from  Madison  Court-IIouse; 
the  fifty-eighth  Virginia  regiment  being  placed  in  a  clump  of  pines, 
to  the  right  of  the  Culpeper  road,  so  as  to  command  the  fields  to  the 
right;  and  the  rest  of  the  biigade  along  the  edge  of  the  woods,  to  the 
left  of  the  latter  road,  between  the  thirteenth  and  fifty-eighth  regi- 
ments. While  this  operation  was  going  on,  two  pieces  of  Captain 
Johnson's  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Terry,  which  had  been  carried 
to  the  right,  near  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  opened  on  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  as  did  some  pieces  in  front  of  General  Robertson's  headquar> 
ters,  and  were  responded  to  by  some  pieces  of  the  enemy  posted  in 
rear  of  th^ir  cavalry,  towards  Culpeper  Court- House ;  but  this  firing 
lasted  only  tor  a  few  minutes,  and  the  enemy's  cavalry,  which  had  at 
first  moved  back,  soon  returned  to  its  former  position.  After  I  had  re- 
mained near  the  school-house  something  less  than  an  hour.  Captain 
A.  S.  Pendleton,  of  General  Jackson's  staff,  came  to  me  and  informed 
me  that  General  JacKson  had  ordered  an  advance  ;  that  General  Trim- 
ble would  advance  on  the  right,  over  the  side  of  the  mountain, 
(Slaughter'c,)  supported  bv  the  Louisiana  lirigade  of  General  Ewell's 
division,  and  that  I  woufd  advance  from  the  position  I  then  occupied, 
and  be  supported  by  General  Winder,  with  three  brigades  of  General 
Jackson's  own  division,  and  he  directed  me  to  advano  as  soon  as  1 
received  a  message  from  General  Winder  that  he  was  in  position  to 
support  me. 

Whilst  waiting  for  the  message  from  General  Winder,  I  recon- 
noitered  the  ground  in  front,  and  the  position  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 


28 

which  was  in  the  fields  of  Mrs.  Crittenden's  farm,  to  the  left  of  the 
Culpeper  road,  deployed  aa  skirmishers,  supported  by  about  a  squad- 
ron in  reserve.  My  command  was  concealed  from  the  cavalry,  and  I 
determined  to  advance  upon  it,  if  possible,  so  as  not  to  be  seen  until 
within  a  short  distance  of  it,  and  I  discovered  a  way^vhich  I  could,  in 
all  probability,  do  so.  On  riding  back  to  the  school-house,  I  found 
a  courier  from  General  Wimler,  with  the  information  that  he  was 
ready.  I  then  commenced  my  movement,  being  about  two  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  and  made  a  detour  to  the  left,  passing  through  the  edge  of  a 
wood  and  behind  a  hill,  until  I  reached  the  place  where  I  proposed  to 
form  my  line  of  baWle.  In  making  the  advance  from  this  position, 
I  found  it  necessary  to  march  the  greater  portion  of  the  brigade  in 
line  across  a  corner  of  woods,  through  which  the  Culpeper  road  leads, 
so  as  to  get  in  reach  of  the  cavalry.  I  sent  forward  the  thirteenth 
Virginia  regiment,  under  Colonel  James  A.  Walker,  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  a  short  distance  into  the  woods,  behind  which  I  desired 
to  form  line  of  battle,  and  as  soon  as  the  skirmishers  had  advanced 
the  required  distance,  the  brigade  was  formed  in  a  meadow,  on  the 
north  of  a  branch  of  Cedar"  creek,  in  an  oblique  direction  to  the  Cul- 
peper road  and  to  the  left  of  it.  While  the  Hue  was  forming,  a  few 
shots  were  heard  on  the  left  of  the  skirmishers,  which  proved  to  have 
been  fired  on  a  body  of  cavalry,  which  immediately  gave  way.  As 
soon  as  the  line  was  formed,  I  directed  the  skirmishers  to  advance, 
taking  care  to  bear  to  the  right,  so  as  to  cross  the  road  and  come  into 
the  fields  beyond,  in  order  to  form  upon  the  brigade,  and  ordered  the 
brigade  forward,  sending  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment,  which  was  on 
the  right,  by  flank,  to  form  behind  a  ridge,  beyond  which  was  the 
enemy's  cavalry.  The  brigade  moved  forward,  through  the  woods,  in 
handsome  style,  until  it  came  up  with  the  twelfth  Georgia,  when  the 
whole  advanced  until  it  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy's  cavalry.  About 
this  time  Colonel  Walker's  skirmishers  commenced  firing,  as  did  the 
regiments  on  the  right,  and  the  cavalry  scampered  off.  The  brigade 
continued  to  move  forward,  swinging  around  the  corner  of  the  woods, 
and  coming  out  into  the  open  field  in  line  of  battle.  It  had  by  this 
time  got  to  the  right  of  the  Culpeper  road,  and  moved  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy's  cavalry  through  the  fiilds,  in  a  direction  parallel  to  the 
road,  until  it  came  to  a  farm  road,  running  from  Mrs  Crittenden's 
house,  on  the  right,  perpendicularly  to  the  Culpeper  road.  Hero  it 
was  halted  for  a  few  minutes  behind  a  fence  running  along  the  farm 
road,  and  the  thirteenth  regiment  was  drawn  in  and  formed  on  the 
left.  The  fence  was  then  pulled  down,  and  the  brigade  moved  for- 
ward in  line  to  the  crest  of  a  hill,  which  commanded  a  view  in  front 
of  what  afterwards  proved  to  be  the  battle-field.  As  soon  as  the  bri- 
gade reached  the  crest  of  this  hill  three  batleries  opened  on  it,  and  a 
large  body  of  cavalry  was  discovered  in  a  wheat-field  in  front,  to  the 
left.  I  ordered  the  men  to  retire  a  few  steps  and  lay  down,  so  as  to 
avoid  the  effects  of  the  enemy's  artillery. 

The  seventh  and  eighth  brigades  were  then  some  distance  to  the 
right,  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  and  General  Winder's  command 
was  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  rear.     The  hill  sloped  d^wn 


29 

in  front,  and,  farther  on,  was  a  corn-field,  running  back  to  the  crest 
of  the  next  hill,  along  and  behind  which  was  posted  the  enemy's  bat- 
terie;^,  and  it  was  evident  that  there  was  a  depression  behind  this  hill, 
in  which  large  bodies  of  infantry  might  be  concealed.  There  were 
woods  also  on  a  hill  in  the  rear  of  the  wheat-field,  in  and  behind 
which  infantry  might  be  placed  under  cover,  and  to  the  left  was 
a  wood  through  which  my  flank  might  be  turned. 

The  opening  of  the  batteries  and  the  halting  of  the  cavalry  in 
its  flight  convinced  me  that  the  enemy  intended  to  make  a  stand  here, 
and  that  he  was  in  force.  The  hill  upon  which  I  was,  being  a  com- 
manding one,  from  which  the  enemy's  movements  might  be  observed, 
and  though  my  left  was  exposed,  being  a  strong  position  in  itself,  if 
the  woods  on  my  left  could  be  occupied,  I  determined  to  hold  it,  and 
sent  my  aid.  Lieutenant  S.  II.  Early,  back  to  General  Winder  for 
reinforcements,  with  directions  to  come  along  the  Culpeper  road,  as 
that  was  clear.  My  left  at  this  time  rested  on  the  Culpeper  road, 
where  it  runs  between  the  field  in  which  I  was  and  the  woods  to  the 
left.  General  Winder  was  met  with  the  head  of  his  column  just 
crossing  the  branch  of  Cedar  creek,  half  a  mile  in  my  rear. 

A  short  time  after  Lieutenant  Early  was  sent  to  General  Winder, 
I  sent  Major  A.  L.  Pitzer,  a  volunteer  aid,  to  ask  that  some  pieces  of 
artillery  should  be  sent  up.  Before  this  request  could  be  complied 
with  by  General  Winder,  Captain  Brown,  of  the  Chesapeake  artillery, 
with  one  piece,  and  Captain  Dement,  with  three  pieces,  came  up 
through  the  fields  in  rear,  in  a  gallop,  and  were  posted,  by  my  direc- 
tion, a  little  in  advance  of  my  right,  near  a  clump  of  cedars,  where 
they  had  good  cover  for  their  horses  and  caissons  and  occupied  a 
commanding  position.  They  very  soon  opened  on  the  enemy  and 
were  followed  in  a  short  time  by  some  pieces  from  General  Winder's 
command  from  the  corner  of  the  field  where  the  road  from  Mrs. 
Crittenden's  crosses  the  Culpeper  rond.'  About  this  time,  the  pieces 
with  the  seventh  and  eighth  brigades  opened  fire  from  the  mountain, 
and  a  very  brisk  cannonade  was  kept  up  for  some  time,  perhaps  for  two 
hours  or  more.  The  shells  from  the  enemy's  pieces  bursted  over  and 
around  my  men  constantly,  doing  some  diimage  occasionally,  but  not 
a  great  deal.  I  observed  that  the  fire  from  our  own  guns  was  having 
considerable  eff'ect,  and  I  saw  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  compelled 
to  change  its  position  In  the  early  part  of  the  cannonading,  I  sent 
an  aid  to  tell  General  Winder  that  the  enemy's  batteries  might  be  at- 
tacked with  advantage  by  the  left;  but,  in  a  short  time  afterwards, 
movements  were  observed  in  front  that  induced  the  belief  that  the 
enemy  were  sending  infantry  to  our  left,  and  notice  of  this  was  sent 
to  General  Winder,  with  the  caution  to  be  on  the  look  out  ;  but  just 
before  my  aid  reached  the  place  where  General  Winder  was,  this  gal- 
lant  oflBcer  received  a  mortal  wound  from  a  shell,  and  the  information 
was  communicated  to  General  Jackson  in  person,  he  having  arrived 
on  the  ground.  Not  long  afterwards  a  line  of  skirmishers  from  the 
enemy  was  seen  advancing  across  the  corn-field  in  front,  and  several 
regiments  in  rear  supporting  them.  A  body  of  infantry  also  com- 
menced moving  upi  towards  my  right,  which  rested  near  the  clump  of 


30 

cedars,  where  the  gun8  of  Brown  and  Dement  were  posted.     The  hill 
there  falls  off  rather  abruptly  to  the  right  and  as  infantry  could  have 
come  up  under  cover  of  the  hill    very  near   to  rae,  I   sent  to  General 
Jackson  for  a  brigade  to  support  my  right,  which   was  promised.   The 
enemy's  skirmishers  had  halted  in  the  edge    of  the   corn-field  nearest 
ug,  as  had  the  regiments  which    supported  th^ra,  and  before  the  brig- 
ade promised  me   came    up,   very  unexpectly    to   me,    several    of  our 
pieces  from  the  left  dashed  down  the  slope  of  the  hill,  in  front  of  my 
left,  to  within  close  range  of  tlie  enemy's  skirmishers,  which  they  had 
not  seen.      The    enemy's   skirmishers   and    the  infantry  in  their  rear 
commenced  moving  and  firing  on  them   immediately,  and  seeing  their 
danger,   I  at  onceordorel  my  brigade  foi'ward  at  double-quick,  which 
order    was    complied   with,    the    men    rushing   down     with    a  shout, 
*nd  reaching  the  pieces  just  in  time  to  save  them.      At  the  same  time 
a  fire  was  opened  from  the  woods  to  the  left  by  some  troops  of  Gene- 
ral  Winder's    command,    and  the   infantry    fight    then  begun.     The 
enemy's  front  regiments  soon  began  to  give  way  and  other  n  giments 
were  seen  advancing  through  the  wheat-field  to  the  left  and  additional 
regiments   through    the    corn-field  in   my  front.     I  rode  to  my  right 
and  threw  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment  to  the  left,  along  the  crest  of 
a  ridge,  which  made  a  curve  in  front,  affording  it  a  very  good  natural 
defence  and  enabling  it  to  give  the  enemy  a  flank  fire.     Just  as  I  com- 
pleted this  movement,  I  observed  a  brigade  passing  from,  the  rear  to 
my  right,  which  proved  to  be  one  of  Major  General   Hill's  brigades, 
commanded  by  Colonel    Thomas.     I   immediately  proceeded  to  post 
this  brigade  to  the  right  of  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment  and  at  right 
angles  with  it,  where  it  also   had  a   strong    position.     After  getting 
this  brigade   in   position,   during  which  operation  my  whole  left  was 
excluded   from  my  view,  I   rode  towards  the  left  and   found  that  the 
pieces  of  bitillery  that  had  been  advanced   had  been  retired,  and  that 
the  left  regiments  of  my  brigade  and   all  the   troops  to  their  left,  as 
far  as  I  could  see,  had  fallen  back,  and  the  enemy  were  advancing  up 
the. slope  of  the  hill.     I  saw  at  once  the  critical  position  in  which  we 
were  placed.      The  tweli'th    Georgia  regiment,    the  four  companies  of 
the  fifty-second  Virginia  regiment,  with  Lieutenant  Colonel  Skinner, 
and  a  part  of  the  fifty-eighth  Virginia  regiment,  under  Major  Kasey, 
of    my    own    brigade,    had    not    given    way,    and    Colonel    Thomas' 
brigade  was  still  left  on  my  right.     These  troops   were  then  isolated 
and  in  an  advanced  position,  and  had  they  giv^jn  way,  the  day,  in  all 
probability,  would  have  been  lost.     I  could  not.  therefore,  go  to  rally 
those  of  my  regiments,  which  were  retiring,  but   despatched   Major 
Hale,  my  acting  assistant  adjutant  general,   to  do    so,  and  I  imme- 
diately rode  to  the  right  to  urge  the  troops  there  to  hold  their  posi- 
tion.    After  doing  this,  I  rode  again  towards  the   left  and  discovered 
the  enemy  retiring  before   some  of    our  troops,   which   were  again 
advancing.     These  I  discovered  to  be  a  portion  of  my  own  brigade, 
which  had  been  rallied  and -a  portion  of  General  Taliaferro's  brig- 
ade.    I  rode  up  to  them  and  while  I  was  here  the  enemy  attempted  to 
retrieve   the    fortunes  of    the    day  by  a  cavalry  ♦charge  along  the 
Culpeper  road,  which  was,  however,  succcessfully  repulsed  by  a  fire 


31 

from  the  thirteenth  Virginia  fegiment,  Colonel  Taliaferro's  regiment, 
of  General  Taliaferro's  brigade,  and  a  number  of  parties  from  other 
brigades. 

This  was  after  sunset,  and  the  troops,  which  had  rallied  and  driven 
the  enemy  back,  advanced  into  the  corn-field.  I  rode  off  to  the  right 
again,  and  found  the  troops  there  maintaining,  their  ground  against 
a  body  of  infantry  in  front  of  Colonel  Thomas'  brigade,  which  kept 
its  position  for  some  time.  The  ammunition  of  my  own  regiments 
being  nearly  exhausted,  as  was  that  of  Colonel  'J'homas'  brigade,  I  di- 
rected them  to  maintain  their  ground  at  all  hazards,  and  use  the  bay- 
onet if  necessary,  and  they  did  not  waver  for  a  momerit.  I  did  not 
order  an  advance  from  this  position,  because  it  would  have  had  to 
have  been  made  under  great  disadvantages,  and  with  great  danger  of 
being  attacked  on  the  right  flank.  The  position  of  these  troops  was, 
all  the  time,  until  the  enemy  had  entirely  givm  way,  in  advance  vi 
the  line,  and  I  was  satisfied  that  they  could  accomplish  more  by  main- 
taining their  position  than  by  advancing-  A  little  before  dusk,  the 
last  of  the  enemy's  regiments  left  the  ground,  on  the  advance  of  our 
troops  to  the  left,  into  the  corn-field,  and  we  were  left  masters 
of  the  battle-field.  In  a  short  time,  I  was  informed  by  Major  Cxeneral 
Hill,  who  came  where  I  was,  that  General  Jackson's  order  was  to  ad- 
vance in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  on  the  Culpeper  road,  and  that  his  di- 
vision was  advancing,  1  informed  him  of  the  fact  that  the  whole  of 
my  ammunition  was  exhausted,  and  that  my  brigade  was  mui-h  fa- 
tigued, and  in  some  confusion  ;  but  as  he  expressed  the  opinion  that  I 
ought  to  advance,  I  collected  the  brigade  and  did  advance,  until  I 
was  met  by  General  Ewell,  who  had  come  up  from  the  right,  and  was 
by  him  ordered  to  wait  until  the  other  two  brigades  of  the  division 
came  up  on  the  road  from  the  right  and  follow  them,  which  1  did, 
and  was  shortly  after  halted  and  ordered  to  bivouac  for  the  night. 

Johnson's  battery,  attached  to  this  brigade,  had  accompanied  the 
seventh  and  eighth  baigades,  and  its  movements  were  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  Major  General  commanding  the  division. 

I  have  since  ascertained  that  the  giving  way  of  the  regiments  on 
my  left,  which  has  been  mentioned,  was  caused  by  the  fact  thnt  the 
brigade  on  their  left  gave  way  before  the  enemy's  infantry,  which  ad- 
vanced through  the  wheat  field,  and  that  the  enemy  got  into  the  woods 
on  their  left  and  fired  into  their  rear.  This  disorder  was  confined  to 
the  twenty  fifth,  thirty-first,  and  part  of  the  fifty-eighth  Virginia 
regiments.  Colonel  Walker,  who  was  on  my  extreme  left,  maintained 
his  position  with  his  regiment,  the  thirteenth,  and  part  of  the  thirty- 
first  Virginia  regtment,  until  they  were  alone  and  the  enemy  were 
tiring  into  their  rear  in  the  field.  He  then  ordered  them  to  retire, 
but  he  again  formed  them  and  brought  them  forward,  and  contributed 
very  largely  to  the  final  repulse  of  the  enemy,  advancing  as  f.ir  as 
any  of  our  troops  were  advanced,  until  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
fight.  I  call  especial  attention  to  his  report.  He  is  a  most  efficient 
And  gallant  officer,  who  is  always  ready  to  perform  any  duty  assigned 
him,  and  the  men  of  his  regiment  are  capital  fighting  men,  there  being 
none  better  in  the  army.     When  Colonel  Walker  is  in  front,  with  his 


32 

nren  deployed  as  ekirmishers,  I  feel  Bccare  against  an  ambuscade. 
I  respectfully  and  earnestly  recommend  him  for  promotion  to  the  po- 
sition of  Brigadier  General. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Terrell,  of  the  same  regiment ;  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Skinner  commanding  the  fifty-second  Virginia  regiment  ;  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Jackson,  commanding  the  thirty-first  Virginia  regi- 
ment, (severely  wounded  ;)  Miijer  Kasey,  commanding  the  fifty- 
eighth  Virginia  regiment  ;  Major  Iligginbotham,  commanding  the 
twenty-fifth  Virginia  regiment,  and  Captain  William  F.  Brown  com- 
manding the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment,  all  acquitted  themselves  with 
great  gallantry.      The  brigade  generally  acquitted  itself  well. 

The  disorder  in  some  of  the  regiments  was,  as  before  stated,  after 
the  troops  on  their  left  had  given  way  and  the  enemy  had  gotten  on 
their  flink  and  rear,  and  it  was  after  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jackson,  of 
the  thirty-first  and  .NLijor  Iligginbotham  were  both  wounded  and  car- 
ried to  the  rear,  leaving  their  regiments,  which  chiefly  participated 
in  the  disorder,  without  commanders. 

The  conduct  of  the  twelfth  Georgia,  with  which  I  was  more  than 
any  other,  elicited  my  especial  approbation.  It  is  a  gallant  fighting 
regiment,  and  1  have  had  occasion  before  to  notice  its  good  conduct. 
Its  commander  in  this  action,  Captain  William  F.  Brown,  who  is  over 
sixty  years  of  age,  displayed  great  coolness,  courage  and  energy.  lie 
is  eminently  deserving  the  command  of  a  regiment,  and  I  recommend 
him  for  promotion  to  fill  the  first  vacancy  that  may  occur  among  the 
field  officers  of  the  regiment. 

Captain  liilly,  of  the  twenty-fifth  Virginia  regiment,  with  a  small 
body  of  his  regiment,  (twenty-fifth  Virginia,)  including  the  color- 
bearer,  attracted  my  attention  by  the  gallantry  displayed  by  them  in 
advancing  among  the  foremost  after  the  regiment  had  got  into  disor- 
der. A  body  of  men,  from  the  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment,  around 
their  colors,  advancing  in  the  same  way,  attracted  my  attention  by 
their  g.ilhintry.  I  was  particularly  struck  by  the  bravery  exhibited 
by  the  color-bearers  of  these  two  regiments,  who,  with  these  small 
bodies  of  men,  were  waving  their  flags  in  the  very  front,  as  if  to  at- 
tract a  fire  upon  them,  and  advancing  all  the  while. 

Capt;iin  Brown,  of  the  Chesapeake  Artillery,  and  Captain  Demeat 
displayed  great  courage  and  efficiency,  themselves  loading  and  Lring 
their  pieces,  when  their  men  were  exhausted. 

I  was  attracted  by  the  conspicuous  gallantry  exhibited  by  Colonel 
Taliaferro,  of  the  twenty-third  Virginia  regiment,  who  I  saw  urging 
his  men  on. 

My  stuff  officere.  Major  P.  Hall,  A.  A.  General ;  Lieutenant  S.  H. 
Early,  A.  D.  C,  and  Major  A.  L.  Pitzer,  volunteer  A,  D.  C,  dis- 
played great  courage  and  energy  in  carrying  my  orders  under  fire, 
and  in  rallying  and  encouraging  the  troops.  They  were  everywhere 
on  th^  field  where  there  was  danger,  each  having  his  horse  struck 
under  him. 

There  were  doubtless  many  cases  of  individual  gallantry  upon  the 
part  of  officers  and  men,  to  which  I  am  not  able  to  do  justice,  and  I 
do  not  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  they  are  intentionally  overlooked. 


33 

My  effective  strength  in  infantry,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  was 
seventeen  hundred,  of  which  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  were  left 
on  picket. 

Subjoined  is  a  list  of  killed,  wounded  and  roissing,  showing  sixteen 
killed,  one  hundred  and  forty-five  wounded,  and  two  missing,  total 
one  hundred  and  sixty-three. 

I  can  also  bear  testimony  to  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  Col- 
onel Tomas,  and  the  officers  and  men  of  his  brigade,  whose  timely  ar- 
rival rendered  my  right  secure,  and  whose  deadly  fire  contributed 
largely  to  the  repulse  of  the  enemy. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  A.  EARLY, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  Brigade, 
3 


R£rORT  OF  COLONEL  RONALD  OF  FIRST  BRIGADE. 

Headq'rs  First  Brigade  Virginia  Volunteers,  V.  D,,  ) 

August  15,  1862.      y 

W.  T.  Tauaferro,  a.  a.  A.  General: 

Sir  :  Before  the  brigade  became  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Cedar 
Run,  on  Saturday,  the  9th,  Brigadier  General  Charles  S.  Winder 
>Ta9  mortally  wounded,  vfhereupon  the  command  devolved  on  me. 
In  obedience  to  your  order,  therefore,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  first  brigade  in  the  battle 
of  Cedar  Run,  Culpeper  county,  on  the  0th  instant: 

The  following  regiments  constitute  the  brigade:  The  fifth,  sec- 
ond, fourth,  thirty-third  and  twenty-seventh  A'irginia,  commanded 
on  this  occasion  as  follows :  The  fifth  by  Major  Williams,  the  second 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lawson  Botts,  the  fourth  by  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Robert  D.  Gardner,  the  thirty-third  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ed- 
ward G.  Lee,  the  twenty-seventh  by  Captain  Charles  L.  Haynes. 
Captains  Carpenter's  and  Poague's  batteries  are  attached.  The  brig- 
ade bivouacked,  on  the  night  of  the  8th,  in  Madison  county,  on  the 
road  leading  to  Culpeper  Court-IIouse,  and  about  one  mile  from 
Madison  Mills,  on  the  Rapidan  river.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th, 
the  brigade  took  up  the  line  of  march  in  the  direction  of  Culpeper 
Court-ilouso.  The  march  was  frequently  interrupted  from  causes 
unknown  to  me  at  the  time,  and,  at  fifteen  minutes  past  three  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  the  brigade  was  halted  in  the  woods  a  short  distance  to  the 
left  of  the  road.  At  this  time,  some  cannonading  was  going  on  in 
front.  Here  several  parrot  guns  from  Captains  Poague's  and  Car- 
penter's batteries  were  ordered  to  the  front.  These  were  posted  in 
the  road  so  as  to  enfilade  the  enemy's  batteries,  then  engaging  our 
batteries  on  the  right.  General  Winder  was  in  the  front,  directing, 
■with  great  ability  and  judgment,  the  movements  of  the  batteries. 
These  batteries,  in  a  short  time,  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy's 
guns  from  their  chosen  position,  after  which  Captains  Poague  and 
Carpenter  were  directed  to  take  position  in  a  corn-field  on  the  right 
of  the  road,  where  they  opened  a  rapid  fire  upon  the  enemy's  guns, 
and  soon  silenced  several  of  them.  Shortly  after  this,  General  Win- 
der was  mortally  wounded  and  borne  from  the  field,  the  brigade  still 
resting  where  it  was  halted  at  fifteen  minutes  past  three  o'clock.  A 
little  after  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  was  ordered  to  put  the  brigade,  in 
line  of  battle,  perpendicular  to  the  road,  and  move  forward,  the  line* 
having  been  arranged  in  the  following  order,  viz:  Twenty-seventh 
on  the  right,  the  thirty-third  on  the  left  of  the  twenty-seventh,  the 
fifth  left  of  the  thirty-third,  second  left  of  the.  fifth,  and  the  fourth 
left  of  the  second.  I  moved  forward  through  the  woods,  but  in  a  few 
minutes  I  was  ordered  to  put  the  brigade  in  column  of  regiments, 
which  order  was  executed  promptly  ]  but  before  advancing  the  col- 
umn I  was  ordered  to  deploy  the  column  and  advance  in  line  of  bat- 


35 

tie,  letting  the  right  rest  about  one  hundred  yards  from  the  road. 
The  line  of  battle  being  thus  re-established  I  moved  forward  through 
the  woods,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  spherical  case  and   canister  shot, 
from  the  enemy's  guns.     Arriving  at  a  fence  that  partly  enclosed  an 
open  fiehi,  I  halted  the  brigade  and  sent  Captain  John   II.  Fulton, 
acting  aid,  to  inform  General   Taliaferro  of  my  position,  and  to  re- 
ceive his  order.     Captain  Fulton  returned,  stating  that  the   General 
directed  me  to  move  on.     I  put  the  brigade  in  motion  and  rode  aome 
two  hundred  yards  in  advance,  in  order  to  gain  the  top  of  the  hill, 
from  which  I  supposed  I  could  have  a  good  view.     Arriving  at  the 
top  of  the  hill,  I  observed  the  enemy,  about  three  hundred  yards  dis- 
tant, advancing  in  line  of  battle,  when  I  immediately  rode  back    to- 
the  brigade,  which,  having  advanced  to  within  four  hundred  yards  of 
the  enemy,  and  in  view  cf  each  other,   this  brigade  then  openeii  fi^re- 
upon  the  enemy,  and  having  discharged  several  volleys,  which  seenaedi 
to  confuse  him,  I  immediately    ordered  the  brigade  to  charge,  which: 
order  was  promptly  executed,  and  with  fine  effect,  the  enemy  falling 
back  in  great  confusion,  leaving  many  of  his  dead  and  wounded  upoa 
the  field.     Arriving  at  the  woods  in  his  retreat,  the  enemy  attempted 
to  reform  his  line,  which  I  determined  to  prevent,  by  following  him 
up  ;   but  at  this  moment,  I  was  informed  that  the  enemy  had   turned 
the  left  of  the  second  brigade,  (which  I  supposed,  until  that  moment, 
rested  on  the  right  of  the  first  brigade:)  whereupon,  I   immethatel^ 
directed  a  change  cf  front,  which  was  done  as  promptly  as  it  could  be 
under   the    circumstances,  which    enabled  me   to  engage  this   Hank 
movement  of  the  enemy.     But  General  Branch's   brigade  coming  up 
at  this  moment,  his  line  being  perpendicular  to  the  road,  while  the 
line  of  the  first  brigade  was  parallel.  General  Branch  opened  a  vig- 
orous fire  upon  the  enemy,  which  soon  succeeded  in  driving  him  from, 
his  position.     He  was  here  compelled  to  pass  through  a  large  graia 
field  in  his  retreat,   which  exposed  his  broken  columns  to   a  deadly- 
cross-fire  from  Branch's  and  this  brigade.     About  sundown.  General  i 
Pender's    (I  think  it  was)  brigade  appeared  on  the  extreme   left  of  ' 
the  open  field  I  first  entered.     lie  continued  his  march  by  the  fl.i:nk.: 
until  his  right  reached  the  north-east  corner  of  the  field,  when  I  sent 
Captain  Fulton  to  inform  him  that  the  enemy  was  in  the  woods  to  his^ 
right.     He  then  continued  his  march  for  some  distance,  and  then  p-ut 
his  brigade  in  line  of  battle,  his  right  resting  on  the  left    of  the  fi/st 
brigade,  and  then  the  whole  line  advanced  in  the  direction  of  the  maimi 
road.     Very  shortly   after  this  connection  was  formed,  a  short  bat 
very  vigorous  contest  ensued,  which  succeeded  in  completely  routing; 
the  enemy.     [It  is  proper  here  to  state  that  the  enemy  engaged  in  the 
woods,  at  this  point,  is  the  same  column  whose  reformation  of  line  I 
attempted  to  prevent  when  informed  that  the  left  flank  of  the   second 
brigade  had  been  turned.]     Here  the  enemy's  loss  was  very   heavy. 
This  brigade  pursued  the  now  retreating  foe  until  after  dark,  when  I. 
was  ordered  to  halt  and  rest  for  the  night. 

The  conduct  of  the  troops  in  this  brigade  was,  indeed,  splendid ;. 
men  never  behaved  better.  Regimental  commanders  were  conspicu- 
ous for  their  gallantry,  and  company  officers  deserve   great  praise, 


96 

not  only  for  their  gallantry,  but  for  their  successful  efforts  in  keeping 
their  companies  together.  Indeed,  when  the  brigade  was  halted  for 
the  night,  nearly  all  ■were  present. 

The  brigade  captured  three  stands  of  colors,  one  of  which  was  im- 
properly taken  from  a  private  of  the  regiment  by  a  commis- 
sioned officer  of  some  other  command.  Two  stands  of  colors  were 
taken  by  the  fifth  regiment. 

For  individual  acts  of  gallantry,  I  refer  you  to  the  reports  of  regi- 
mental and  battery  commanders,  herewith  presented.  Upon  assum- 
ing command,  Captain  John  II.  Fulton,  of  the  fourth  regiment,  and 
Major  Ilolliday,  of  the  thirty-third  regiment,  kindly  consented  to  act 
as  aids,  in  connection  with  Lieutenant  Garnett,  of  General  Winder's 
Btafl,  and  to  these  gentlemen  I  am  much  indebted  for  their  valuable 
Bcrvices. 

Captain  Fulton  was  conspicuous  in  the  fight,  transmitting  every 
order  with  great  promptness  and  despatch. 

Mnjor  Ilolliday,  a  gallant  and  brave  man,  while  in  the  execution 
of  an  order,  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  arm,  rendering  am- 
putation necessary.     He  was  wounded  early  in  the  engagement. 

Lieutenant  Garnett  was  active  in  the  field,  and  his  gallantry  was 
conspicuous.  With  the  aid  these  gentlemen  rendered  me  upon  the 
field,  my  new  position,  as  brigade  commander,  was  relieved  of  much 
embarrassment. 

Captains  Carpenter  and  Poague  are  deserving  of  especial  notice  for 
the  great  service  they  rendered  with  their  batteries.  Captain  Car- 
penter was  wounded  by  a  minie-ball  in  the  head,  though  I  think  not 
severely. 

The  casualties  in  the  brigade  was,  ten  killed  and  fifty-one  wounded. 
This  includes  General  Winder,  and  in  his  death,  the  brigade  was  de- 
prived of  his  great  services,  the  army  of  an  able  and  accomplished 
ofl5cer,  the  country  of  a  good  citizen,  and   society  of  an   ornameqt. 

I  attribute  so  few  casualties  to  the  fact  that  the  brigade  charged  at 
the  proper  time. 

For  a  list  of  casualties,  see  reports  of  regimental  and  battery 
commanderB. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHARLES  A.  RONALD, 
Colonel  ccmmanding  1st  Brigade. 


REPORT     OF     LIEUTENANT     COLONEL     GARNETT,    OF 
SECOND    BRIGADE. 

Camp  near  Liberty  Mills,      > 
Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  First  Division,  A.  V.  D.  \ 

Major  W.  T.  Taliaferro, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  First  Division  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  the  second  brigade,  in  the  battle  near  Cedar  creek,  on 
the  9th  instant: 

By  order  of  General  Winder,  commanding  first  division,  the  second 
brigade  -was  ordered,  about  half  past  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  to  march 
to  the  front — passing  the  first  brigade — to  rest  its  right  near  a  school- 
house  in  the  vicinity  of  the  battle-field.  Remaining  in  this  position 
until  General  Early's  brigade  had  driven  in  the  cavalry  pickets,  I 
received  orders  to  move  rapidly  forward  along  the  main  road  towards 
the  enemy's  position.  In  executing  this  movement,  the  brigade  was 
fired  upon  by  the  enemy's  batteries,  killing  five  and  wounding  six 
men  of  the  forty-eighth  Virginia  regiment.  To  prevent  any  further 
accident,  the  brigade  was  filed  to  the  left  in  the  woods,  and  proceeded 
along  the  slope  of  a  hill  parallel  to  the  road,  until  it  had  marched  to 
a  point  where  the  road  emerged  from  the  woods  into  .a  field  directly  in 
front  of  the  enemy's  batteries.  Here  General  Winder  ordered  me  to 
file  to  the  left  along  a  by-road  in  the  woods,  and  to  follow  it  as  far  as 
I  could  under  cover  of  the  woods.  On  reaching  this  last  position,  I 
was  to  place  the  brigade  in  line  of  battle,  and  charge  the  nearest  bat- 
tery by  a  flank  movement,  while  our  artillery  engaged  it  in  front.  On 
reconnoitering  the  position  of  the  battery,  a  heavy  body  of  infantry 
was  discovered  in  its  rear,  and  a  long  line  of  cavalry,  behind  a  fence 
covered  with  brush,  on  the  left  of  the  battery,  commanding  perfectly 
the  field  the  second  brigade  would  necessarily  cross  in  reaching  its 
destination.  I  reported  these  facts  immediately  to  General  Winder, 
through  Lieutenant  White,  acting  aid-de-carap,  and  received  orders 
on  his  return  to  remain  where  I  was  for  a  few  moments.  This  was 
the  last  order  I  received  from  General  Winder,  whose  untimely  death 
none  more  deplore  than  the  second  brigade.  We  were  proud  to  be 
under  his  command  and  mingle  our  sorrows  with  those  of  the  nation 
at  his  early  fall.  General  Taliaferro  now  assuming  command,  ordered 
such  a  disposition  ot  the  second  brigade  as  would  afford  some  protec- 
tion to  the  batteries  on  our  right  and  some  four  hundred  yards  to  the 
rear.  The  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment  formed  the  extreme  right, 
and  the  forty-eighth  Virginia  regiment  was  placed  on  the  left  of  the 
twenty -first,  and  were  designed  to  repulse  any  charge  of  the  enemy 
on  our  batteries,  as  ordered  by  General  Taliaferro,  The  forty-second 
Virginia  regiment  and  first  Virginia  battalion  formed  our  left,  and 
commanded  a  field  nearly  at  right  angles  with  that  in  front  of  the 


38 

forty-eighth  and  twenty-first.  In  this  position  skirmishers  were 
thrown  forward,  and,  on  the  extreme  left,  a  courier  was  lef(  with 
Major  Seddon,  with  instructions  to  report  any  movements  of  the 
enemy  in  a  thick  woodland  on  his  extreme  left,  which  was  supposed 
to  be  occupied.  At  this  juncture  General  Jackson  and  staff  arrived, 
and  I  received  orders  from  the  General  to  look  well  to  my  left  flank- 
and  to  report  at  once  to  General  Taliaferro  for' reinforcements. 
Accordingly,  Captain  Wilson,  assistant  adjutant  general,  second 
brigade,  and  Lieutenant  White,  acting  aid-de-carap,  were  sent  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  field  to  ensure  an  early  interview  with  the  General, 
and  to  secure,  without  delay,  the  support  required.  Before  these 
officers  returned,  the  enemy  had  advanced  rapidly,  already  engaging 
our  light,  ^\'ith  coolness  and  determination,  the  regiments  on  the 
right  delivered  thnr  fire,  keeping  a  superior  number  of  the  enemy  at 
bay.  Firing  now  commenced  on  the  l<;ft,  and  hastening  to  the  posi- 
tion occupied  by  the  first  Virginia  battalion,  I  discovered  the  enemy 
in  heavy  force  rapidly  advancing,  not  more  than  fifty  yards  from  our 
front,  bearing  down  upon  us  also  from  the  left,  delivering,  as  they 
came,  a  most  galling  fire.  Unable  to  withstand  this  fire  from  front 
and  flank,  the  first  Virginia  battalion  gave  way  in  confusion,  and 
rendered  abortive  any  efforts  of  its  corps  of  gallant  ofliccrsto  reform 
it.  Finding  our  left  turned,  I  rode  up  to  ]Major  Layne,  commanding 
the  forty-second,  and  ordered  a  change  of  front  to  meet  the  enemy  in 
this  new  direction  ;  but,  before  this  could  be  executed,  he  fell  mortally 
wounded,  and  the  movement  could  not  be  accomplished  before  the 
enemy  had  commenced  a  fire  in  their  rear,  producing  some  confusion 
and  disorder.  The  other  regiment,  all  the  while  engaged  in  front,  were 
also  atticked  in  rear,  now  that  the  lett  flank  was  turned,  producing 
much  disorder  in  their  ranks.  In  this  double  fire,  front  and  rear, 
fell  the  gallant  ofiicers.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cunningham,  Major  Layne, 
and  Captain  Dyerle.  Reinforcements  coming  up,  portions  of  different 
regiments  were  reformed  and  assisted  in  driving  the  enemy  discom- 
fitted  from  the  field.  The  terrible  loss  in  this  brigade  resulted  from 
its  left  flank  being  turned,  thereby  subjecting  it  to  a  double  fire. 
Had  reinforcements,  momentarily  expected,  arrived  ten  minutes 
sooner,  no  disaster  would  have  happened.  The  long  list  of  killed  and 
woundc<l  ofiicers,  accompanying  this  report,  is  the  best  evidence  of 
their  courage  and  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of  duty.  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Cunningham,  as  all  who  knew  him  expected,  behaved  with  dis- 
tinguished bravery  and  coolness.  His  place  is  not  easily  filled.  The 
same  may  be  said  of  Major  Layne,  Major  Seddon  and  Captain  Han- 
num,  commanding  regiments,  and  of  the  officers  attached  to  their 
commands.  It  would  be  improper  to  close  this  report  without  calling 
•;he  attention  of  the  General  to  the  acts  of  savage  brutality  perpetra- 
ted by  the  enemy  upon  our  ofiicers  and  men  who  fell  into  their  hands 
temporarily  as  prisoners.  Such  fiendish  barbarity  is  not  to  be  found 
in  the  history  of  warfare  among  civilized  nations. 

To  the  members  of  my  staff  all  praise  is  due  for  their  bravery  and 
efficiency  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty.  They  consisted  of  Captain 
Wilson,  assistant  adjutant  general,  Lieutenant  Dabney,  aid-de-camp. 


S9 

and  Lieutenant  White,  first  Virginia  battalion,  acting  aid-de-camp. 
For  further  particulars,  the  General  is  referred  to  reports  from  regi- 
mental commanders  herewith  enclosed. 

THOMAS  S.  GARNETT, 
Lieut.  Col.  commanding  2nd  Brigade.  Isi,  Div:sio7i,  A.  V,  D. 
V.  Dabney,  Aid-dc-Camp. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  TALUFERRO  OF  THIRD  BRIGADE. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,  A.  V., 
McGrudtr's  Farm,  Orange  county,    Va.,  August  14,   1862. 

To  Brigadier  General  W.  B.  Taliaferro, 

Commanding  First  Division,  A.    V.  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  sustained  by  the  third  brigade  of  the  first  division.  Army  of  the 
Valley,  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  creek,  on  the  9th  instant : 

Q'hifl  brigade  was  under  your  immediate  command  until  about  four 
o'clock,  1*.  M.,  when  1  was  notified  of  the  death  of  General  Winder, 
commanding  the  first  division,  and  that  you  had  assumed  its  command. 
The  command  of  this  brigade  thereupon  devolved  upon  me,  as  the 
senior  officer,  and  my  report  is  confined  to  the  conduct  of  the  brigade 
Bubsequcnt  to  my  assumption  of  its  command.  The  brigade  at  that 
time  occupied  a  position  on  the  left  of  General  Early's  brigade,  and 
on  the  right  of  the  second  brigade  of  this  division,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Garnett,  the  first  brigade,  under  Colonel  Ronald,  being  in 
rear,  as  a  support  to  the  third.  The  brigade  was  then  exposed  to  a 
heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  artillery,  which  it  sustained  with  great 
firmness,  ofiicers  and  men  alike  displaying  the  coolness  of  veterans. 
Soon  after,  the  order  to  advance  was  given,  which  was  obeyed  with 
alacrity,  under  a  galling  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  firing  over 
the  heads  of  their  infantry.  As  soon  as  this  brigade  arrived  within 
musket  shot  of  the  enemy  it  commenced  firing,  and  continued  a  de- 
structive fire  until  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy,  in  strong  force, 
had  turned  the  left  flank  of  the  second  brigade,  exposing  it  to  a  fire 
80  destructive  that  it  was  compelled  to  give  vtay,  in  some  disorder. 
This  left  the  regiments  on  the  left  of  this  brigade  exposed  to  the  fire 
of  the  enemy  in  front,  and  also  on  its  left  tiank.  Under  this  fire, 
and  the  example  of  the  second  brigade,  the  forty-seventh  and  forty- 
eighth  Alabama  regiments,  commanded  respectively  by  Colonel  Jack- 
son and  Colonel  Sheffield,  (for  the  first  time  under  fire,)  gave  way, 
and  fell  back  some  distance,  but  were  promptly  rallied  by  their  offi- 
cers. A  part  of  the  thirty-seventh  Virginia,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Williams,  was  also  thrown  into  confusion,  and  the  whole  compelled  to 
fall  back.  The  tenth,  Major  Stover,  and  the  twenty-third  Virginia, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Curtis,  likewise  fell  back,  under  my  ordera.  The 
whole  brigade  was  speedily  reformed  and,  supported  cordially  by  the 
first  brigade,  which  promptly  advanced  on  its  left,  again  advanced 
and  charged  the  enemy.  The  enemy  soon  broke  and  fled  in  great 
disorder.  We  pursued  them  until  darkness  interposed,  and  we  were 
ordered  to  a  position  in  advance  of  the  battle-field,  where  we  slept  on 
our  ajrms.  In  the  pursuit,  this  brigade  captured  a  number  of  pris- 
oners, among  them  Brigadier  General  Prince,  who  was  brought  in  by 
private  John  Booker,  company  I,  twenty-third  Virginia  regiment. 
He  brought  him  to  me,  but  as  General  Taliaferro  was  near,  who  wa» 


41 

of  superior  rank,  I  ordered  him  to  be  taken  to  him,  and  to  him  ho 
promptly  surrendered.  Just  at  the  time  the  enemy  broke,  their  cav- 
alry charged  us,  but  were  received  by  a  galling  fire  from  this  brigade. 
They  broke,  and  were  fired  upon  also  by  the  first  and  second,  and 
General  Branch's  brigade,  w^ich  had  come  up  on  our  left,  and  fled 
with  great  precipitation  and  loss. 

I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  many  brave  and  good  officers  and  men. 
It  will  be  hard  to  supply  their  places,  but  they  fell  on  the  field  of 
honor,  in  defence  of  their  homes,  their  people,  their  liberty,  and  all 
that  makes  life  dear  to  man,  and  a  grateful  country  and  posterity  will 
award  them  their  meed  of  praise.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Curtis,  com- 
manding twenty-third  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  fell,  mortally 
wounded,  while  gallantly  leading  his  regiment  into  action.  lie  came 
to  the  regiment  in  September,  1861,  from  Brooke  county,  Virginia, 
a  private,  and  a  refugee  from  the  tyrants  of  the  Northwest,  and,  in 
the  reorganization  he  was  called  to  the  position  he  so  gallantly  filled, 
a  fit  testimonial  by  the  officers  to  his  gallantry  and  good  conduct.  He 
has  fallen  far  from  his  home  and  friends,  but  will  long  be  remembered 
by  all  associated  with  him  in  the  cause  of  liberty.  Colonel  Williams, 
of  the  thirty- seventh  Virginia  regiment,  was  slightly,  and  Colonel 
Sheffield,  of  the  forty-eighth  Alabama  regiment,  was  painfully 
wounded.  Both  these  officers  behaved  with  great  gallantry.  All  the 
officers  and  men  of  this  brigade  behaved  well,  and  I  beg  leave  to 
thank  them  for  their  gallant  and  good  conduct,  manifested  under  the 
most  trying  circumstances.  For  the  details  of  the  killed  and 
wounded,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  reports  of  regimental  com- 
.manders,  herewith  returned,  and  which  sum  up  as  follows  : 

Tenth  regiment  Virginia  volunteers, 
Twenty-third  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,    - 
Thirty- seventh  regiment  Virginia  volunteers, 
Forty-seventh  regiment  Alabama  volunteers,  - 
Forty-eighth  regiment  Alabama  volunteers,    - 

Total, 51  271 

All  of  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted, 

ALEXAISDER  G.  TALIAFERRO, 
Colonel  commanding  Third  Brigade,  A.    V. 


illed. 

Wounded. 

6 

37 

5 

27 

13 

04 

12 

85 

15 

68 

REPORT  OF  COLONEL  STAFFORD. 

Headquarters  Second  Louisiana  Brigade, 

'August   14,   1 86 2. 

To  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill  : 

I  very  rcppectfully  Bubmit  the  following  report  of  the  action  and 
position  of  this  brigade  under  raj  command,  at  the  battle  of  Cedar 
creek,  on  tlic  9th  instant : 

With  my  command,  J  reached,  by  double-quicking,  the  battle-field 
just  in  time  to  hear  the  last  guns  fired  and  to  witness  the  stragglers 
of  the  retreat.  Immediately  after  forming  line  of  battle,  the  brigade 
was  thrown  forward  as  the  advance  guard,  and  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
through  a  dense  woods,  heavy  skirmishing  was  kept  up  between  the 
Bkirmishcrs  of  the  enemy  and  those  of  my  own  deployment.  In  an 
oji?n  field,  after  passing  the  skirt  of  woods,  I  found  the  enemy  in 
large  force,  much  superior  to  my  own,  and  in  line  of  battle.  By  or- 
ders of  General  Jackson,  with  ray  brigade,  I  formed  a  line  of  battle 
along  a  fence  separating  the  field  from  the  woods  and  at  right  angles 
with  the  main  road  by  which  I  was  advancing.  1  was  severely  shelled 
at  various  times  during  the  night,  while  the  firing  of  the  skirmishers 
was  periodical  from  a  little  after  dark  until  near  eleven  o'clock  next 
morning.  The  entire  brigade  remained  inline  of  battle  until  ordered 
back  at  or  near  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  lOth  instant.  The  following  compa- 
nies were  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  behaved  with  that  gallantry  and 
coolness  that  entitles  the  officers  and  men  to  the  highest  praise,  viz.  : . 
Company  A,  Captain  Grigsby  ;  company  B,  Captain  Cumming,  and 
company  D,  Captain  Hodges,  of  the  ninth  Louisiana  regiment.  The 
casualties  of  the  brigade  were  twenty  wounded  and /our  killed.  Deeply 
do  I  regret  to  state  that  the  following  named  officers  (and  a  few  pri- 
vates, who  could  not  be  detected,)  absented  themselves  without  leavo 
during  that  period  of  the  engagement  in  which  ray  command  partici- 
pated, viz.  :  First  Lieutenant  B.  F.  Jackson  and  Captain  Singletary  , 
of  the  ninth  Louisiana  regiment.  All  of  which  is  respectfully  sub- 
mitted. 

L.  A.  STAFFORD, 
Colonel  ccmviandwg  2d  La.  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CRUTCHFIELD. 

Headquarters  Artillery,  Second  Corps, 
March  14,   1863. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  folllowing  report  of  tlo 
part  taken  by  the  artillery  of  this  army  corps  in  the  battle  of  Cedar 
Run,  of  August  9th,  1SG;2  : 

The  read  on  which  we  advanced  debouched  from  a  piece  of  woods 
upon  the  immediate  battle-field,  which  was  open  and  somewhat  broken, 
a  brook  running  across  it  and  the  prolongation  of  the  road  and  making 
a  small,  angle  with  our  general  line  of  battle.  The  advance  of  our 
troops  was  the  division  of  Brigadier  General  C.  S.  Winder,  and  its 
artillery  became  first  engaged.  The  enemy's  batteries  occupied 
rising  ground  to  tlie  right  and  beyond  the  mouth  of  the  road,  while 
his  infantry  extended  from  these  batteries  towards  our  left.  About 
two,  P.  M.,  a  gun  placed  at  the  mouth  of  the  road  by  Major  R.  S, 
Andrews,  commanding  the  artillery  of  General  Winder's  division, 
opened  on  the  enemy.  His  cavalry  skirmishers  and  out-posts  had 
been  previously  driven  in  by  Brigadier  General  Early's  brigade,  which 
was  just  to  the  right  of  this  point.  The  reply  was  immediate  and 
from  this  time  the  enemy  kept  up  a  sharp  fire  at  this  point,  as  one 
near  which  our  troops  and  batteries  must  pass  in  taking  position.  I 
found  that  to  the  right  and  front,  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards, 
were  rises  in  the  ground  favorable  for  positions  for  artillery.  I  there- 
fore directed  Major  Andrews  to  move  forward  his  rifle  guns  to  these 
points.  He  moved  out  four  rifles  and  one  twelve-pounder  Napoleon, 
The  latter  and  two  rifles  were  from  Captain  Poague's  battery  and  the 
others  from  those  of  Captains  Caskie  and  Carpenter.  Their  fire  was 
directed  against  the  enemy's  batteries  in  order  to  protect  the  deploy- 
ment of  our  infantry.  They  were  excellently  served,  and  so  com- 
pletely occupied  the  enemy's  guns,  about  twelve  in  number,  I  think, 
that  Major  Andrews  proposed  to  move  one  or  two  smooth-bored  bat- 
teries further  down  the  road  and  endeavor  to  enfilade  the  enemy's 
position.  In  trying  to  do  this  he  was  wounded,  and  the  complexion 
of  affairs  just  after  prevented  its  subsequent  execution.  Meanwhile 
the  battery  of  Captain  Latimer,  which  had  moved  with  Major  General 
Ewell's  division,  had  opened  on  the  enemy  from  a  position  at  the  base 
of  Slaughter's  Mountain,  far  to  our  right,  while  the  batteries  of  Cap- 
tains Brown  and  Dement,  (the  two  comprising  six  guns,)  had  position 
between  the  battery  of  Captain  Latimer  and  those  of  Major  Andrews. 
These  two  batteries  were  capitally  served  and  evidently  damaged  the 
enemy  severely. 

Thus  far  the  fight  had  been  between  the  opposing  artillery  exclu- 
sively. At  this  time  the  enemy's  infantry  advanced  in  line  of  battle, 
that  is,  a  regiment   of  them   through   a   corn-field  just  beyond  the 


44 

brook  and  in  front  of  Major  Andrews'  guns.  Unable  apparently  to 
cross  in  this  formation,  they  formed  column  of  companies  for  the  pur- 
pose. Just  then  Major  Andrews  turned  his  guns  upon  them,  (for  it 
was  before  he  had  been  wounded,)  and  opening  with  canis- 
ter soon  broke  them.  At  this  time  Lieutenant  Colonel  R. 
L.  Walker  coming  up  with  the  artillery  of  Major  General  A. 
P.  Hill's  division,  I  directed  him  to  place  four  rifle  guns  on  the  rising 
ground  to  Major  Andrews'  right.  He  placed  them  by  sections — two 
from  Captain  Pegram's  battery  and  two  from  Captain  Fleet's,  the 
latter  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Hardy.  These  guns  now  were 
formed  in  echelon — Captain  Pegram  being  in  advance  and  to  the  right, 
next  to  him  Lieutenant  Hardy,  while  the  guns  from  General  Winder's 
divipion  were  further  to  the  left  and  something  in  advance  of  Lieuten- 
ant Hardy,  giving  an  oblique  fire  across  their  front.  At  this  moment 
the  enemy's  infantry  advanced  again  in  general  line  across  the  corn- 
field and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker's  guns  were  turned  on  them  ex- 
clusively. In  a  short  time  our  infantry  on  the  left  of  the  road  was 
apparently  thrown  into  confusion  and  gave  way  ;  the  enemy  advanc- 
ing, the  rear  of  the  guns  of  General  Winder's  division  was  exposed 
and  they  were  withdrawn  by  General  Jackson's  order.  At  the  same 
time  the  enemy  made  a  feeble  effort  to  advance  through  and  from  the 
corn-field,  but  a  well-directed  fire  of  canister  from  the  guns  of  Cap- 
tain Pegram  and  Lieutenant  Hardy,  supported  by,  I  believe,  the 
thirteenth  Virginia  regiment,  Colonel  J.  A.  Walker,  checked  them, 
though  their  skirmishers  got  quite  near  under  cover  of  the  accidents 
of  the  ground.  The  temporary  confusion  on  the  left  was  soon  over- 
come and  in  a  short  time  the  enemy  gave  way,  and  our  whole  line 
advancing,  the  artillery  moved  along  the  road,  unable  to  cross  tho 
brook  in  front  through  the  field.  The  pursuit  continued  until  having 
crossed  a  second  brook,  we  came  upon  a  large  body  of  woods.  It  be- 
ing deemed  advisable  to  shell  these  before  advancing  further,  the  bat- 
teries of  Captains  Pegram,  Fleet,  Braxton,  and  Latham,  were  placed 
in  position  under  Lieutenmt  Colonel  W^alker,  some  eighty  or  one  hun- 
dred yards  distant  and  a  heavy  fire  opened  in  various  directions. 
After  a  short  time,  Captain  Pegram's  battery  was  ordered  forward 
with  an  infantry  brigade,  through  these  woods  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile.  It  took  position  just  beyond  and  opened  upon  what  was  thought 
an<l  proved  to  be  the  enemy's  camp.  A  battery  was  soon  opened  in 
reply,  and  a  heavy  cannonade  was  the  consequence,  for  some  time, 
causing  Captain  Pegram  severe  loss.  His  battery,  however,  retnined 
its  position  till  next  morning,  when  it  was  withdrawn.  We  lost  no 
pieces  or  caissons,  but  had  two  guns  dismounted  by  the  enemy's 
fire.  We  captured  one  twelve-pounder  Napoleon  (spiked)  and  car- 
riage and  caisson,  with  two  other  caissons  and  a  limber,  all  of  which 
were  brought  off.  The  gun  and  caisson  were  sent  to  Richmond,  one 
caisson  exchanged  into  Captain  Poagae's  battery,  and  the  other  cais- 
son and  limber  also  sent  to   Richmond. 

It  is  due  that  I  should  call  especial  attention  to  the  gallantry  dis- 
played by  Major  R.  L.  Andrews  in  this  action.  He  was  severely 
wounded,  and,  in  our  withdrawal,   fell  a  prisoner  into  the  hands  of 


45 

the  enemy.     Captain  J.  Carpenter,  a  moat  excellent  officer,  received 
a  wound  from  which  he  has  since  died,  while  fearlessly  exposing  him- 
self in  looking  out  a  position  for  his  battery. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 
Colonel  and  Chief  Artillery  2d  Corps. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  WITCIIER  OF  TWENTY-FIRST  VIR- 
GINIA REGIMENT. 

Camp  near  Gordonsville,  August  13,  1862. 

Major  John  Seddon, 

Commandi/ig  Second  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  order,  I  offer  the  following  report  of  the 
twenty-first  Virginia  regiment  in  the  battle  of  Slaughter's  Mountain, 
on  the  9th  instant,  which,  I  fear,  will  be  an  imperfect  one,  as  I  only 
took  command  after  the  fight  had  considerably  advanced  : 

The  regiment  was  posted  in  line  of  battle  in  the  woods,  about  forty 
paces  back  of  the  road,  to  the  left  of  a  battery  in  the  field,  and 
facing  to  the  road,  a  small  party  being  sent  to  the  road  in  front 
of  our  extreme  left  to  keep  watch.  In  this  position,  the  men  were 
ordered  to  lie  down  to  protect  them  from  the  enemy's  cannonading, 
which  was  kept  up  with  great  vigor.  A  number  of  shells  exploded  in 
cur  vicinity,  one  of  which  struck  and  killed  William  II.  Morgan,  of 
company  F,  a  young  officer  of  great  merit.  In  about  half  an  hour, 
a  volh-y  of  musketry  was  heard  on  our  left,  when  the  party  on  the 
road  inancdiately  returned,  and  reported  that  a  regiment  was  advanc- 
ing along  the  road  and  fence.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cunningham  or- 
dered our  regiment  forward  to  the  edge  of  the  road,  which  order  was 
promptly  obeyed,  all  seeming  eager  for  the  engagement.  Soon  after 
reaching  the  road  and  engaging  the  enemy,  another  regiment  of  them 
emerged  from  a  corn-field,  and  arrayed  themselves  in  line  of  battle 
to  our  left  oblique.  This  seemed  to  heightefl  the  ardor  of  our  men, 
who  fought  with  all  the  gallantry  and  energy  that  could  have  been 
desired,  and  completely  checking  the  enemy's  advance.  The  fight 
was  raging  fiercely,  and  our  men  in  high  spirits,  when  suddenly,  and 
without  any  warning  whatever,  a  murderous  fire  was  poured  upon  us 
from  the  rear,  at  least  a  brigade  of  the  enemy  having  passed  through 
the  woods  and  reached  within  twenty  or  thirty  paces  of  us.  We  had 
supposed  that  our  rear  was  protected ;  why  it  was  not,  is  not  for  me 
to  say.  About  this  time,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cunningham  appeared 
at  the  left  of  the  line  and  gave  some  command,  which,  amid  the  firing, 
I  could  not  understand.  1  ordered  those  near  me,  however,  to  about- 
face  ;  some  obeyed,  but  many  others  were  so  intent  upon  firing  at  the 
enemy  before  them,  and  so  little  apprehensive  of  danger  from  the 
rear,  that  they  seemed  not  to  understand  the  command.  Colonel  Cun- 
ningham again  gave  some  command,  which,  owing  to  the  circum- 
stances, I  could  not  distinctly  hear.  He  waived  his  hand  towards  the 
fence  rather  to  the  right,  and,  after  several  times  ordering  it,  I  got 
the  men  to  start  in  that  direction.  In  making  the  movement,  they 
became  somewhat  scattered  and  confused,  some  going  fast,  while  others 
would  load,  turn  and  fire  as  they  went.  To  add  to  the  confusion  of 
the  moment,  in  addition  to  the  many  other  brave  men  and  officers  who 
fell  at  this  point,  our  gallant  and  beloved  leader.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Cunningham  fell  mortally  wounded;  the  adjutant  was  taken  by  the 


47 

enemy,  though  he.  afterwards  escaped  ;  the  sergeant-major  was  sho* 
down ;  the  flag-bearer  was  shot  dead  ;  a  corporal  of  the  color-guard, 
seizing  the  colors,  shared  the  same  fate,  and  a  private  who  next  raised 
them  fell,  wounded  in  three  places.  Under  these  unfavorable  circum- 
stances, a  portion  of  the  regiment  rallied  and  formed  at  the  crest  of 
the  hill,  not  more  than  one  hundred  and  iSfty  paces  from  the  road. 
Here,  some  troops,  which  had  fallen  back,  rallied,  and  joined  us,  and 
after  a  spirited  contest  of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  drove  the  enemy, 
who  ha^  advanced  into  the  road  and  field,  back  into  the  woods.  We 
then  turned  our  fire  upon  the  enemy's  line  of  battle  in  the  meadow, 
which  soon  broke  and  began  to  retire.  From  this  we  pushed  forward 
wherever  the  fight  seemed  thickest,  assisting  in  the  repulse  of  the 
cavalry  charge,  and  mingling  in  the  fire  upon  the  retreating  foe,  till 
he  had  entirely  disappeared  from  the  field.  No  troops,  iu  my  opin- 
ion, could  have  behaved  with  more  daring  and  obstinacy  than  those  of 
the  twenty-first.  There  were  instances  of  individual  heroism,  which  I 
refrain  from  mentioning,  lest  injustice  should  be  done  to  others.  Be- 
fore concluding  this  report,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  bring  to  your  no- 
tice a  fact  which  shows  the  barbarous  and  brutal  manner  in  which  this 
war  is  being  conducted  by  our  enemies.  Second  Lieutenant  Thomas 
M.  Brown,  of  company  K,  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  time  our  regi- 
ment left  the  woods.  He  was  afterwards  found  in  the  woods  mor- 
tally wounded,  and,  before  dying,  stated  to  Lieutenant  Roach,  of  the 
twenty-first,  and  Captain  Turner  of  the  L'ish  battalion,  that  he  was 
taken  unhurt,  but  when  the  enemy  were  forced  to  retreat,  they  knocked 
him  down  with  their  guns,  and  bayonetted  him  in  several  places.  He 
was  in  his  proper  mind  at  the  time  of  making  this  statement,  and  died 
the  same  night.  Accompanying  this  report  I  forward  a  list  of  casu- 
alties. 

Kespectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  A.  WITCHEPx, 
Captain f  commaiiding  %\st  Virginia  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  SEDDON. 

Headq'rs  1st  Va.  Bat.,  2nd  Brig.,  1st  Div.,  A.  V.  D., 

August  14,  1862. 

Lieut.  Col.  T.  L.  Garnett, 

Commanding  Second  Brigade  on  the  evening  of  the  9th  inst.  : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  first  Virginia  battalion  during  the  late  engagement 
irith  the  enemy  near  Cedar  creek,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th  instant : 

The  first  Virginia  battalion,  under  my  command,  was  marched, 
with  the  rest  of  the  second  brigade,  through  a  body  of  woods  and 
was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  with  inverted  front,  on  the  extreme 
left  of  the  brigade  in  the  wood,  with  a  small  wheat-field  in  our  front. 
The  woods  were  so  dense  that  no  other  portion  of  our  brigade  could 
be  seen  from  our  position.  We  took  up  our  position  about  a  quarter 
paet  four  o'clock,  P.  M.  At  about  a  quarter  to  six  o'clock,  a  large 
brigade  of  the  enemy  emerged  from  the  woods  beyond  the  wheat  field, 
and  advanced  against  our  line,  in  fine  order,  at  a  double-quick.  A 
corn-field  on  the  right,  and  a  brush-field  on  the  left  of  the  wheat-field, 
prevented  me  from  seeing  either  wing  of  the  enemy,  which  seemed 
to  extend  indefinitely  in  both  directions.  By  order,  the  battalion 
fired  as  the  enemy  came  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  our 
position,  with  very  little  effect.  We  fired  two  more  scattering  volleys, 
all  with  little  effect.  By  this  time  the  enemy  were  close  upon  our 
front,  and  had  closed  in  upon  our  left  flank.  Seeing  this,  the  battal- 
ion gave  way  and  retreated  rapidly  and  in  great  confusion.  Being 
on  the  extreme  left  of  the  brigade,  we  were  the  first  to  see  the  flank 
movement  of  the  enemy,  and^by  the  rapid  retreat,  were  prevented 
from  being  surrounded. 

All  the  officers  of  the  battalion  strove  most  gallantly  to  hold  the 
men  to  their  position,  and  made  the  most  heroic  endeavors  to  rally 
them  after  they  had  broken.  Failing  in  this,  some,  of  the  officers  and 
men  joined  in  with  the  reserves  and  took  part  in  their  successful  ad- 
vance. Second  Lieutenant  Alexander,  company  A,  was  disabled  by 
a  severe  wound  in  the  left  thigh,  about  the  time  the  battalion  gave 
way.  It  may  be  proper  to  add  that  Lieutenant  White,  acting  aid-de- 
camp to  Colonel  Garnett,  informed  me,  just  as  the  enemy  advanced 
from  the  woods,  that  the  tenth  Virginia  regiment  occupied  our  left. 

Accompanying  this  you  will  please  find  a  list  of  casualties. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  SEDDON, 
Major  commanding  1st  Va.  Battalion, 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  JACKSON. 

Camp  near  Libertv  Mills, 
August  13,  1862. 

To  Colonel  Taliaferro, 

Commanding  Third  Brigade,  A.  V.  : 

Colonel:  On  Saturday  last,  the  9tli  instant,  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I 
arrived  with  my  regiment  (the  forty-seventh  Alabama)  within  range 
of  the  enemy's  batteries  that  had  opened  on  the  advancing  columni* 
of  our  array.  We  were  allowed  to  rest  a  few  minutes,  when  we  >?ere 
again  ordered  to  advance,  and  take  our  position  under  the  range  of 
the  enemy's  guns.  We  advanced  along  the  road  for  the  distance  of  a- 
mile,  with  the  enemy's  shells  bursting  over  our  heads;  but,  as  we  were 
within  the  range  given  to  their  guns,  no  damage  was  done  to  my 
regiment.  When  the  position  desired  by  our  brigade  commander  waa 
gained,  we  were  ordered  to  form  our  line  of  battle  and  lie  down.  By 
this  time  the  cannonade  was  in  quicker  succession.  The  men  undor 
my  command  behaved  themselves  very  well,  though  somewhat  confused 
at  the  bursting  of  shells  over  their  heads;  but  after  remaining  a  shor!; 
time  they  became  quiet.  We  remained  about  forty  minutes  in  thiR 
position,  without  sustaining  any  loss,  when  the  order  was  given  by 
General  Taliaferro  to  advance  in  line  of  battle.  I  reported  this  com- 
mand to  the  regiment,  when  they  advanced  in  tolerable  order,  the  dis- 
tance of  fifty  yards,  when  we  approached  a  fence,  which  we  crossed 
and  found  ourselves  in  presence  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  which  had 
opened  on  us  with  some  effect.  I  formed  my  men  in  line  of  battle^ 
about  three  hundred  yards  from  the  line  of  the  enemy,  and  opened 
fire  on  them.  Although  it  was  the  first  battle  any  of  my  men  had 
ever  been  in,  yet  they  behaved  themselves  very  well,  and  returned  the 
fire  in  quick  succession,  and  with  a  good  deal  of  deliberation.  Affairg 
remained  in  this  position  for  about  twenty  minutes,  when  we  found 
ourselves  attacked  from  a  very  unexpected  quarter ;  the  enemy  having 
flanked  us,  had  come  round  to  our  rear,  and  were  pouring  heavy  vol- 
leys on  us,  at  the  distance  of  forty  paces.  As  soon  as  I  discovered 
this  new  enemy,  I  gave  the  command  to  face  about.  A  few  companies 
of  the  right  wing  obeyed  the  command;  but  the  left,  not  understand- 
ing the  order  and  being  subjected  to  a  severe  cross-fire,  gave  way 
•nd  retreated  across  the  field.  As  soon  as  the  left  gave  way,  the  right 
also  got  into  confusion  and  followed  the  left.  I  made  repeated  effort* 
1o  rally  the  regiment,  but,  finding  it  impossible  to  do  so  under  tho 
cross-fire  they  were  subjected  to,  I  followed  them  across  the  field,  and 
on  a  hill  that  screened  them  from  the  balls  of  the  enemy.  As  soon  as 
they  found  themselves  out  of  range,  they  halted  and  began  of  them- 
telves  to  rally  to  their  standard.  I  encouraged  them  as  much  as  my 
exhausted  state  from  fatigue  and  feeble  health  would  permit,  and  soon 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  most  of  them  returning  to  duty.  I  or- 
dered the  colors  to  adrance,  which  they  did,  and  the  regiment  fol- 
4 


lowed,  though  without  any  line  of  battle.  I  remained  behind, lending 
up  those  that  showed  less  inclination  to  advance  I  soon  found  it 
would  be  impossible  to  get  them  in  regular  line,  and,  therefore,  stayed 
%  few  paces  in  the  rear,  encouraging  those  that  stayed  behind,  and 
preventing  them  from  firing  among  those  in  advance.  We  continued 
to  advance  in  this  open  way,  to  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the 
r^nemy,  drawn  up  in  another  field,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  field. 
The  advance  of  our  line  at  this  point  made  a  halt,  and  very  delibe- 
rately returned  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  I  encournged  those  in  the 
rear  to  advance  as  far  as  their  friends  had  done,  and  soon  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  them  slowly  make  their  way  to  the  front.  The  front 
line  seeing  the  rear  advance,  also  advanced,  and  the  enemy  in  a  few 
minutes  began  to  give  ground.  At  this  point  we  were  charged  by  a 
body  of  cavnlry,  but,  meeting  with  a  rolling  fire  from  our  line,  they 
retreated  with  considerable  loss.  Our  men  now  advanced  in  quick 
time,  and  the  enemy's  retreat  soon  became  a  complete  rout.  We  con- 
tinued to  pursue  them  from  one  field  to  another,  until  about  seven 
o'clock,  when  our  men  becoming  exhausted,  made  a  halt,  and  took  no 
further  part  in  the  action. 

The  number  of  killed  in  my  regiment  was  eleven  men  and  one 
captain.  Captain  Blunsen,  who  fell  at  the  time  we  were  flanked  by  the 
enemy.  The  captain  conducted  himself  with  great  gallantry,  and  the 
regiment  has  sustained  a  great  loss  in  hia  death.  We  had  also  ninety 
men  wounded,  including  those  that  were  wounded  slightly.  I  think 
:Le  wounded,  with  a  few  exceptions,  will  recover. 

The  above  is  an  outline  of  the  part  played  by  the  forty-seventh 
Alabama  regiment,  in  the  late  action  between  Generals  Jackson's  and 
Pope's  forces,  near  Culpeper  Court-House. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  JACKSON, 
Lieutenant  Colonel,  commanding  411  ih  Alabama  Volunteers. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  DOBYNS  OF  FORTY-SECOND  VIR- 
GINIA  REGIMENT. 

Headquarters  Forty-Second  Regiment  Virginia  Vols.,  ) 
Camp  near  Liberty  Mills,  August  13,  1862.      \ 

Colonel:  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following  report  of  the  operations  of  the  forty-second  regiment  Vir- 
ginia volunteers  in  the  recent  engagements  at  Cedar  Run,  Culpepper 
county,  Virginia,  on  the  9th  August,  1862  : 
.  About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  regiment,   commanded  by  Major 
Henry  Layne,  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  was  ordered 
to  the  front,  and  accordingly  marched   along  the    Culpeper  road  until 
it  reached  a  body  of  woods  about  half  a  mile  from  the  battle-field.  It 
was  then  halted  and  ordered  to  load.  It  was  then  filed  off  to  the  left 
of  the  road  and  marched  through  the  woods  nearly  parallel  with  the  ■ 
road,  and  during  the  march  the  woods  were  very  heavily  shelled  by 
the  enemy  ;  but  no  casualties  occurred  in  the  regiment.   The  regiment, 
was  halted  in  the  woods  to  the  left  of  the  road  near  a  field,  where  one 
or  two  pieces  of  cur  artillcrj'  was  planted,  and  in  action.    It  remained, 
in  this  position  near  half  an  hour,  and  was  then  ordered  to  move  for- 
ward, and  accordingly  marched  some  four  hundred  yards  until  it  reached 
a  iiarrow  road  leading  to  a  wheat-field  ;  filing  down  the  road  to  the 
left,  near  one  hundred  yards,  it  then  filed  to  the   right  through  the 
woods  parallel  with  the  fence  until  it  reached  its  depth,  it  was   then 
halted  and  fronted  in  line  of  battle.     The  forty-eighth  Virginia  regi- 
ment was  on  the  right,  and  the  first  Virginia  battalion  on   the  left. 
Our  skirmishers,  who  had  previously  been  thrown  out,  soon  discovered 
those  of  the  enemy  near  at  had,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  main  body 
of  the  enemy  advanced  from  the  woods  opposite  the  wheat-field  to  our 
front,  and  having  gotten  mid-way  the  wheat-field  the  regiment  was - 
ordered  to  fire,  which  was  done   with  a  great  deal  of  coolness  and 
rapidity,  and  kept  up  constantly  for  some  half  an  hour  or  more  ;  the 
regiment  remaining  in  good  order  all  the  time.     Early  in  the  engage- - 
ment  Major  Layne  was  mortally  wounded,  and  a  great  many   of  the  • 
company  officers  and  men  were  killed  and  wounded. 

The  enemy  having  flanked  us  right  and  left,  were  seen  suddenly 
advancing  upon  our  rear  in  considerable  disorder,  about  this  juncture 
we  received  orders  to  fall  back,  and  soon  came  in  contact  with  the  en- 
emy at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  A  good  many  of  the  ofllicers  and 
soldiers  of  the  regiment  were  captured  by  the  enemy,  and  again  re- 
captured, and  many  of  them  severely  wounded  while  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  Several  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment,  whom  wo  had 
recaptured  from  the  enemy  informed  me  that  they  were  most  brutally, 
maltreated  by  the  enemy,  and  saw  many  of  our  men  brutally 
murdered  after  being  captured.  During  this  portion  of  the  engago^-- 
ment  the  regiment  was  thrown  in  great  confusion,  and  became  inuiihi 
scattered ;  but  a  larger  portion  of  those  remaining  were  afterwards- 


5t 

rallied  and  moved  forward  with  General  Branch's  brigade,  and  charged 
through  the  wheat-field  to  the  woods  and  halted.  The  loss  was  very 
light  daring  the  charge.  The  regiment  was  then  marched  through 
the  wheat-field  and  across  the  road  to  the  right  into  acorn-field,  and 
remained  during  the  night.  After  this  nothing  worthy  of  note  occurred. 
The  loss  in  the  regiment,  both  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  very  heavy; 
"nut  not  more  than  six  or  eight  were  missing.  The  regiment  captured 
^  large  number  of  the  enemy,  both  officers  and  men,  and  sent  them  to 
the  rear. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

H.  DOBYNS, 
Captain,  commanding  Forty-  Second  Begiment  Virginia  Vols, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  W.  B.  JONES. 

Headq'rs  7th  Regiment  Virginia  Cavalry, 
Orange  C.  E.,  August  14,  1862. 

General  B.  H.  Robertson, 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  on  the  9th  instant,  my  reg- 
iment was  ordered  on  a  reconnoissance  near  Madison  Court-House. 
The  march  of  twenty-five  miles  was  made  by  sundown,  and  without 
incident  or  discovery  worthy  of  record.  On  returning  to  camp,  we 
first  learned  that  the  battle  of  Cedar  Run  had  been  progressing  the 
greater  part  of  the  day,  and  moved  on,  without  a  moment's  delay,  to 
the  scene  of  action.  Not  being  able  to  see  you  or  General  Jackson, 
by  the  advice  of  General  Hill,  I  passed  between  the  brigades  of  Gen- 
erals Field  and  Early  about  dark,  for  the  purpose  of  pressing  the  en- 
emy in  retreat.  AXter  turning  the  woods  on  our  right,  I  came  on  the 
enemy,  drawn  up  in  such  order  and  force  as  rendered  a  charge  ex- 
ceedingly dangerous.  Holding  our  post  for  observation,  couriers 
were  sent  to  inform  a  battery,  sending  out  shells  of  inquiry,  of  the 
position  of  the  enemy.  Before  our  artillery  could  be  brought  to 
bear,  a  body  of  cavalry  threatened  us ;  but  a  gallant  charge  on  our 
part  soon  caused  them  to  take  shelter  under  their  infantry.  We 
killed  one  of  their  horses.  Now  our  artillery  commenced  shelling 
the  position  of  the  enemy,  causing  him  to  retire,  and  we  followed  as 
soon  as  we  could,  safely,  from  our  own  shells.  A  negro  servant  of 
an  officer  was  captured  near  this  point,  from  whom  we  gained  the 
first  information  of  the  arrival  of  General  Sigel's  force  on  the  field. 
This  intelligence  was  at  once  sent  to  the  rear.  The  fierce  cannonade, 
probably  from  the  guns  of  this  command,  newly  arrived,  swept  the 
ground  immediately  in  our  rear,  and  compelled  us  to  seek  the  shelter 
of  a  friendly  hill,  until  they  had  sufficiently  amused  themselves.  The 
result  of  our  advance  was  eleven  privates,  three  Lieutenants,  and  one 
negro  captured  from  the  enemy.  My  thanks  are  due  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Richards,  independent  scout,  and  to  Lieutenant  McCarty,  acting  ad- 
jutant of  the  regimemt,  for  their  activity,  zeal,  and  courage  displayed 
on  this  occasion. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  E.  JONES, 
Colonel  seventh  Virginia  Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  WOOD. 

Camp  near  Gordonsville,  Va.,  August  13,  18G2. 

To  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliafkrro, 

Commanding   Third  Brigade  : 

In  making  ray  report  of  the  part  acted  by  the  thirty-sevcnth  regi- 
ment in  the  action  on  Cedar  creek,  on  the  9th  instant,  it  is  necessary 
for  me  to  state  that-it  was  late  in  the  engagement  when  the  command 
devolved  on  me,  consetjuently  I  was  not  informed  as  to  the  position 
we  were  to  take  until  after  we  had  gone  on  the  field.  Being  marched 
into  the  woods  in  rear  of  our  batteries,  we  were  ordered  to  lie  down 
there  to  support  them.  Ly^ng  there  for  some  time,  very  much  ex- 
posed to  the  enemy's  shells,  which  were  continually  bursting  over 
end  around  us,  we  were  then  ordered  to  the  field.  Coming  into  the  field, 
taking  position  on  the  left  of  the  twenty-third  regiment, (which  regiment 
was  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  brigade,)  we  were  marchedforward,  cross- 
in<y  a  small  hollow,  to  the  brow  of  a  low  eminence,  from  which  posi- 
tion the  enemy,  in  three  columns,  in  battle  order,  opened  fire  on  us, 
which  was  gallantly  returned  by  my  men,  which  continued,  the  ac- 
tion soon  becoming  general.  In  this  position,  the  action  continued 
for  some  time.  The  first  line  of  the  enemy  giving  way,  the  second 
were  thrown  into  the  utmost  confusion,  when  the  left  of  this  regiment 
(being  left  unprotected  and  unsupported  by  the  forty-seventh  and 
forty-eighth  Alabama  regiments  having  given  way,  and  being  thus 
exposed  to  a  fire  in  front  and  rear,  and  on  the  left  flank)  was  com- 
pelled to  give  way,  which  was  taken  up  by  each  company  from  the 
left,  not,  however,  until  after  we  received  orders  to  fall  back,  which 
was  done  in  tolerably  good  order  by  most  of  the  companies,  some, 
however,  becoming  a  little  confused.  I  soon  succeeded  in  rallying  the 
men,  not  until  a  great  many  of  them  were  killed  by  being  exposed  to 
fire  from  the  front  and  left  flank.  As  soon  as  they  were  rallied,  they 
advanced  gallantly  to  the  contest,  driving  the  enemy  from  before 
:hera  in  every  direction.  It  is  proper  to  state  here,  that  this  regi- 
ment would  have  been  able  to  maintain  its  position  had  the  forty-sev- 
enth and  forty-eighth  Alabama  regiments  been  able  to  have  main- 
tained theirs.  I  must  express  my  thanks  to  the  officers  and  men  of 
this  regiment  for  the  gallant  manner  in  which  they  conducted  them- 
.selves  during  the  whole  engagement;  and,  where  all  conducted  them- 
selves so  gallantly,  it  is  impossible  to  mention  particular  individuals, 
although  there  were  those  whose  gallant  conduct  render  them  worthy 
'jf  the  proudest  position. 

H.  C.  WOOD, 
Major  commanding  ^Hth  Virginia  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  WALTON. 

Camp  Twenty-Third  Virginia  Regiment,  ) 
August  13,  1863.  S 

Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro, 

Commanding  Third  Brigade  : 

The  twenty-third  Virginia  regiment  left  its  camp  at  this  place,  with 
the  rest  of  the  army,  on  the  evening  of  the  7th  August.  It  marched 
about  eight  miles  that  night  and  bivouacked  near  Orange  Court- 
Ilouse.  The  march  Avas  resumed  early  next  morning,  but  not  con- 
tinued for  more  than  a  few  miles,  when  it  again  halted  for  the  pur- 
pose of  cooking  two  days'  rations,  rest,  &c.  During  the  night,  a  por- 
tion of  the  enemy's  cavalry  fired  upon  our  pickets  and  attempted  to 
cut  off  our  train  of  wagons.  Our  regiment  was  ordered  to  support 
the  pickets,  which  it  did,  lying  on  its  arras  nearly  all  night.  Some 
time  after  midnight  our  main  guard  was  driven  in,  and  the  regiment 
double-quicked  half  a  mile  to  meet  the  enemy.  There  was  a  sharp 
skirmish  for  a  few  minutes,  and  the  enemy  were  routed.  We  took 
one  prisoner  and  captured  two  horses. 

During  this  skirmish,  Lieutenant  Trice,  of  company  G,  was  badly 
wounded  in  the  neck.  Lieutenant  Winston,  of  company  A,  was  also 
wounded. 

The  army,  or  at  least  one  portion  of  it,  had  a  long  and  distressing 
march  on  the  9th,  to  the  field  where,  on  that  evening,  was  fought  the 
battle  of  Cedar  creek — distressing  on  account  of  the  excessive  heat, 
and  scarcity  of  good  water.  The  brigade  reached  the  battle-field 
about  four  o'clock.  This  regiment,  which  had  been  on  the  left  during 
the  day,  was  detached  and  sent  to  the  right,  where  it  was  ordered  to 
lie  down  in  the  woods  just  in  rear  of  Pegram's  battery,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supporting  it.  Here  it  remained  nearly  an  hour  exposed  to 
the  shells  of  the  enemy,  which  were  tearing  the  forest  to  atoms.  The 
enemy's  artillery  then  ceased  to  fire,  and  the  regiment  was  ordered  to 
advance,  which  it  did,  through  the  open  field,  in  line  of  battle,  with 
the  thirty-seventh  Virginia  on  its  left.  When  in  four  hundred  yards 
of  the  enemy's  line,  fire  was  opened  on  them  and  continued  for  some  time, 
when  we  were  ordered  to  fiiU  back  a  short  distance  (the  thirty-seventh 
having  already  done  so)  in  order  to  be  out  of  reach  of  a  cross  fire 
upon  our  left  flank,  which  was  very  close  and  very  destructive.  It 
fell  back  in  some  confusion.  It  was  during  this  retreat,  and  while 
attempting  to  stop  it,  that  the  lamented  Lieutenant  Colonel  Curtis 
received  his  mortal  wound. 

The  regiment  again  formed,  advanced,  and  continued  to  advance, 
Buccessfuliy  repulsing  a  charge  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  taking  pris- 
oners of  rank,  until  they  were  ordered,  by  General  Jackson,  to  stop 
the  pursuit. 

The  regiment  behaved  well,  and  there  were  individual  instances  of 
great  gallantry  ;  but  it  might  be  invidious  to  mention  them. 


56 

Enclosed  please  find  list  of  killed  and  wounded  of  the  regiment  in 
ibe  battle  of  Cedar  creek. 

Color-acrgeant,  John  P.  Waddy,  company  G ;  Sergeant  William 
A.  Walton  and  Corporal  John  M.  Booker,  of  company  I,  behaved 
^ith  great  gallantry,  and  deserve  well  of  their  country.  Several 
c'.hers  did  their  duty  as  good  soldiers. 

Kespectfully  submitted, 

S.  T.  WALTON, 
Lieutenant  Cokml,  commanding  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  WILLIAMS. 

IIeadquarterters  Fifth  Virginia  Infantry,  ) 
August  14,  1862.  5 

Captain  Fulton,  A.  A.  A.  G.  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  at  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  9th 
instant,  we  left  camp,  near  the  Rapidan  river,  marched  a  distance  of 
seven  miles,  and  engaged  the  enemy  about  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. The  line  of  battle  was  formed  in  a  wood,  with  the  thirty-third 
regiment  resting  on  our  right  and  the  second  on  our  left,  the  fifth 
being  the  centre  regiment  of  the  brigade.  We  then  advanced  in  line 
of  battle,  through  the  woods,  a  distance  of  about  four  hundred  yards, 
to  the  edge  of  a  field,  where  we  were  ordered  to  halt  and  throw  down 
a  line  of  fencing  immediately  in  our  front.  After  removing  the  fence, 
we  were  ordered  to  prepare  to  charge,  which  was  done,  and  we  moved 
forward  in  line  of  battle  to  the  top  of  a  little  hill  or  rise  in  the  field, 
when  the  order  was  given  by  our  gallant  commander,  Colonel  Ronald, 
to  the  brigade,  to  charge,  which  was  obeyed  and  the  charge  executed 
in  most  elegant  style,  driving  the  enemy  entirely  from  the  field  into 
the  woods,  a  distance  of  some  three  or  four  hundred  yards.  I  then 
received  an  order  to  close  my  regiment  at  right  angles  with  and  on 
the  left  of  the  thirty-third,  thus  having  passed  the  thirty- third  and 
twenty-seventh  some  two  hundred  yards.  I  succeeded  in  forming  my 
right  wing  perpendicular  with  the  former  line  of  battle  and  advanced 
it  about  one  hundred  yards,  thus  giving  me  a  good  position  to  fire 
upon  the  enemy,  who  were  crossing  a  large  wheat-field,  upon  tho 
right  of  our  former  position.  The  regiment  poured  a  constant  and 
destructive  fire  upon  the  enemy,  thus  causing  a  large  number  of  them 
to  surrender.  The  regiment  also  captured  three  stand  of  the  enemy's 
colors.  The  left  wing  still  held  their  former  position  at  the  edge  of 
the  woods,  thus  protecting  the  left  of  my  right  wing  from  a  severe 
fire  from  the  enemy  in  the  woods.  The  conduct  of  all,  officers  and. 
men,  was  such  as  would  attract  the  admiration  and  win  the  praise  of 
the  greatest  of  champion  v,  arriors,  and  particularly  the  conduct  of 
Color-Sergeant  John  M.  Gabbert,  who  was  in  advance,  with  a  sword 
in  one  hand  and  the  colors  in  the  other,  waving  both  the  sword  and 
colors,  and  calling  upon  the  men  to  come  on,  when  ho  received  a 
■wound  in  the  shoulder  and  leg,  which  disabled  him  so  much  that  he 
"was  compelled  to  abandon  the  field.  At  a  late  hour  we  were  rein- 
forced by  two  other  brigades.  We  then  advanced — the  left  wing 
being  rallied  by  Adjutantgp.  S.  Arnall,  whose  conduct  was  highly 
commendable  in  rallying  tne  men  to  the  colors  and  pressing  forward, 
with  the  second  and  fourth  regiments,  in  hot  pursuit  of  the 
enemy  till  after  dark,  when,  reaching  the  top  of  a  hill  in  a  corn-field, 
he  was  ordered  to  halt,  and  remained  until  morning.  I  joined  in 
"with  Colonel  Lee,  of  the  thirty-third,  and  advanced,  overtaking  the 
second  and  fourth,  who  had  halted  in  a  corn-field,  on  the  right  of  the 


58 

main  road  leading  to  Culpeper  Court-IIouse,  -where  the  brigade  re- 
icained  over-night  and  until  about  nine  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
lOth.  The  enemy  not  having  made  any  demonstration  up  to  that 
time,  we  were  ordered  back  a  distance  of  about  three  miles  and 
camped  until  the  morning  of  the  1 2th,  when  we  were  ordered  to  take 
up  the  lino  of  march  to  our  old  camp,  near  Liberty  Mills,  at  which 
place  we  arrived  about  six  o'clock,  P.  M.  I  forward  with  this  a  list 
of  casualties. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  J.  WILLIAMS, 
Major  commandiiig  Fifth   Virginia  Infantry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  HUGHES. 

Headquarters  Forty-eighth  Regiment  Alabama  Volunteers,  ) 

August  13,   1862.  S 

Colonel  A.  G.  Taluferro, 

Com7nandi?)g  Third  Briz,ade^  Army  of  the   Valley  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  the  following  report  of  the 
movements  of  the  fortj -eighth  regiment  Alabama  volunteers  during 
the  engagement  on  the  9th  instant,  at  Cedar  creek.  This  regiment, 
being  ordered  to  support  General  Evrell's  division,  was  placed  in  po- 
sition in  the  woods  and  in  rear  of  that  division.  After  remaining  in 
this  position  for  some  time,  we  were  ordered  to  cross  the  big  road, 
into  an  open  field,  and  form  line  of  battle  on  the  right  of  the  twenty- 
third  Virginia  regiment.  A  hill  Ijing  between  us  and  the  enemy, 
we  were  ordered  to  advance  to  its  brow,  when,  coming  in  full  view 
of  the  enemy,  we  opened  fire  upon  them  and  continued  without  ces- 
sation for  some  length  of  time.  Finding  the  enemy  had  flanked  our 
position,  we  were  obligeii  to  change,  which  was  readily  done.  After 
falling  back  for  a  short  distance,  we  again  advanced  upon  the  enemy, 
driving  them  before  us  at  every  point,  and  continuing  to  drive  them 
until  dark,  when  we  slept  upon  the  battle-field.  The  oflficers  and  men 
of  my  command  behaved  gallantly,  it  being  the  first  time  they  had 
been  under  fire.  There  are  a  few  instances  of  valor  which  I  mighi; 
notice  ;  but,  where  all  did  so  nobly  and  so  Avell,  I  can  but  return  my 
sincere  thanks  to  both  officers  and  men.  Enclosed  please  find  a 
re{»ort  of  the  casualties  in  my  command,  and  I  remain,  sir, 
Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.    A.  HUGHES, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Forty-eighth  Alabama  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  STOVER. 

Camp  Frescatti,  August  13,  1962. 

« 

9 

Captain  Coleman", 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

In  accordance  with  orders  from  headquarters  of  third  brigade,  I 
liave  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  services  rendered 
by  the  tenth  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  in  the  third  brigade,  (army 
of  the  Vallev,)  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  Run,  on  the  9th  of  August, 
1S62: 

About  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Thursday,  the  7th  instant,  this  regiment, 
with  the  balance  of  the  brigade,  and  in  rear  of  the  brigade,  marched 
in  the  direction  of  Orange  Court-House.  After  marching  about  seven 
miles,  the  regiment,  with  the  balance  of  the  brigade,  bivouacked  near 
Orange  Court-House.  On  Friday  morning,  at  early  dawn,  we  took 
up  the  line  of  march  in  the  direction  of  Culpeper  Court-IIouse, 
marching  in  front  of  the  twenty-third  Virginia  regiment,  which  was 
then  in  the  rear.  After  marching  about  five  miles  and  about  one  mile 
north  of  the  Rapidan  river,  we  were  ordered  to  halt  and  cook  two 
days'  rations,  which  consumed  the  balance  of  the  day.  The  regiment 
bivouacked  at  the  same  place  for  the  night  About  two  o'clock  in  the 
night  we  were  aroused,  our  pickets  being  attacked  by  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  and  marched  promptly  with  the  balance  of  the  brigade  to 
resist  the  attack  ;  but  the  enemy  retired  before  we  arrived  on  the  field. 
We  remained  on  the  field  until  early  dawn,  when  we  were  marched 
back  to  camp.  At  eight  o'clock,  on  Saturday  morning,  the  9th  inst., 
we  took  up  the  line  of  march,  the  thirty- seventh  Virginia  regiment 
and  forty-eighth  Alabama  regiment  in  front,  and  the  twenty- third  Vir- 
ginia and  forty-seventh  Alabama  regiments  in  the  rear.  The  regiment 
kept  well  closed  up,  and,  after  marching  about  seven  miles  under  an 
excessive  hot  sun,  we  arrived,  about  four  o'clock,  in  sight  of  the  enemy 
drawn  up  in  line  of  battle.  The  brigade  was  then  drawn  up  in  line 
of  battle  under  a  galling  fire  of  shot  and  shell  from  the  enemy's  guns, 
by  which  we  suffered  considerably.  This  regiment  being  detached,  (by 
order  of  Brigadier  General  Taliaferro,  through  Major  Taliaferro,)  to 
prolong  the  line  of  battle  on  the  left,  was  promptly  thrown  on  the 
extreme  left,  on  the  left  of  the  main  road  leading  to  Culpeper  Court- 
llouse,  with  the  forty-seventh  Alabama  regiment,  the  thirty-seventh 
and  twenty-third  Virginia  and  forty-eighth  Alabama  regiments  being 
on  the  right  of  the  road  near  a  wheat  field,  where  we  immediately  engaged 
the  enemy  under  a  heavy  fire  of  infantry.  After  being  engaged  some 
time,  the  regiment  upon  my  right  gave  back,  and  I,  seeing  that  we  were 
about  to  be  flanked  by  the  enemy  on  our  right,  was  compelled  to  retire  a 
short  distance.  We  again  rallied,  attacking  the  enemy  the  second 
time,  holding  our  position  until  the  first  brigade  coming  up  on  our 
left,  a  charge  wag  made  through  the  wheat  field,  driving  the  enemy 
from  the  field,  in  which  charge  a  number  of  prisoners  were  taken. 


61 

The  brigade  was  again  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  the  wheat  field,  and 
marched  in  an  easterly  direction  some  distance,  through  a  corn  field, 
in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  Night  coming  on,  we  were  ordered  to  halt 
and  await  further  orders.  Subsequently  w«  were  ordered  to  retire  to 
3  ravine  in  the  corn  field,  where  we  remained  during  the  night,  the 
engagement  being  at  an  end. 

For  a  list  of  casualties,  I  refer  you  to  the  accompanying  report  of 
the  surgeon. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

JOSHUA  STOVER, 
Major  commanding  Tenth  Regiment  Virginia  Volunteers. 


'W- 


RFPORT  OF  MAJOR  COURTNAY. 

Ueadquarters  Third  DrvisiON,  ) 
August  15,  1862.      5 

Major  General  Ewell, 

Sir  :  I  beg  leave  roppoctrnlly  to  tnalce  the  following  report  of  the 
opeiations  of  the  artillery  in  this  division  in  the  fight  of  the  9th 
instant,  at  Mrs  Crittenden's  farm,  near  Slaughter's  Mountain,  Cul- 
pcpcr  county,  Virginia.  The  battle  ^Yas  opened  by  the  artillery  of 
titis  division,  which  had  been  posted,  as  presently  described,  with  or- 
ders not  to  fire  till  the  infantry,  sent  round  to  the  left  to  fire  upon  the 
enemy's  cavalry  skirmishers,  had  opened.  Captain  Dement's  first 
Maryland  battery,  Captain  Brown's  Chesapeake  artillery,  (also  from 
Maryland,)  Captain  D'Aquin's  Louisiana  battery,  and  the  rifle  gun 
of  Captain  Latimer's  hattery,  were  posted  in  a  line  from  the  main 
road,  on  the  left,  to  the  mountain  on  the  right,  and  as  far  forward  as 
Majors'  house.  Captain  Latimer,  with  three  guns,  and  Lieutenant 
Terry,  with  Captain  Jonhson's  (Bedford)  battery,  were  stationed, 
by  the  Major  General  in  person,  on  Slaughter's  Mountain,  near  the 
mountain  house.  From  these  positions,  the  several  batteries  named 
opened  upon  a  large  body  of  cavalry  in  front  as  soon  as  the  infantry 
opened  upon  their  advanced  guard  from  the  woods  on  the  left.  The 
cavalry  having  at  once  fled,  and  the  enemy  opening  with  several  bat- 
teries in  our  front  and  beyond  effective  range  of  our  guns,  I  ordered 
the  batteries  in  the  plain  to  cease  firing,  and  conducted* them  forward 
to  the  positions  afterwards  taken  and  held  by  them  till  dark.  Captain 
Latimer  and  Lieutenant  Terry  continuing  their  fire  from  the  moun- 
tain, I  ordered  Captain  Latimer's  rifle  piece  to  join  the  battery  on 
theinountain,  and  having  three  of  Captain  Brown's  guns,  (two  old 
tj-pounders  and  a  howitzer,)  I  carried  the  rest  directly  forward,  and 
posted  Captain  Dement,  with  two  of  his  Napoleon  guns,  and  Captain 
Brown,  with  his  three-inch  rifle,  on  a  little  rise  on  the  right  of  Gen- 
eral Early's  brigade,  on  which  there  is  a  little  clump  of  cedars  and 
pine.s,  about  si.t  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy's  extreme  right  battery. 
The  other  section  of  Captain  Dement's  battery,  (two  Napoleons,)  and 
Captain  D'Aquin's  battery,  now  having  only  three  guns,  (having 
broken  the  axle  of  one  in  crossing  the  rough  fields  to  get  his  posi- 
tion,) I  posted  along  a  ridge  behind  Mrs.  Crittenden's  house,  i.  e., 
between  it  and  the  enemy's  battery  and  about  eight  hundred  yards 
from  the  battery  on  their  extreme  left.  From  these  positions,  the  bat- 
teries opened  upon  the  batteries  immediately  in  their  front,  as  soon 
as  they  took  their  position,  and  continued  till  dark,  their  ammuni- 
tion, fortunately,  lasting  just  till  then.  Captain  Latimer  and  Lieu- 
tenant Terry  kept  their  position  on  the  mountain  during  the  fight, 
and  kept  up  a  constant  fire.  Though  the  eff'ect  of  our  artillery  fire 
upon  their  batteries  was  evidently  terrible,  the  enemy  obstinately 
held  their  position,  except  to  move  their  pieces  a  little  to  the  right  or 
left  occasionally,  to  escape  the  deadly  shower,  and  moving  the  bat- 


63 

tery  on  their  right,  back  to  a  knoll  three  hundred  yards  in  rear,  soon 
after  they  were  opened  on  by  the  three  guns  of  Captains  Dement  and 
and  Brown  behind  the  clump  of  cedars.  About  sundown,  the  am- 
munition being  exhausted,  the  guns  which  had  been  in  action  on  the 
plain,  and  under  my  immediate  command,  were  ordered  to  tha  rear, 
and  Captain  Brown's  three  guns,  and  Captain  Revera,  with  two  par- 
rot guns,  which  had  been  kept  out  during  the  day  on  account  of  the 
want  of  experience  of  the  company,  were  sent  forward  to  their  place; 
but  these  did  not  fire.  Captain  Latimer  and  Lieutenant  Terry,  about 
the  same  time  (the  enemy  being  drawn  back,  both  infantry  and  artil- 
lery) were  ordered  forward  by  the  Major  General, 

As  to  the  conduct  of  officers  and  men  of  those  batteries  on  the 
plain,  to  which  I  confined  my  attention,  I  can  but  speak  in  the  high- 
est terms.  The  officers  and  men  of  Captain  Dement's  first  Maryland 
battery,  the  only  one  which  had  been  in  action  before,  showed  more 
coolness  and  deliberation  ;  but  ail,  without  a  single  exception,  so 
far  as  my  own  knowledge  goes  or  has  been  reported  by  company  offi- 
cers, were  fired  with  the  ardor  of  men  determined  to  be  free.  Of 
Captain  Latimer  and  Lieutenant  Terry  and  their  respective  com- 
mands, I  am  not  able  to  speak,  but  I  am  informed  they  were  under 
the  eye  of  the  Major  General  himself  for  most  of  the  time,  and  it  is 
not  necessary.  Tiie  Manchester  artillery  being  very  thinly  manned, 
was  left  in  the  rear.  The  whole  number  of  guns  of  this  division  en- 
gaged, was  sixteen  :  of  those,  six  Napoleons,  three  6-pounders,  three 
12-pounder  howitzers,  and  four  3-inch  Burton  rifles. 
Very  resi^ectfullT,  your  obedient  servant, 

A,  R.  COURTNAY, 
Chief  Artillery  ord  Division. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  GARDNER. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Regijiknt  Virginia  Volunteers, 
Cavxp  Garnett,  near  Gordonsville,  Aug.  14,  1862. 

Captain  John  H.  J'ulton, 

Adiing  Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  this  regi- 
3ient  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  creek,  on  the  9th  instant  : 

The  regiment,  being  under  my  command  by  reason  of  Colonel 
Ronald  having  been  assigned  command  of  the  brigade,  was  formed  in 
line  of  biittle  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  brigade,  under  a  heavy  fire 
of  the  enemy's  artillery,  in  the  woods  to  the  left  of  the  old  stage  road 
leading  from  Orange  to  Culpeper  Court-House,  at  about  three  hundred 
yards  distant  from  an  open  field,  where  the  enemy  was  first  discovered. 
This  regiment  advanced,  with  the  balance  of  the  brigade,  on  the  line 
of  the  fence  of  the  field  and  halted,  rectified  the  line,  and  rested  a 
few  minutes,  when  the  enemy  made  their  appearance  on  the  opposite 
eide  of  the  field,  directly  in  front  of  all  the  other  regiments,  except 
this,  which  rested  on  the  left  and  in  the  woods.  The  order  being 
given,  "  Forward,"  moved  in  line  of  battle,  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade, 
to  a  point  beyond  the  field,  where  the  enemy  had  been  driven  from. 
I  was  then  ordered  to  fall  back,  and  take  position  in  the  field  which 
was  done  promptly  and  in  good  order,  changing  front  at  right-anglea 
with  the  former  front ;  then  marched  upon  the  flank  of  the  enemy, 
driving  them  from  their  position.  In  doing  so,  this  regiment  had  to 
pass  through  a  thick  undergrowth  and  over  a  fence,  and  became  some- 
what scattered.  I  was  then  ordered  to  fall  back  and  reform  the  regi- 
ment, which  was  executed.  The  brigade  remained  in  that  position  until  a 
part  of  Major  General  Hill's  forces  took  position  on  the  left  of  this  regi- 
ment. The  whole  line  advanced,  driving  the  enemy  before  them  in 
great  confusion,  beyond  a  point  where  their  artillery  had  been  in 
position,  when  the  line  was  halted  and  skirmishers  thrown  out  in  ad- 
vance some  two  or  three  hundred  yards  ;  remained  there  a  short  time 
and  fell  back  some  two  hundred  yards,  where  we  bivouacked  for  the 
night. 

While  the  skirmishers  were  out,  they  brought  in  a  number  of  pris- 
oners, and  captured  some  horses,  mules,  &c. 

I  take  pleasure  in  commending  the  good  order  and  conduct  of  the 
officers  and  men  of  this  regiment,  which  was  all  that  I  could  wish. 

I  am  under  obligations  to  Captain  Gibson,  of  company  D,  for  hie 
iervices,  acting  as  Major  on  the  day  of  the  enegagement,  and  rendered 
me  good  service. 

Lieutenant  Kent  Ewing,  acting  as  adjutant  of  this  regiment,  ren- 
dered efficient  aid  by  hia  brave  conduct  and  promptness  in  carrying 
out  my  orders. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  casualties : 

Company  A.— Privates  S.  S.  Rider  and  E.  S.  Crockett,  killed. 


65 

Company  C. — Sergeant  James  P.  Kelly,  wounded — finger  shot  off; 
private  Wm.  Boyd,  wounded — end  of  thumb  shot. 

Company  D. — Privates  J.  Farrow,  wounded  in  side;  D.  S.  Allison, 
wounded  in  thigh. 

Company  E. — Private  William  Richardson,  killed. 
Company  F  -,— Private  George  A.  Bourne,  wounded. 
Company  G, — Private  Lewis  Weaver,  wounded  in  ankle. 
Lieutenant  James  P.  Charlton,  of  company  G,  missing,  supposed 
to  have  been  wounded  and  taken  prisoner. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

R.  D.  GARDNER, 
Lieut.  Coiontly  commanding  Fvurth  Regiment  Virginia  Vols. 
5 


RErORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  BOTTS.     . 

Headquarters  Second  Virginia  Regiment,  ) 
August  13, '1862.  5 

Captain:  In  obedience  to  order,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that, 
on  Saturday,  the  9th,  about  the  hour  of  five,  P.  M.,  the  first  brigade, 
of  which  this  (the  second  regiment  of  Virginia  infantry)  is  a  part, 
was  marched  through  the  Avoods,  near  Cedar  Run,  in  Culpepcr,  in 
column  of  re;;iraents,  within  range  of  the  enemy's  artillery,  a  shell 
occasionally  tailing  near  the  brigade.  Shortly  after,  the  column  was 
deployed  in  line  of  battle  just  at  the  ekirt  of  the  wood  facing  a  large 
field  and  another  piece  of  wood — the  division  fence  being  near  the 
centre  of  the  second  regiment.  By  order  of  Colonel  Ronald,  com- 
manding, the  brigade  was  moved  to  the  front.  Almost  immediately 
afterwards,  a  regiment  of  the  enemy  appeared  on  the  other  side  of 
the  field.  This  regiment,  though  supported  by  others  in  the  wood, 
fled  after  a  short  resistance,  and  the  second  regiment,  with  the  fourth 
and  fifth,  drove  the  enemy  through  the  wood  they  occupied.  Finding 
no  enemy  in  the  front,  and  that  the  right  wing  of  the  brigade  was 
pressed,  the  second  regiment  was  ordered  to  its  support.  Captain 
Moore,  of  company  I,  being  left  with  a  strong  company  to  scout  the 
wood  and  prevent  surprise.  Joining  the  right  wing,  the  enemy  was 
driven  again  from  position,  and  followed  till  night  rendered  pursuit 
dangerous. 

I  cannot  too  highly  commend  the  conduct  of  the  oScers  and  men 
of  my  command,  and  though  exposed  for  gome  hours  to  the  enemy's 
fire,  provinentially  no  one  was  killed,  and  but  seven  wounded.  See 
list  below. 

Respectfully, 

LAWSON  BOTTS, 
Lieutenant  Colonel,  commanding. 


List  of  Wvu7id€d. 

D.  Shepherd,  company  I;  R.  Nichol,  company  F;  J.  A.  Risccher, 
M.  O'Conner,  company  E ;  J.  Myers,  company  A ;  G.  Ashby,  com- 
pany K ;  P,  Gulls,  company  C.     All  flesh  wounds. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  IIORTON  OF  FORTY-EIGHTH  VIR- 
GINIA REGIMENT. 

Ca>:p  near  Liberty  Mills,  Virginia,  ) 
August  13,   1862.  5 

Tiios.  R.  Dunn, 

Second  Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  General : 

Lieutenant:  I  herewith  transmit  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the 
forty-eighth  regiment  of  the  second  brigade,  commanded  by  Captain 
Wm.  V.  C.  Hannum,  in  the  battle  of  the  9th  instant : 

My  regiment,  being  the  advance  of  the  second  brigade,  left  camp 
near  Rapidan  river,  about  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  followed  the  first 
brigade  until  about  two  o'clock,  P.  M  ,  when  it  was  ordered,  with  the 
rest  of  the  brigade,  to  the  front,  when  we  were  halted  to  allow  the  Hamp- 
den artillery,  Captain  Caskie's  battery,  to  pass  to  the  front,  during 
Avhich  time  a  shell  from  the  enemy's  gun,  bursting  in  our  ranks,  killed 
five  and  wounded  six  men.  The  order  was  given  to  alvance,  when, 
leaving  the  road  to  the  left,  we  proceeded  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile, 
under  cover  of  the  woods,  for  the  space  of  half  an  hour.  At  the  ex- 
piration of  half  an  hour,  we  were  again  ordered  to  advance  by  the 
flank,  a  distance  of  probably  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  where  we  were 
thrown  into  line  of  battle  upon  the  left  of  the  twenty  first  Virginia 
regiment,  which  constituted  the  right  of  our  brigade,  the  forty-second 
Virginia  regiment  upon  our  left.  The  regiment  at  this  time,  being 
commanded  by  Captain  Hannum;  was,  by  order  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Garnett,  so  thrown  into  line  as  to  cause  the  right  and  left  flanks  to 
form  risrht  angles  with  each  other.  Skirmishers  were  sent  to  the 
front  with  orders  to  fire  as  soon  as  the  enemy  came  within  range  of 
their  guns.  The  firing  soon  began  with  the  skirmishers,  which,  in  a 
few  minutes  became  general,  and  lasted  for  about  an  hour.  Finding  that 
the  enemy  had  got  in  our  rear,  almost  entirely  surrounding  us,  we 
■were  ordered  to  make  our  way  out,  but  a  portion  of  the  regiment,  not 
understanding  the  order,  remained  at  their  post,  continuing  to  fire  at 
the  enemy  in  front.  At  this  lime  reinforcements  came  up,  driving  the 
enemy  from  our  rear.  Our  regiment  was  partially  reformed,  and  then 
participated  in  a  charge  made  across  the  field,  pursuing  the  enemy 
until  dark. 

The  casualties  were  as  follows :  Four  missing,  nineteen  killed  and 
forty- three  wounded. 

J.  H.  IIORTON, 
Captain,  commanding  4Sth  Regiment  Virginia  Volunteers, 


REPORT  OF    CAPTAIN    IIAYNES  OF  TWENTY-SEVENTH 
YlllGLNIA  REGIMENT. 

HEADQUAUTERa  TwENTY-SeVENTH  ViRGINIA  ReGIMKKT,  ) 

Carnp  near  Gordonsville,  Va.,  August  13,  1S62.       ) 

Captain  J.  II.  Fulton, 

ylcli7)g  Assistant  Adjutarit  General  .* 

Sir  :  I  respectfully  submit  the  following  as  a  report  of  the  part 
my  regiment  took  in  the  battle  of  the  9th  instant,  near  MitchelPs  Sta- 
tion, in  Culpeper  county,  Virginia: 

In  placing  the  brigade  in  line  of  battle,  my  regiment  occupied  the 
extreme  right,  connecting  with  the  line  of  the  second  brigade,  and 
supported  on  the  left  by  the  thirty-third  Virginia  volunteers.  After 
having  formed  in  line  of  battle,  we  remained  for  some  time  under  a 
heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell  from  the  enemy's  artillery.  1  then,  under 
orders,  advanced  my  regiment,  in  line  with  the  brigade,  through  a  dense 
forest,  with  heavy  undergrowth  of  brush,  and  much  fallen  timber,  to 
the  fence  dividing  the  woodland  from  a  cleared  field.  Owing  to  the 
density  of  the  forest,  the  enemy  who  were  in  line  of  battle  directly 
in  front  of  us,  was  not  discovered  until  he  fired  upon  us.  1  then 
ordered  my  regiment  to  advance  to  the  fence  and  return  the  fire; 
this  was  promptly  done,  and  was  kept  up  for  some  time  with  such 
efiect  that  two  regiments  of  the  enemy,  which  immediately  confronted 
us,  commenced  falling  back  rapidly  in  much  disorder.  However,  just 
as  we  had  succeeded  in  repelling  the  enemy  in  front  of  us,  it  was  dis- 
covered that  the  regiment  which  supported  us  on  the  right  had  been 
driven  back,  and  the  enemy  were  rapidly  advancing  on  our  right, 
croBS-firing  us,  and  endeavoring  to  get  tin  our  rear.  Here  the  fire  was 
very  heavy.  I  lost  three  men  killed  and  one  wounded,  and  nofc 
having  suificient  force  to  drive  back  the  enemy  and  hold  ray  position, 
the  r*giinent  was  compelled  to  fall  back  ;  this,  on  account  of  thick 
bruj-h  and  fallen  timber  that  covered  the  ground,  caused  the  regiment 
to  Ecatter  considerably.  After  retreating  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  we  met  a  brigade  (which  I  took  to  be  Branch's)  coming  to  our 
support;  I  ftll  immediately  in  rear  of  this  brigade.  I  attempted  to 
rally  my  regiment ;  in  this  I  only  partially  succeeded.  I  then  pro- 
ceeded to  tlie  main  road,  leading  to  the  battle-field.  Arriving  here,  j  usfc 
as  General  Jackson  was  passing,  the  detached  parts  of  companies, 
which  I  had  with  me,  gave  a  cheer,  and,  at  the  personal  order  of 
General  Jackson,  followed  him  again  to  the  battle-field.  After  this, 
the  regiment  did  not  appear  as  a  regiment,  but  acted  in  detachmenta, 
some  connecting  themselves  with  other  regiments,  others  going  in 
with  stjuads  from  different  regiments,  and  some  detailed  or  ordered  back 
in  charge  of  prisoners  which  they  had  assisted  in  capturing.  While 
every  member  of  the  regiment  who  went  into  the  fight,  both  officers 
and  men,  acted  nobly  and  gallantly,  still  the  conspicuous  conduct  of 
Bome  of  tho  ofliQers  and  men,  after  the  regiment  became  broken,  and 


I 


69 

was  acting  in  independent  squads,  deserves  to  be  particularly  noticed. 
Captain  P.  F,  Frazier,  of  company  E,  individually  took  a  Yankee 
captain,  a  sergeant,  and  two  privates,  wiiilethey  were  retreating  from 
our  forces,  and  delivered  them  in  person,  and  without  any  other  guard 
than  himself,  to  General  Jackson.  Lieutenant  A.  W.  Edgar,  of  com- 
pany E,  Color-sergeant  W.  H.  Powell,  Sergeant  C.  S.  Davis,  Dr. 
J.  B.  Patton,  and  Surgeon  Stewarts,  only  two  of  the  party  having  fire 
arms,  one  having  the  colors,  and  the  lieutenant  his  sword,  at  the  in- 
stance of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardner  went  beyond  our  lines,  after  the 
fight,  and  captured  a  Yankee  picket,  of  one  sergeant  and  twelve  pri- 
vates, all  of  whom  were  armed  when  they  were  captured  ;  they  brought 
them  to  the  fourth  Virginia  volunteers,  and  delivered  them  to  the 
guard.  My  regiment  went  into  the  battle  with  less  than  one  hundred 
and  thirty  men,  rank  and  file. 

IlECAriTULATION    OF    LOSS    OF    ReGIMENT. 

Company  E, — Acting  Orderly  Sergeant  John  E.  Church,  killed. 
Company  C  — Orderly  Sergeant  Wm,  P.  Icenhoner,  killed. 
Company  D — Private  Ben  Wilson,  killed;  private  Patrick  Cava- 
naugh,  wounded  slightly. 

Three  killed  and  one  wounded. 

Very  respectfully, 

C.  L.  HAYNES, 
Captain  commanding  27lk   Virginia  liegimmt. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  LEE. 

Headquarters  Thirtv-third  Reoiment  Va.  Infantry,/) 

Camp  Garndt,  AMgnst  13,  IS02.      J 

Caaptain  J.  II.  Fi'ller,  J.  A.  A.  General  : 

Captain:  In  obedience  to  orders,  just  received,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  tlio  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  me  in  the  actioa 
of  August  Dth,  at  Cedar  Kun  :  On  the  morning  of  that  day,  at  sun- 
rise, the  brigade  left  the  bivouac  about  a  mile  from  the  b^nk  of  the 
Uapi<lan  river,  and  marched,  with  many  interruptions,  some  six  or 
.-even  miles  on  the  road  to  Culpeper  Court-IIouse.  About  mid-day, 
we  were  halted  iu  a  wood  on  the  lefc  of  the  road,  while  a  light  can- 
nonade was  going  on  some  distance  in  front.  After  remaining  quiet 
about  an  hour  and  a  half,  we  were  again  moved  forward,  perhaps  a 
mile  or  two,  and  halted  in  another  wood,  from  which  we  moved  about 
four,  P.  M.,,  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  keeping  the  woods,  by  or- 
der, to  avoid  raising  the  dust.  The  cannonade  had  become  quite  brisk, 
and  when  the  ground  in  which  we  subsequently  fought  was  reached, 
the  brigade  was  halted,  ordered  to  load,  and  form  in  line  of  battle, 
my  regiment  being  next  to  the  twenty-seventh  Virginia,  which  occu- 
pied the  right.  In  this  order  we  were  moved  forward  a  short  distance, 
and  then  formed  iu  columns  of  regiments,  right  in  front,  still  march- 
ing. In  a  short  time,  this  column  was  deployed  upon  the  leading 
regiment,  and  a  halt  ordered  at  a  fence  directly  in  front  of  us,  which, 
by  orderder  of  the  Colonel  commanding,  was  leveled.  Here  we  lay 
for  some  twenty  minutes,  under  a  very  sharp  fire  of  shell  and  spheri- 
cal case,  which  fortunately  occasioned  me  no  casualties.  At  the  end 
of  this  time,  the  brigade  was  again  moved  forward,  in  line  of  battle, 
over  a  stubble-field,  flanked  on  either  side  by  woods  ;  the  left  wing  of 
my  regiment  was  in  the  field,  the  right  in  the  woods,  and  the  twenty- 
seventh  entirely  in  the  woods  on  my  right.  After  having  advanced 
about  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards,  the  command  was  given  to 
charge,  when  the  whole  line  moved  at  a  double-quick,  the  Colonel 
commanding  leading  in  person.  Almost  simultaneously  with  this 
movement,  a  few  shots  from  our  left  drew  the  fire  from  the  line  of  the 
enemy,  who  were  well  posted  in  a  woods  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  off,  and  who,  being  able  to  see  only  a  part  of  our  force  on  ac- 
count of  a  slight  hill  over  which  the  fifth,  thirty-third  and  twenty- 
seventh  had  to  pass,  had  also  commenced  to  advance.  Here,  for  the 
first  time,  I  discovered  the  Federals  in  sight,  and  giving  the  command 
to  my  men,  they  poured  a  steady  fire  from  the  left  wing  into  the  en- 
emy's ranks.  My  horse  becoming  unmanageable,  I  dismounted,  and, 
in  common  with  other  regimental  commanders,  urged  the  men  for- 
ward. Our  line  steadily  advanced,  slowly  driving  our  opponents, 
until  I  reached  the  corner  of  the  woods  on  my  right,  where  the  right 
of  my  regiment,  and  the  vshole  of  the  twenty-seventh  came  into  view 
of  the  enemy.  The  firing  was  now  general,  but  in  front  of  me  the 
enemy  for  some  time  were  quite  steady,  and  commenced  to  flank  my 


71 

right,  getting  upon  that  flank  in  the  woods,  within  forty  steps  of  com- 
pany A.  I  sent  the  adjutant  to  see  if  the  twenty  seventh  was  avfare 
•of  this  movement,  and  to  urge  their  active  assistance.  He  reported 
:hat  the  twenty-seventh  was  not  there,  and  I  then  directed  the  fire  of 
the  three  right  companies,  A,  F  and  D,  against  the  flankers,  whose 
shots  already  enfiladed  us.  In  a  few  moments  the  ground  was  dotted 
with  their  blue  uniforms,  and  tEe  rest  retreated  more  ropidly  than 
ihey  advanced.  I  now  observed  the  fine  cfiect  of  the  fire  in  front,  and 
pushed  the  men  forward  ;  I  had  previously  informed  Colonel  Ronald 
of  the  attempted  Hank  movement,  and  almost  immediately  received  a 
message  by  his  orderly,  that  a  brigade  of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  divis- 
ion would  come  up  in  a  few  moments,  I  had  continued  to  press  the 
men  on,  driving  the  enemy,  and  as  their  retreat  became  a  run,  Gen- 
eral Branch's  brigade  arrived  upon  the  extension  of  my  line.  They 
fired  a  few  rounds,  and  then  ceased  for  a  time,  and  pushed  on  after 
the  now  fiying  enemy.  My  men  being  thoroughly  exhausted,  together 
with  myself,  the  firing  having  ceased  entirely  upon  this  part  of  tho 
field,  and  no  enemy  being  in  sight,  I  withdrew,  about  one  hundred 
yards,  and  collected  the  men,  who  had  become  somewhat  scattered  in 
the  eagerness  of  the  fight.  There  gathered  with  mo  considerable 
parts  of  the  other  regiments,  and,  having  about  half  the  brigade,  and 
being  the  senior  officer  present,  I  took  command,  and  conducted  them, 
some  half  a  mile  further  on,  to  the  Colonel  commanding,  who  had 
halted  on  a  hill  in  front,  and  upon  the  right  of  our  position,  with  the 
remainder.  We  were  engaged  from  about  five,  P.  }i.  until  dark,  and 
the  men  ccmsumed  nearly  every  cartridge.  Their  aim  was  steady,  and 
their  fire  eilective,  inflicting,  under  my  own  eye,  severe  loss  ou  tho 
enemy. 

My  casualties,  considering  the  continued  and  heavy  fire  to  which 
we  were  subjected,  were  almost  miracalously  few,  being  only  fifteen 
wounded. 

The  men  captured  a  number  of  prisoners,  and  one  of  them,  by  my 
directions,  killed  a  color-bearer,  whose  colors  were  left  on  the  field, 
and  picked  up  by  one  of  General  Branch's  men  subsequently. 

My  number  engaged  was  one  hundred  and  fifty.  I  left  camp  with 
one  hundred  and  sixty,  the  heat  causing  a  few  to  fall  out  of  the  ranks. 
I  append  a  list  of  casualties. 

It  is  with  feelings  of  the  highest  pride  that  I  commend  the  cour- 
age of  both  officers  and  men ;  all  bore  themselves  nobly,  and  I  can 
scarcely  express  my  gratification  at  their  behavior  throughout  the 
day.  Nor  canJL  mention  for  special  commendation  the  name  of  one, 
cither  ofliccr  or  private,  without  seeming  to  detract  from  the  merits  of 
others;  but  I  must  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  acknowledge 
my  indebtedness  to  P'irst  Lieutenant  D.  11.  Walton,  adjutant  of  tho 
regiment,  and  to  express  my  high  appreciation  j»f  his  conspicuously 
gallant  conduct.  Having  no  field  oflicer  with  me,  (Major  Holliday 
having  been  detailed  for  staff  duty  by  Colonel  Ronald,)  I  felt  the 
need  of  efficient  help,  and  the  want  was  fully  supplied  by  this  gentle- 
man. He  executed  my  orders  fearlessly  and  well ;  aided  me  in  di- 
recting the  fire  and  movements  of  the  men,  and,  by  personal  example, 


72 

cheered  and  encoured  them .     I  gladly  commend  him  to  the  notice  of 
the  commanding  General. 

The  noble  courage  of  Major  Holliday,  who  lost  his  right  arm,  will 
more  properly  come  under  the  report  of  the  brigade  commander. 
Rcppectfully  submitted, 

EI/WIN  G.  LEE,' 
Li(ut.  Colond,  commanding  33d  Va.  Infantry, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  J.  A.  WALKER. 

Headquarters  Thirteenth  Virginia,  ) 
August  14,   1862.      S 

Major  Hall,  A.  A.  A.  General,  Fourth  Brigade  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations 
of  my  regiment  at  the  battle  near  Mitchell's  Station  on  the  9th  instant. 

After  deploying  regiment  as  skirmishers,  as  directed  by  the  Gen- 
eral commanding  the  brigade,  wo  advanced  into  the  woods,  between 
us  and  the  enemy,  about  two  hundred  yards,  where  the  left  wing, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Terrill,  encountered  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  consisting  of  a  small  squadron  of  two  or  three  companies, 
that  attempted  to  charge  the  line,  but  were  driven  back,  with  a  known 
loss  of  two  men  and  one  horse  killed.  Further  on  in  the  woods,  the 
right  wing  came  in  sight  of  their  videttes,  who  retired,  firing  at  a 
safe  distance,  until  they  fell  back  to  their  main  body,  drawn  up  in 
the  field  beyond.  When  we  reached  the  edge  of  the  wood,  I  halted 
the  line  and  opened  fire  upon  the  main  body  of  their  cavalry  in  the 
field,  and  kept  it  up  until  the  rest  of  the  brigade  came  up,  but  the 
distance  was  too  great  to  do  much  execution.  When  the  rest  of  the 
brigade  came  up,  I  was  ordered  to  close,  my  regiment  and  form  on 
its  left,  which  I  did  and  held  that  position,  whilst  It  lay  behind  our 
batteries,  under  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  ;  and  advanced  with  it 
and  the  third  brigade,  (immediately  on  my  left,)  when  ordered  for- 
ward, to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy's  line, 
advancing  through  the  corn-field,  beyond  the  branch.  At  this  point 
the  fighting  was  obstinate  for  several  minutes,  the  enemy  advancing 
slowly,  but  steadily,  until  the  brigade  upon  my  left  gave  way  and  ran 
ofi"  the  field  in  disorder.  The  panic,  thus  begun,  was  communicated 
to  two  or  three  regiments  on  my  right,  which  also  fell  back,  leaving 
my  regiment  and  a  portion  of  the  thirty-first  Virginia,  commanded 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jackson,  the  only  Confederate  troops  in  that 
part  of  the  field  in  sight  of  our  position.  Finding  that  one  piece  of 
artillery,  which  had  been  brought  up  on  the  right,  and  a  little  in  ad- 
vance of  my  regiment,  was  thus  placed  in  great  "jeopardy,  I  ordered 
my  own  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jackson's  men  forward  to  hold  the 
enemy  in  check  until  it  could  be  carried  off.  The  men  obeyed  with 
alacrity,  and,  advancing  about  thirty  yards,  opened  a  well-directed 
fire,  which  had  the  desired  effect  of  checking  the  advance  of  that 
portion  of  the  enemy's  line,  directly  in  our  front,  till  the  piece  was 
removed.  We  continued  to  hold  our  position  for  a  few  moments, 
holding  the  enemy  in  front  in  check,  when,  finding  the  enemy  had 
advanced,  under  cover  of  the  woods  on  our  left,,  over  the  ground 
abandoned  by  the  third  brigade,  and  had  crossed  the  road  into  the 
field  considerably  in  rear  of  our  position,  and  were  pouring  a  very 
annoying  fire  into  my  left  flank,  and  seeing  no  reinforcements  in 
Bight,  I  ordered  my  regiment  to  fall  back,  and  carried  it  off  obliquely 


to  the  right  and  rear,  in  tolerable  order.  We  had  no  sooner  given  up 
our  position  than  the  enemy,  following,  planted  a  Federal  and  a  Ma- 
ryland Hag  where  ours  stood  a  moment  before,  and  opened  fire  upon 
us  at  very" short  range.  We  continued  to  fall  back  for  about  two 
hundred  yards,  when  fresh  troops  coming  up  on  our  left,  and  the 
enemy  beginning  to  give  back  on  that  flank,  1  immediately  halted  my 
men  and,  reforming  them  upon  the  colors,  advanced  directly  back  to 
our  former  position,  driving  the  two  stands  of  colors  before  us. 

At  this  time  the  enemy  brought  up  a  fresh  line  through  the  corn- 
field, and  for  ten  minutes  the  firing  was  heavy  and  both  sides  stood 
firm,  when  the  enemy  began  to  give  way  along  the  whole  line,  and 
our  troops,  dashing  forward  with  a  shout,  crossed  the  branch  and 
cleared  the  field  of  their  infantry.  The  enemy's  cavalry  attempted 
to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of  the  day  by  charging  our  advancing  and 
disordered  lines,  and  dashed  down  the  wheat-field,  on  the  left  of  the 
road,  in  gallant  style.  As  their  column  was  advancing  on  my  left, 
with  the  main  road  between  us,  I  advanced  my  men  to  the  ieft  and 
front,  up  to  the  fence  along  the  road,, at  double-quick,  and  gave  them 
a  flank  fire,  which,  together  with  the  heavy  fire  from  other  regiments 
immediately  in  their  front,  was  very  destructive  and  drove  them  from 
the  field  in  confusion  and  disorder.  After  this  charge,  the  enemy 
made  no  further  stand,  and  we  continued  the  pursuit,  with  the  other 
troops,  until  it  was  discontinued,  when  I  left  them  in  charge  of  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Terrill  and.  reported  to  the  General  commanding 
brigade.  It  would  be  impossible  for  troops  to  behave  better  than 
mine  did  on  this  day.  With  a  few  exceptions,  they  fought  bravely, 
obeying  all  the  commands  of  their  ofiicera  promptly  and  cheerfully, 
displaying,  throughout  the  whole  day,  an  amount  of  bravery  and  dis- 
ciplined valor,  which  I  don't  believe  has  been  excelled  during  the 
war.  I  herewith  enclose  a  report  of  the  casualties  on  that  day. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

J,  A.  WALKER, 
Colonel  Thirteenth   Virginia  Infantry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  R.  L.  Wx\LKER. 

Headquarters  Aktillkry  Battalion,  } 
March,  18G3.      J 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  suhmit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  the  artillery  of  the  light  division  in  the  battle  of  Cedar 
Run,  August  9th,  1S62  : 

At  about  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  all  ray  batteries  being  in  park  near 

the  house   of ,  I  received  an  order  from  Major  General  A.  P. 

Hill  to  carry  forward  all  my  long-range  guns,  which  order  I  imme- 
diately obeyed,  but  was  unable  to  get  more  than  two  of  my  batteries 
in  position,  as  the  road  was  so  blocked  up  with  Avagons  and  ambu- 
lances as  to  prevent  any  more  artillery  from  reaching  the  front.  The 
two  batteries  placed  in  position  were  those  of  Captains  Pcgram  and 
Fleet.  1  posted  them  in  position  on  the  fi:^ld  and  near  the  centre, 
passing  through  the  gate  at  which  I  found  Captain  Caslde's  battery, 
which  had  converged  the  fire  of  the  enemy  to  a  point  necessary  to 
be  passed  by  all  of  our  troops.  Captain  Pegrauvs  battery,  and  Cap- 
tain Fleet's  battery,  the  latter  commanded  by  Lieutenant  B.  W. 
Hardy,  were  posted,  as  stated,  about  near  the  centre  of  the  field  and 
within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers.  Lieu- 
tenant. Hardy  being  in  front. 

These  batteries  were  supported  by  the  brigade  of  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral Early,  and  held  their  position  for  at  least  half  an  hour,  and  after  the 
infantry,  with  the  exception  of  the  thirteenth  Virginia  regiment,  had 
fallen  back  from  them.  So  soon  as  I  saw  the  light  division  make 
its  appearance,  I  ordered  the  batteries  to  retire,  the  loss  in  both  men 
and  horses  being  considerable. 

Reports  of  these  losses  have  already  been  made  to  the  proper  offi- 
cers. 

I  moved  forward  as  soon  as  possible,  with  all  the  artillery  at  my 
command,  and,  by  General  Hill's  order,  brought  the  batteries  of  Cap- 
tains Pogram.  Braxton,  Latham,  and  a  part  of  Captain  Fleet's  battery, 
to  bear  upon  the  point  supposed  to  be  occupied  by  the  enemy's. 
At  ten  o'clock  that  night,  after  firing  about  eight'  rounds  from  each 
gun.  Captain  Pegram  was  sent  forward  with  Colonel  Stafford's  brig- 
ade, and  had,  for  an  hour  or  more,  a  severe  fight  with  the  enemy, 
losing  several.men  and  horses  and  inflicting  considerable  loss  upon 
the  enemy.  Next  morning  at  daylight,  I  was  ordered  by  General 
Hill  to  select  a  position  much  to  our  left  and  on  the  south  side  of  the 
creek,  which  I  did,  placing  two  batteries  of  mine,  viz  :  Captains 
Fleet's  and  Donelson's  and  one  of  General  Early's.  This  position 
commanded  the  enemy's  camp  somewhat  to  their  rear.  Captains  Pe- 
gram and  Hardy  inflicted  great  loss  on  the  enemy  on  Saturday  even- 
ing, and  their  conduct,  with  that  of  the  men  under  their  command, 
cannot  be  too  highly  commended.  The  batteries  of  my  command 
cannot  be  too  highly  commended.     The  batteries  of  my  command  were 


7b 


all  retired  on  SuniUy  evening,  Captain  Braxton  bringing  up  the  rear 
and  retiring  by  half  battery.  ^  ^ 

1  Lave  the  honor  to  remain,  Major,  your  oVt  serv  t, 

II.  L.  WALKER, 
Lieut.    Colonel  commanding  Artillery  Division.   - 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  POAGUE.  * 

Camp  Near  Gordonsville,  Virginia,  ) 
August  14,  1862.      \ 
Captain  J.  II.  Fulton, 

A.  A.  A.  General,  First  Brigade^  V.  J).  : 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  folio-wing  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  the  battery  under  my  command  in  the  battle  of  the  9th 
instant,  at  Cedar  Run  : 

About  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  by  order  of  Major  Andrews,  two  parrott 
guns  were  taken  to  the  front,  along  the  road  leading  to  Culpepci* 
Court-llouse.  These,  along  with  Captain  Carpenter's  parrott  piece, 
were,  by  direction  of  Major  Andrews,  posted  in  the  road  so  as  to  en- 
filade the  enemy's  batteries  then  engaging  our  batteries  on  the  right. 
The  caissons  were  left  behind  some  distance,  there  not  being  room  to 
station  them  in  rear  of  their  pieces.  After  firing  about  half  an 
hour,  one  of  my  pieces  becoming  unserviceable  from  enlargement  of 
the  vent,  was  sent  to  the  rear.  The  other  continued  its  fire  until  the 
enemy's  skirmishers  approached  within  two  hundred  yards,  and,  hav- 
ing exhausted  the  ammunition  in  the  limber  chest,  it  was  ordered 
back  to  its  caisson  and  the  chest  refilled.  By  the  direction  of  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  it  was  afterwards  posted  in  the  field  on  the  right  of  the 
road.  My  twelve-pounder  was  also  brought  forward.  In  conjunction 
with  Captain  Carpenter's  gun  and  one  of  Lieutenant  Mark's,  a  rapid 
fire  was  opened  on  the  enemy's  battery,  by  which  several  of  their 
guns  were  silenced  and  compelled  to  leave  the  field.  The  enemy's 
infantry  were  now  advancing  through  the  corn-field  in  front,  and  I 
felt  confident  we  could  be  able  to  drive  them  back,  having  been  rein- 
forced by  a  battery  of  four  guns.  At  this  juncture  our  own  in- 
fantry advanced,  surrounding  the  guns,  and  thus  causing  them  to 
cease  firing.  No  position  could  bo  gotten  afterwards  without  danger 
to  our  own  infantry. 

About  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  battery  joined  tho  brigade,  and  that 
night  slept  on  the  battle-field. 

In  this  engagement,  I  am  happy  to  report  no  serious  casualties — 
only  one  man  wounded — Robert  Vanpelt,  slightly  in  left  arm.  Sev- 
eral others  received  very  slight  biuises  from  pieces  of  shell 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state  that  the  conduct  of  all  the  men 
and  officers,  without  exception,  was  most  admirable.  At  the  most 
trying  moment,  when  our  gallant  and  esteemed  brigade  commander, 
and  the  chief  of  artillery  were  cut  down  in  their  midst,  they  retained 
their  accu:3tomed  self-possession,  and  nobly  stood  by  their  pieces. 
Even  those  two  or  three  who,  in  a  former  engagement,  behaved  in 
an  unsoldierly  manner,  now  acted  well  and  bravely,  as  if  deter- 
mined to  wipe  out  all  traces  of  their  previous  conduct. 
Very  respectfully,  jour  obedient  servant, 

WM.  T.  POAGUE, 
Captain  Rockbridge  Artillery. 


.   RErORT  OF  CAPTAIN  D'AQUIN. 

Cavp  Wheat,  August  14,   1S62. 

The  following  is  a  report  of  the  behavior  of  the  officers  and  mcD  of 
the  Louisiana  Guard  artillery  in  the  engagement  of  the  9th  instant  : 

The  behavior  of  both  officers  and  men  of  this  command  in  the 
battle  of  the  Hth,  vms  such  as  might  be  experted  of  men  fighting  for 
their  homes  and  liberties.  It  would  be  doing  injustice  to  the  others 
to  mention  any  one  for  better  behavior.  All  seemed  to  have  always 
been  under  fire  ;  they  behaved  like  veterans,  although  this  was  their 
first  engagement.  Besides,  there  was  no  opportunity  for  individual 
distinction.  There  vere  none  absent  without  leave,  nor  could  I  have 
made  them  leave,  even  if  I  had  ordered  it. 

L.  E.  D'AQUIN,  Captain. 


PvEPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  CARPENTER.. 

Headquarters  Carpenter's  Batterv,      ) 
In.  Camp  near  . Gordon sville,  August  14,   1862.) 

To  Colonel  Ronald, 

Co77imanding  First  Brigade,   V.  D.  : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  circular  issued  from  headquarters  Valley  Dis- 
trict, on  the  13th  instant,  I  have  to  make  the  following  report  of  tho 
part  taken  by  this  battery  in  the  action  of  Cedar  Run,  on  the  9th  day 
of  August,  ]SQi.  I  received  orders  early  in  the  afternoon  to  take 
my  Parrotf  piece  to  the  front,  which  ^yas  promptly  executed,  placing 
it  in  position  within  seven  hundred  yards  of  five  or  si.x  pieces  of  the 
enemy.  Major  Andrews,  thinking  it  would  be  rather  an  unequal 
contest,  ordered  me  not  to  commence  firing  until  Captain  Poague 
could  bring  his  in  position,  when  we  commenced  firing,  which  was 
soon  returned  most  vigorously ;  but  a  short  time  sufficed  to  force 
them  back  some  three  hundred  yards,  when  we  advanced  about  half 
that  distance,  where  we  kept  up  firing  until  their  infantry,  who  at- 
tempted to  flank  us,  were  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred 
yards  of  us,  and  our  infantry  falling  back  past  us.  Moving  to  the 
right  some  two  hundred  yards,  came  into  position  again.  The  in- 
fantry still  falling  back,  I  again  limbered  up,  and,  from  carelessness 
of  the  drivers,  broke  the  pole,  when  with  difficulty  got  the  piece  off, 
leaving  the  limber  on  the  field,  which  I  had  repaired  as  soon  as  the 
Yankees  were  driven  back,  being  ready  for  service  by  nine  o'clock. 
The  other  three  pieces  were  brought  up  u^der  range  of  ^^he  enemy's 
guns,  but  not  ordered  into  position.  The  detachment  which  was  en- 
gaged deserves  particular  notice  as  having  done  their  duty.  Some 
two  or  three  of  them  having  exhausted  themselves  so,  felt  unable  to 
do  anything.  Sending  word  back  to  the  Captain,  he  started  to  bring 
me  a  new  detachment,  when  he  was  wounded  in  the  forehead.  W. 
M,  McAllister,  (private,)  shot  through  the  arm,  the  only  man 
wounded.  I  also  have  to  report  private  William  J.  Winn  as  having 
left  the  company  that  morning  without  leave,  and  not  being  seen  till 
tl^e  next  day,  which  he  has  been  in  the  habit  of  doing. 

J.  C.  CARPENTER, 
Lieutenant  commanding  Battery. 


SUMMER  CAMPAIGN  OF  1862. 


FROM  TOR  BATTLE  OF  CEDAR   RUN"  TO.  AND  IN- 
CLUDING, THE  BATTLE  OF  SHARFSBURG. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  LONG STREET. 


Headquarters  near  Winchester,  Va., 
October  10,  1862. 

Brigadier  General  R.  II.  Chilton, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General  .* 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  commancPin  the  late  campaign  : 

In  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  commanding  General,  the  com- 
roand  marched  from  Gordonsville  on  the  16th  August,  crossing  the 
Rapidan  on  the  20th,  at  Raccoon  ford. 

The  next  day,  at  Kelly's  ford,  I  received  orders  to  move  up  the 
Rappahannock  to  Rappahannock  Station.  As  we  were  withdrawing 
from  Kelly's  ford,  the  enemy  crossed  the  river  and  made  an  attack 
upon  the  rear  brigade,  (  Featherston's,)  under  the  command  of  Colo- 
nel Fosey.  After  a  sharp  skirmish,  Colonel  Fosey  drove  him  back 
with  considerable  loss. 

Arriving  at  Rappahannock  Station,  General  Hood  with  his  own  and 
Whiting's  brigade  was  detached  to  relieve  a  portion  of  General  Jack- 
son's command  at  Freeman's  ford.  About  the  moment  that  General 
Hood  reached  this  ford,  the  enemy  crossed  in  considerable  force,  and 
made  an  attack  upon  the  commands  of  Brigadier  Generals  Trimble 
and  Hood.  They  however  drove  him  back  across  the  river  in  much  con- 
fusion and  with  heavy  loss.  Meanwhile  I  had  ordered  Colonel  Walton 
to  place  his  batteries  in  position  at  Rappahannock  Station,  and  to 
drive  the  enemy  from  his  positions  on  both  sides  of  the  river. 

The  batteries  were  opened  at  sunrise  on  the  23rd,  and  a  severe  can- 
nonade continued  for  several  hours.  In  about  two  hours,  however, 
the  enemy  was  driven  across  the  river,  abandoning  his  tete-de-pont. 
The  brigades  of  Brigadier  Generals  Evans  and  D.  R.  Jones,  the  latter 


81 

lander  Colonel  G.  T,  Anderson,  moved  forward  to  occupy  this  positioa. 
It  was  found  untenable,  however,  being  exposed  to  a  cross  fire  of  ar- 
tillery from  the  other  bank.  The  troops  were  therefore  partially  with- 
drawn, and  Colonel  S,  D  Lee  v/as  ordered  to  select  positions  for  hia 
batteries,  and  joined  in  the  combat.  The  enemy's  position  was  soarj 
rendered  too  warm  for  him,  and  he  took  advantage  of  a  severe  raia 
fitorm  to  retreat  in  haste,  after  firing  the  bridge  and  the  private  dwel- 
lings in  its  vicinity.  Colonel  Walton  deserves  much  credit  for  skill 
in  the  management  of  his  batteries,  and  Colonel  Lee  got  into  position 
in  time  for  some  good  practice. 

The  next  day,  August  24th,  the  command,  continuing  the  march  up 
the  Rappahannock,  crossed  Hazel  river  and  bivouacked  at  Jeffer- 
Eonton. 

On  the  2.5th,  we  relieved  a  portion  of  General  Bickson's  command 
at  Waterloo  bridge.  There  was  more  or  less  skirmishing  at  this  point 
until  the  afternoon  of  the  2r)th,  when  the  march  was  resumed,  crosg- 
ing  the  Rappahannock  at  Hinson's  Mill  ford,  six  miles  above  Water 
loo.  A  dash  of  several  squadrons  of  Federal  cavalry  into  Salem  ia 
front  of  us  on  the  27th,  delayed  our  march  about  an  hour.  Not  hav- 
ing cavalry,  I  was  unable  to  ascertain  the  meaning  of  this  movement^ 
hence  the  delay.  This  cavalry  retired,  and  the  march  was  resumed, 
resting  for  the  night  at  White  Plains.  The  head  of  my  column 
reached  Thoroughfare  Gap  about  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  On  the  2.St]i, 
a  small  party  of  infantry  was  sent  into  the  mountains  to  reconnoitro. 
Passing  through  the  Gap,  Colonel  Beck,  of  the  ninth  Georgia  regi- 
ment, met  the  enemy  ;  but  was  obliged  to  retire  before  a  greatly  supe- 
rior force.  The  enemy  held  a  strong  position  on  the  opposite  gorge, 
and  succeeded  in  getting  his  sharpshooters  in  position  on  the  moun- 
tain. Brigadier  General  D.  R.  Jones  advanced  two  -of  his  brigades 
rapidly,  and  soon  drove  the  enemy  from  his  position  on  the  mountaitt. 
Brigadier  General  Hood,  with  his  own  and  General  Whiting's  brigade, 
was  ordered,  by  a  footpath  over  the  mountain,  to  turn  the  eneray'g 
right,  and  Brigadier  General  Wilcox  with  his  own  and  Brigadier  Gen- 
erals Featherston's  and  Pryor's  brigades,  yvas  ordered  through  Hope- 
well G;ip,  three  miles  to  our  left,  to  turn  the  right  and  attack  the  enerar 
in  rear.  The  enemy  made  his  attack  upon  Jones,  however,  before  these 
troops  could  get  into  their  position,  and,  after  being  repulsed  with: 
severe  loss,  commenced  his  retreat  just  before  night.  In  this  affair^ 
the  conduct  of  the  first  Georgia  regulars,  under  Major  Walker,  waa 
dashing  and  gallant. 

Early  on  the  29th,  the  columns  were  united,  and  the  advance,  t9 
join  General  Jackson,  was  resumed.  The  noise  of  battle  was  heard 
before  we  reached  Gainesville.  The  march  was  quickened  to  the  ex- 
tent of  our  rapacity.  The  excitement  of  battle  seemed  to  give  now 
life  and  strength  to  our  jaded  men,  and  the  head  of  my  column  soon 
reached  a  position  in  rear  of  the  enemy's  left  flank,  and  within  easj 
cannon  shot.  On  approaching  the  field,  some  of  Brigadier  General 
Hood's  batteries  were  ordered  into  position,  and  his  division  was  de- 
ployed on  the  right  and  loft  of  the  turnpike,  at  right-angles  with  it, 
and  supported  by  Brigadier  General  Evans'  brigade.  Before  these 
6 


as 

b-^tteries  could  open,  the  enemy  discovered  our  movements  and  with- 
/liow  his  left.  Another  battery  (Captain  Stribling's)  was  placed  upon 
a  commanding  position  to  my  right,  which  played  upon  the  rear  of  the 
enemy's  left  and  drove  him  entirely  from  that  part  of  tho  field.  Ho 
Changed  hia  front  rapidly  eo  as  to  meet  the  advance  of  Hood  and 
Evans. 

Three  brigades,  under  General  Wilcox,  were  thrown  forward  to  the 
anpport  of  the  left,  and  three  others,  under  General  Kemper,  to  the 
support  of  the  right  of  these  commands.  General  D.  R.  Jones' 
division  was  placed  upon  the  Manassas  Gap  railroad,  to  tho  right  and 
I-  echelon  with  regard  to  the  three  last  brigades.  Colonel  Walton 
J 'iced  his  batteries  in  a  commanding  position  between  my  line  and 
cl.at  of  General  Jackson,  and  engaged  the  enemy  for  several  hours, 
111  a  severe  and  8i^:essful  artillery  duel.  At  a  late  hour  in  the  day, 
Riajor  General  Stuart  reported  the  approach  of  the  enemy  in  heavy 
columns  agajnst  my  extreme  right,  I  withdrew  General  Wilcox,  with 
hn  three  brigades,  from  the  left  and  placed  his  command  in  position 
t:^  support  Jones  in  case  cf  an  attack  against  my  right.  After  some 
f  :^  shots,  the  enemy  withdrew  his  forces,  moving  them  around  towards 
L.j  front,  and  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  began  to  press  for- 
yx^rd  against  General  Jackson's  position.  Wilcox's  brigades  were 
moved  back  to  their  former  position,  and  Hood's  two  brigades,  sup- 
f^rted  by  Evans,  were  quickly  pressed  forward  to  the  attack.  At  the 
same  time  Wilcox's  three  brigades  made  a  like  advance,  as  also  Hun- 
tcn's  brigade,  of  Kemper's  command., 

These  movements  were  executed  with  commendable  zeal  and  ability. 
Eood,  supported  by  Evans,  made  a  gallant  attack,  driving  the  enemy 
back  till  nine  o'clock  at  night.  One  piece  of  artillery,  several  regi- 
Eiontal  standards,  and  a  number  of  prisoners  were  taken.  The  ene- 
ny's  entire  force  was  found  to  be  massed  directly  in  my  front,  and  in, 
80  strong  a  position  that  it  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  move  on 
a/^ainst  his  immediate  front,  so  the  troops  were  quietly  withdrawn  at 
one  o'clock  the  following  morning.  The  wheels  of  the  captured  piece 
were  cut  down  and  it  was  left  on  the  ground.  The  enemy  seized  that 
opportunity  to  claim  a  victory,  and  the  Federal  commander  was  so 
impudent  as  to  despatch  his  Government,  by  telegraph,  tidings  to  that 
effect.  After  withdrawing  from  the  attack,  my  troops  were  placed  in 
the  line  first  occupied  and  in  the  original  order. 

During  the  day,  Colonel  S.  D.  Lee,  with  his  reserve  artillery, 
placed  in  the  position  occupied  the  day  previous  by  Colonel  Walton 
and  engaged  the  enemy  in  a  very  severe  artillery  combat.  The  result 
was,  as  the  day  previous,  a  success.  At  half-past  three  o'clock  in  the 
aiternoon,  I  rode  to  the  front  for  the  purpose  of  completing  arrange- 
tnonts  for  making  a  diversion  in  favor  of  a  flank  movement,  then  un- 
der contemplation.  Just  after  reaching  my  front  line,  I  received  a 
message  for  reinforcements  for  Generl  Jackson,,  who  was  said  to  be 
severely  pressed.  From  an  eminence  near  by,  one  portion  of  tho 
enemy's  masses  attacking  General  Jackson  were  immediately  within 
my  view  and  in  easy  range  of  batteries  in  that  position.  It  gave  mo 
ftb  advantage  that  I  had  not   expected  to  have,  and  I  made  haste  to 


83 

tase  it.     Two  batteries  were  ordered  for  the  purpose  and  one  placed  in. 
position  immediately  and  opened.     Just  as  this  fire  began,  I  received 
a  message  from  the  commanding  General,  informing  me  of  General 
Jackson's    condition   and  his    wants.     As    it   was    evident   that  the 
attack  against  General  Jackson    could  not   be  continued  ten  minutes 
under  the  fire  of  these  batteries,  I  made  no  movement  with  my  troops. 
Before  the  second  battery  could  be  placed  in  position,  the  enemy  be- 
gan to  retire,  and  in  less  than  ten  minutes  the  ranks  were  broken  and 
that  portion  of  his  army  put  to  flight.    A  fair  opportunity  was  offered: 
me  and  the  intended  diversion  was  changed  into  aa  attack.    My  whole 
line  was  rushed    forward    at  a  charge.     The    troops    sprang  to    their 
work,  and  moved  forward    with  all    the    steadiness  and    firmness  that 
characterise  war-worn  veterans.     The  batteries  continuing  their  play 
upon  the  confused  masses,  completed  the  work  of  this  portion  of  the, 
enemy's  line,  and  my  attack    was,  therefore,  made   against  the  forces- 
in  in y  front.      The  order  for  the    advance    had    scarcely  been    given,, 
when  I  received  a  messngo  from   the    commanding  General,  anticipa- 
ting  some  such  emergency,   and   ordering  the  move  which  was  then: 
going  on,  at  the  same  time  offering  me  Major  General  Anderson's  di- 
vision.    The  commanding  General  soon  joined  me  and  a  few  momenta 
after,  IMajor  General  Anderson    arrived    with  his  division.     The  ar-i 
tack  was  led  by  Mood.".*  brigade,  closely  supported  by  Evans.     Thesft' 
were  rapidly  reinforced  by  Anderson's  division  from  the  rear,  Kemt 
per's  three  brigades  and  D.  R.  Jones'    division    from  the   right,  and 
Wilcox's  brigade    from  the  left.     The  brigades  of  Brigadier  Generals  • 
Featherston  and  Pryor  became  detached  and   operated  with  a  portioa. 
«f    General    Jackson's    command.     The   attacking    columns    moved 
steadily  forward,  driving   the  enemy  from   his  different  positions  as 
rapidly  as  he  took  them.     My   batteries   were    thrown   forward  from 
point  to  point,  following  the  movements  of  the  general  line.     These, 
however,  were  somewhat  detained  by  an  enfilade  fire  from  a  battery 
on  my  left.     This  threw  more  than  its  proper  share  of  fighting  upon 
the  infantry,  retarded  our  rapid  progress,  and  enabled  the  enemy  to 
escape  with  many  of  his  batteries,  which  should  have  fallen  into  oui 
hands.     The  battle  continued  until  ten  o'clock  at  night,   when  utter 
darkness  put  a  stop  to  our   progress.'     The  enemy  made    his  escape 
across  Bull  Run  before  daylight.     Three  batteries,  a  large  number  of; 
prisoners,  many  stands  of  regimental    colors,    and    twelve    thousand  ; 
fiitands  of  arm,  besides  some  wagons,  ambulances,  &c.,  were  taken. 

The  next  day,  like  the  day  after  the  first  battle  of  Manassas  plains,  . 
was  stormy  and  excessively  disagreeable.     Orders  were  given  early 
in  the  day  for  caring  for  the  wounded,  burying  the  dead,  and  collect- 
ing arms  and  other  supplies. 

About  noon,  General  Pryor,  with  his  brigade,  was  thrown  across 
Bull  Run  to  occupy  the  heights  between  that  and  Cub  Run,  and  at 
two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  balance  of  the  command  marched  to 
cross  Bull  Run  at  Sudley  ford.  Crossing  the  run  on  the  following 
day,  the  command  marched  for  Chantilly,  via  the  Little  River  turn- 
pike. The  enemy  was  repoited  in  position  in  our  front  as  we  reached 
Chantilly,  and  he  made  an  attack  upon  General  Jackson  before  mjr 


8'4 

troops  arrived.    He  -was  repulsed,  hcvrever,*  before  my  reinforcements 
got  up  and  disappeared  during  the  night. 

On  the  second  of  September,  the  command  marched  via  Drainsville, 
Leesburg,  and  across  the  rotoraac.  at  White's  ford,  to  Frederick  City, 
Maryland,  arriving  there  on  the  7th.  I  moved  from  Frederick  for 
Hagcrstown  on  the  lOth  and  reached  there,  with  part  of  my  command 
on  the  nth,  sending  six  brigadcp.  under  Major  General  Anderson, 
to  CO- operate  with  Major  General  McLaws  in  the  assault  upon  Mary- 
land Heights  and  Harper's  Ferry.  During  the  operations  against 
this  garrison  the  approach  of  a  large  army  from  AVashington  city  for 
its  relief  was  reported.  "We  were  obliged  to  make  a  forced  march  in 
order  to  rcuch  lioonsboro'  Pass  to  assist  Major  General  D  H.  Hill's 
division  in  holding  this  army  in  check,  so  as  to  give  time  for  the  re- 
duction of  Harper's  Ferry.  1  reached  Boonsboro  about  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  and,  upon  ascending  the  mountain,  found  General  Hill 
heavily  engaged.  My  troops  were  hurried  to  his  assistance  as  rap- 
idly as  their  exhausted  condition  would  admit  of.  The  brigades  of 
Brigadier  Generals  Evans,  Pickett,  (under  Garnett,)  Kemper,  and 
Jenkins,  (under  Colonel  Walker,)  were  extended  along  the  mountain 
to  our  left.  Brigadier  General  Hood,  with  his  own  and  Whiting's 
brigade,  (under  Colonel  Law,)  Drayton's  and  D.  R.  Jones',  (under 
Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson.)  were  extended  to  the  right.  Major  General 
Hill  had  already  placed  such  batteries  in  position  as  he  could  find 
ground  for,  except  one  position  on  the  extreme  left.  Ic  was  my  inten- 
tion to  have  placed  a  battery  in  this  position,  but  I  was  so  much  oc- 
cupied in  front,  that  I  could  find  no  time  to  do  so  before  nightfall. 

We  succeeded  in  repulsing  the  repeated  and  powerful  attacks  of  the- 
enemy,  and  in  holding  our  position  till  night  put  an  end  to  the 
battle.  It  was  short,  but  very  fierce.  Some  of  our  most  gallant 
ofiBcers  and  men  fell  in  this  struggle,  among  them  the  brave  Colonel 
J.  B.  Strange,  of  the  nineteenth  Virginia  regiment. 

Had  the  command  reached  the  mountain  pass  in  time  to  have  gotten 
into  position  before  the  attack  was  made,  I  believe  that  the  direct  as- 
saults of  the  enemy  could  have  been  repulsed  with  comparative  ease. 
Hurried  into  action,  however,  we  arrived  at  our  position  more  ex- 
hausted than  the  enemy.  It  became  manifest  that  our  forces  were  not 
Bufficicnt  to  resist  the  renewed  attacks  of  the  entire  army  of  General 
McClellan.  He  would  require  but  little  time  to  turn  either  flank  and 
our  command  must  then  be  at  his  mercy.  In  view  of  this,  the  com- 
manding General  ordered  the  withdrawal  of  our  troops  to  the  village 
of  Sharpsburg.  This  position  was  regarded  as  a  strong  defensive  one, 
besides  being  orie  from  which  we  could  threaten  the  enemy's  flank  or 
rear,  in  case  ue  should  attempt  to  relieve  the  garrison  at  Harper's  Ferry. 

Crossing  the  Antietam,  on  the  morning  of  the  loth,  Major  General 
D.  H.  Hill's  division  and  my  own  command,  were  placed  in  line  of 
battle  between  the  stream  and  the  village  of  Sharpsburg.  Soon  after 
getting  into  position  we  heard  of  the  surrender  of  Harper's  Ferry. 
This  left  the  portions  of  the  army  enegaged  in  the  reduction  gf  that 
garrison  free  to  join  us.  After  much  shelling  at  one  point  and  another 
of  our  line,  which  extended  more  than  a  mile  on  each  side  of  Sharps- 


85 

burg,  the  enemy  finally  attacked  General  Hood,  on  my  extreme  left, 
late  Tuesday  evening,  September  16th.  Hood  drove  him.  back,  but 
not  without  severe  loss,  including  that  of  Colonel  Liddell,  of  the 
eleventh  Mississippi,  an  officer  of  great  merit,  modesty  and  promise. 
During  the  nght,  the  enemy  threw  his  forces  across  the  Antietam,  in 
front  of  Hood's  position,  and  renewed  his  attack  at  daylight  the  next 
morning.  Hood  was  not  strong  enough  to  resist  the  masses  thrown 
against  him.  Several  of  Major  General  D.  H.  HilTs  brigades  rein- 
forced the  position,  but  even  with  these,  our  forces  seemed  but  a 
handful  when  compared  with  the  hosts  thrown  against  us.  The  com- 
mands engaged  the  enemy,  however,  with  great  courage  and  determi- 
nation, and,  retiring  very  slowly,  delayed  him  until  the  forces  of  Gen- 
erals Jackson  and  Walker  came  to  our  relief.  D.  R.  Jones"  brigade, 
under  Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson  came  up  about  the  same  moment,  and 
soon  after  this,  the  divisions  of  Major  Generals  McLaws  and  R.  H. 
Anderson.  Colonel  S.  D.  Lee's  reserve  artillery  was  with  General 
Hood,  and  took  a  distinguished  part  in  the  attack  on  the  evening  of 
the  IGth.  and  in  delaying  that  of  the  17th,  General  Jackson  soon 
moved  oft"  to  our  left,  for  the  purpose  of  turning  the  enemy's  right  flank, 
and  the  other  divisions,  except  Walker's,  were  distributed  at  other 
points  of  the  line.  As  these  movements  were  made,  the  enemy  again 
throw  forward  his  masses  against  my  left.  This  attack  was  met  by 
Walker's  division,  two  pieces  of  Captain  Miller's  battery  of  the  Wash- 
ington artillery,  and  two  pieces  of  Captain  Bryce's  battery,  and 
was  driven  back  in  some  confusion.  An  effort  was  made  to  pursue; 
but  our  line  was  too  weak.  Colonel  Cooke,  of  the  twenty-seventh 
North  Carolina,  very  gallantly  charged  with  his  own  regiment;  but, 
his  supply  of  ammunition  being  exhausted,  and  he  being  unsupported, 
he  was  obliged  to  return  to  his  original  position  in  the  line. 

From  this  moment  our  centre  was  extremely  weak,  being  defended 
by  but  part  of  Walker's  division,  and  four  pieces  of  artillery,  Cooke's 
regiment  of  that  division  being  without  a  cartridge.  In  this  condi- 
tion, again  the  enemy's  masses  moved  forward  against  us.  Cooke 
stood  with  his  empty  guns,  and  waved  his  colors  to  show  that  his 
troops  were  in  position.  The  artillery  played  upon  their  ranks  with 
canister.  Their  lines  began  to  hesitate,  soon  halted,  and,  after  an 
hour  and  a  half,  retired. 

Another  attack  was  quickly  made,  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  last. 
Captain  Miller  turning  his  pieces  upon  these  lines,  and  playing  upon 
thfm  with  round  shot,  (over  the  heads  of  R.  H.  Anderson's  men,) 
checked  the  advance,  and  Anderson's  division,  with  the  artillery,  held 
the  enemy  in  check  until  night.  This  attack  was  followed  by  the  final 
assault,  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  the  enemy  crossed  the  bridge 
in  front  of  Sharpsburg,  and  made  his  desperate  attack  upon  my  right. 
Brigadier  General  Toombs  held  the  bridge,  and  defended  it  most  gal- 
lantly, driving  back  repeated  attacks,  and  only  yielded  it  after  the 
forces  brought  against  him  became  overwhelming  and  threatened  his 
flank  and  rear. 

The  enemy  was  then  met  by  Brigadier  General  D;  R.  Jones  with 
six  brigades.     He  drove  back  our  right  several  times,  and  was  himr 


86 

self  made  to  retire  several  timep,  badly  crippled  ;  but  his  strong  rern- 
forcements  finally  enabled  him  to  drive  in  my  rif];ht,  and  occupy  this 
part  of  my  ground.  Thus  advanced,  the  enemy's  line  was  placed  in 
each  a  position  as  to  enable  General  Toombs  to  move  his  brigade 
directly  against  his  flank.  General  Jones  seized  the  opportunity, 
and  threw  Toombs  down  against  the  enemy's  flank,  drove  him  back 
and  recovered  our  lost  ground. 

Two  of  the  brigades  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division 
advanced  against  the  enemy's  front  as  General  Toombs  made  his  flank 
attack. 

The  display  of  this  force  was  of  great  value,  and  it  assisted  us  in 
holding  our  position. 

Theencmy  took  shelter  behind  a  stone  wall,  and  another  line  was 
advanced  to  the  crest  of  a  hill,  in  support  of  his  first  line. 

Captain  Richardson's,  ])rown'8  and  ]\Ioody's  batteries  were  placed 
in  position  to  play  upon  the  second  line,  and  both  lines  were  even- 
taally  driven  back  by  these  batteries.  Before  it  was  entirely  dark, 
the  hundred  thousand  men  that  had  been  threatening  our  destruction 
for  twelve  hours,  had  melted  away  into  a  few  stragglers. 

The  battle  over,  orders  were  sent  around  for  ammunition  chests  and 
cartridge  boxes  to  be  re-filled.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  ISth,  a 
few  sharpshooters  began  to  exchange  shots.  I  observed  that  the  ene- 
my had  massed  his  artillery  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Antietam, 
with  a  view,  apparently,  to  meet  an  attack  from  us.  Our  ranks  were 
too  much  thinned  to  warrant  a  renewal  of  the  conflict,  with  the  chances 
of  being  drawn  under  the  fire  of  this  artillery.  The  eftort  to  make  a 
flank  movement  by  our  left,  the  day  previous,  developed  the  fact  that 
the  enemy  had  extended  his  right,  so  as  to  rest  it  upon  the  Potomac, 
and  thus  envelope  our  left  flank.  From  our  position,  it  was  impossi- 
ble to  make  any  move,  except  a  direct  assault  upon  some  portion  of 
the  enemy's  line,  I,  therefore,  took  the  liberty  to  address  a  note  to  the 
commanding  General,  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  suggesting 
a  withdrawal  to  the  south  side  of  the  Potomac.  Before  my  note 
reached  him,  however,  he  rode  to  my  bivouac  and  expressed  the  same 
views.  Arrangements  to  move  across  the  Potomac  were  completed 
by  dark.  My  command,  moving  first,  crossed  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  part  of  it  was  placed  in  position,  in  case  it  should 
be  needed  at  the  ford.  The  entire  army  crossed,  however,  without 
molestation,  and,  as  directed  by  the  commanding  General,  I  proceeded 
to  form  his  line.  As  this  was  completed,  it  became  evident  that  the 
enemy  was  not  pursuing,  except  with  some  of  his  batteries  and  some 
small  force.  The  various  commands  were  then  marched  oif  to  their 
points  of  bivouac. 

The  name  of  every  cflicer,  non-commissioned  officer  and  private, 
^ho  has  shared  in  the  toils  and  privations  of  this  campaign,  should 
be  mentioned. 

In  one  month,  these  troops  had  marched  over  two  hundred  miles, 
■upon  little  more  than  h;ilf  rations,  and  fought  nine  battles  and  skir- 
oiishes,  killed,  wounded  and  captured  nearly  as  many  men  as  we  had 
;«n  our  ranks,  besides  taking  arms  and  other  munitions  of  war  in  larg 


ST 

quantities.  I  would  that  I  could  do  justice  to  all  of  these  gallatt 
oflScers  and  men  in  this  report.  As  that  is  impossible,  I  shall  only 
mention  those  most  prominently  distinguished.  These  were  Major 
General  R.  H.  Anderson,  on  the  plains  of  Manassas,  at  Harper's 
Ferry  and  at  Sharpsburg,  where  he  was  wounded  severely.  Briga- 
dier General  D.  R.  Jones,  at  Thoroughfare  Gap,  Manassas  plains, 
Boonsboro'  and  Sharpsburg.  Brigadier  General  R.  Toombs,  at 
Manassas  plains,  in  his  gallant  defence  of  the  bridge  at  Antietara, 
and  in  his  vigorous  charge  against  the  enemy's  flank.  He  was  severely 
wounded  at  the  close  of  the  engagement.  Brigadier  General  Wilcox, 
at  Manassas  plains,  on  the  29th  and  30th  of  August,  afterwards 
abscn^sick.  Brigadier  General  Garnett,  at  Boonsboro' and  Sharps- 
burg. Brigadier  General  Evans,  on  the  plains  at  Manassas,  both  en 
the  29th  and  3l)th  of  August,  and  at  Sharpsburg.  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral Kemper,  at  Manassas  plains,  Boonsboro'  and  Sharpsburg.  Brig- 
adier General  Hood  and  Colonels  Law  and  Woftord,  at  Manassas 
plains,  and  on  the  20th  and  30th  of  August,  Boonsboro'  and  &t 
Sharpsburg,  on  the  IGth  and  17th.  Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson,  com- 
manding D.  R.  Jones'  brigade,  at  Thoroughfare  Gap,  Manassas  plaine, 
Boonsboro'  and  Sharpsburg.  Brigadier  General  Mahone,  at  Manassas 
plains,  where  he  received  a  severe  wound.  Brigadier  General  R.  A. 
Pryor,  at  Sharpsburg.  Brigadier  General  Jenkins,  at  Manassas 
plains,  on  the  29th  a.nd  3()th  of  August ;  on  the  last  day  severely 
wounded  Colonels  Hunton,  Corse,  Stuart,  Stevens,  Hately,  (severely 
wounded,)  and  Walker,  (commanding  Jenkins'  brigade,  after  the  latter 
was  wounded.)  at  Manassas  plains,  Boonsboro'  and  Sharpsburg, 
Colonel  Posey,  at  Manassas  plains  and  Sharpsburg,  where  he  com- 
manded Featherston's  brigade.  Colonel  Benning,  at  Manassas  plains 
and  Sharpsburg.  At  Sharpsburg,  Captain  Miller,  of  the  Washington 
artillery,  was  particularly  distinguished.  Colonel  Walton,  of  the 
W^ashington  artillery,  at  Rappahannock  Station,  Manassas  plains 
(August  29th)  and  Sharpsburg.  And  Major  Garnett,  at  Rappahan- 
nock Station.  Lieutenant  Colonels  Skinner  and  Marye,  at  Manassas 
plains,  where  they  were  both  severely  wounded.  Major  Walker,  at 
Thoroughfare  Gap  and  Manassas  plains.  In  the  latter  engagement, 
this  gallant  officer  was  mortally  wounded. 

It  is  with  no  common  feeling  that  I  recount  the  loss,  at  Manassas 
plains,  of  Colonels  Gadberry,  eighteenth  South  Carolina,  Means, 
seventeenth  South  Carolina,  Moore,  second  South  Carolina,  Glover, 
first  South  Carolina,  Nelson,  seventh  Georgia,  and  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Upton,  fifth  Texas.  At  Boonsboro,  Colonel  J.  B.  Strange,  nine- 
teenth Virginia  volunteers,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  McLemore,  fourth 
Alabama,  and,  at  Sharpsburg,  Colonel  Liddell,  eleventh  Mississippi. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Coppens  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  second 
Georgia  volunteers.  These  valuable  and  gallant  officers  fell  in  the 
unflinching  performance  of  their  duty,  bravely  and  successfully  head- 
ing their  commands  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight. 

To  my  staff  officers,  Major  G.  M.  Sorrell,  Assistant  Adjutant  Gene- 
ral, who  was  wounded  at  Sharpsburg,  Lieutenant  Colonel  P.  T.  Man- 
ning, Chief  of  Ordnance,  Major  J.  W.  Fairfax,  Major  Thomas  Walton, 


89 

vho  was  also  wouni^ed  at  Sharpsburg.  Captuin  Thomas  Goree  and 
Lieutenant  K.  W.  Llackwell,  I  am  under  renewed  and  lasting  obliga- 
tions. These  officers,  full  of  courage,  intelligence,  patience  and  ex- 
perience, were  able  to  give  directions  to  commands  such  as  they 
thought  proper,  which  were  at  once  approved,  and  commanded  my 
admiration.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Blunt  volunteered  his  services  to  me 
et  Eoonsboro'.  and  was,  both  there  and  at  Sharpsburg,  of  material  ser- 
vice to  me.  The  medical  department,  in  charge  of  Surgeon  Cullen, 
■were  active  and  unremitting  in  the  care  of  the  wounded,  and  have  my 
thanks  fDr  tht-ir  humane  efforts. 

My  party  of  couriers  were  zealous,  active  and  brave.  They  are 
justly  entitled  to  praise  for  the  manly  fortitude  and  courageous  con- 
duct shown  by  them  in  the  trying  scenes  of  the  campaign.  The  cav- 
alry escort,  commanded  by  Captain  Doby,  have  my  thanks  for  meri- 
torious conduct  and  valuable  aid.  Captain  Doby,  Lieutenants  Bonny 
end  Matthieson,  Sergeants  Lee  and  Ilaile,  and  Corporals  Whitaker 
end  Salmond,  were  distinguished  in  the  active  and  fearless  performance 
cf  their  arduous  duties. 

I  am  indebted  to  Colonel  R.  II.  Chilton,  Colonel  Long,  Majors  Tay- 
I:>r,  Marshall,  Venable  and  Talcott,  and  Captains  Mason  and  Johnson, 
cf  the  staff  of  the  comaiianding  General,  for  great  courtesy  and  kind- 
ness in  assisting  me  on  the  difl'erent  battle  fields. 

I  respectfully  ask  the  attention  of  the  commanding  General  to  the 
reports  of  division,  brigade,  and  other  commanders,  and  approve  their 
high  encomiums  of  their  officers  and  men. 

Reports  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing  have  already  been  for- 
warded. 

I  remain,  sir,  with  respect,  vour  obedient  servant. 

J.  LONGSTREET, 
Lie'utenant  General  commanding. 


89 


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RErORT  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON  OF  OPERATIONS  FROM 
loTH    AUGUST  TO  5th  SEPTEMBER,  1862. 

Cottage  House,  N.  C,  May  22,  1863. 

Colonel  R.  U.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  mid  I.  General,  Department  N.  V.  : 

Colonel:  On  opening  General  Jackson's  trunk  in»Lexington,  Vir- 
ginia, we  found  in  it  the  accompanying  report  of  the  operations  of 
his  couiiuand,  from  the  15th  of  August  to  5th  of  September,  1802. 
Also  an  iinfinislud  report  embracing  operations  of  his  command  from  5th 
of  September  to  the  end  of  the  Maryland  campaign.  The  unfinished 
repcrt  I^icutenant  Smith,  A.  D.  C,  has.  He  intends  giving  it  to 
Colonel  Faulkner  to  finish;  it  will  then  be  forwarded. 
1  am.  Colonel,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  MORIUSON,  A.  D.  C.     • 
io  Lieut.  GcneralJackson. 


Headquarters  Second  Coups,  A.  N.  V.,  April  27,  1863. 

Brigadier  General  R,  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  A.  General,  Headquarters  BepH  A.  N.  V.  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  submit  to  you  a  report  of 
the  operations  of  my  command  from  the  loth  of  August  to  the  5th 
day  of  September.  1862,  embracing  the  several  engagements  of  Ma- 
nassas Junction,  Bristoe  Station,  Ox  Hill,  and  so  much  of  the  battle 
of  Gioveton,  on  the  28th,  29th  and  3()th  of  August  as  was  fought  by 
the  troops  under  my  command: 

On  the  15th  of  August,  in  obediedience  to  instructions  from  the 
commanding  General,  I  left  my  encampment  near  Gordonsville,  and, 
passing  Orange  Court-House,  encamped  in  the  evening  near  Mount 
Pisgah  church,  where  1  remained  until  the  20th,  when,  in  accordance 
with  my  instructions,  whilst  General  Longstreet  was  crossing  at  Rac- 
coon ford,  I  crossed  the  same  river  at  Somerville  ford.  The  com- 
mand encamped  for  the  night  near  Stevensburg,  My  command  at 
this  time  comprised  Ewell's,  A.  P.  Hill's  and  Jackson's  divisions. 
E well's  was  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Lawton,  Early, 
Hays,  (Cfrlonel  Forno  commanding)  and  and  Trimble,  with  the  bat- 
teries of  Brown,  Dement,  Latimer,  Balthis  and  D'Aquin.  A. 
P.  Hill's  division  was  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Branch, 
Gre^g.  Field,  Pender,  Archer  and  Colonel  Thomas,  with  the  batte- 
ries ,of  Braxton,  Latham,  Crenshaw,  Mcintosh,  Davidson  and  Pe- 
gram.  Jackson's  division,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  William 
B  Taliaferro,  was  composed  of  Winder's  brigade,  (Colonel  Baylor 
commanding,)  Colonel  Campbell's  brigade,  (Major  John  Seddon  com- 


91 

manding,)  Brigadier  General  William  B.  Taliaferro's  brigade,  (Colo- 
nel A.  G.  Taliaferro  commanding,)  and  Starke's  brigade,  with  the 
batteries  of  Brockenbrough,  Wooding,  Poague,  Carpenter,  Caskie 
and  Raines.  Major  General  Stuart,  with  his  cavalry,  co-operated 
during  the  expedition,  and  I  shall  more  than  once  have  to  acknowl- 
ed-'e  mv  oblisraticns  for  the  valuable  and  efficient  aid  which  he  ren- 
der(?d, 

Ealy  ©n  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  command  left  its  encampment 
and  moved  in  the  direction  of  Beverly's  ford,  on  the  Rappahannock, 
General  Taliaferro's  command  in  the  lead.  On  approaching  the  ford, 
the  enemy  was  seen  on  the  opposite  bank  Batteries  of  that  division, 
under  the  direction  of  Major  Shumaker,  chief  of  artillery,  were  placed 
in  position,  which,  after  a  short  resistance,  (as  reported  by  General 
Taliaferro,)  silenced  the  enemy's  guns,  and  dispersed  his  infantry. 
Major  General  Stuart  had  crossed  with  a  portion  of  his  cavalry,  sup- 
ported by  some  pieces  of  artillery,  and,  after  skirmishing  with  the  en- 
emy a  few  hours,  taking  some  prisoners  and  arms,  returned  with  the 
information  that  the  Federal  forces  were  moving  in  strength  upon  his 
position,  and  were  close  at  hand.  The  enemy  soon  appeared  on  the 
opposite  bank,  and  an  animated  firing  was  opened,  and,  to  a  consid- 
erable extent,  kept  up  across  the  river  for  the  rest  of  the  day,  be- 
tween the  Federal  artillery  and  the  batteries  of  Taliaferro's  com- 
mand. 

On  the  following  morning,  (22d,)  the  three  divisions  continued  their 
march  up  the  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  General  Evell  in  the  ad- 
vance, and  crossed  Hazel  river,  cne  of  its  tributaries,  at  Wellford's 
mill,  near  which  General  Trimble  was  left  with  his  brigade  to  protect 
the  flank  of  our  wagon  train  from  the  enemy,  who  was  moving  up  the 
north  side  of  the  Rappahannock,  simultaneously  with  the  advance  of 
our  troops  on  the  south  side. 

About  twelve  M.,  a  small  party  surprised  part  of  the  train,  and 
captured  some  ambulances  and  mules,  which  were,  however,  soon  re- 
covered, and  some  prisoners  taken,  Avho  gave  information  that  a  more 
considerable  Federal  force  had  crossed  the  river, 

Aboat  four,  P.  M.,  General  Trimble,  supported  by  General  Hood, 
(who  was  the  advance  of  Longstreet's  command,)  had  a  sharp  engage- 
ment with  this  force,  in  which,  after  gallantly  charging  and  taking 
a  number  of  prisoners,  they  drove  the  residue,  with  severe  loss, 
across  the  river,  under  the  protection  of  the  guns  of  the  main  body 
of  the  Federal  army,  on  the  opposite  side.  In  the  meantime  the  com- 
mand passed  Freeman's  ford,  which  it  found  strongly  guarded,  and 
moved  on  to  a  point  opposite  the  Fauquier  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
where  we  found  the  bridge  destroyed,  and  other  evidence  that  the  en- 
emy was  in  close  proximity. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  22d,  the  thirteenth  Georgia,  Colonel  Doug- 
las, Brown's  and  Dement's  batteries  of  four  guns  each,  and  Early's 
brigade,  crossing  over,  took  possession  of  the  Springs  and  adjacent 
heights,  and  taking  some  prisoners  and  incurring  some  risk  from  the 
rain  and  sudden  rise  of  the  water,  which  for  a  few  hours  cut  oiT  com- 
munication with  the  main  body.     Iix  this  critical  situation,  the  skill 


92 

and  presence  of  mind  of  General  Early,  was  favorably  displayed.  It 
was  decrued  advisable  not  to  attempt  a  passage  at  that  point,  but  to 
proceed  higer  up  the  river. 

IJy  dawn,  on  tbe  morning  of  the  21th,  General  Early,  by  means  of 
a  tetrporary  bridge,  which  had  been  constructed  for  his  relief,  had  his 
troop?  and  artillery  safely  on  the  southern  side. 

On  the  21  th,  there  was  a  fierce  cannonade  between  General  Hill's 
artillery  and  that  of  the  enemy  across  the  river.  In  the  meantime, 
General  Stuart,  who  had  preceded  me.  crossed  the  Rappahannock, 
striking  the  enemy  in  his  rear,  making  his  brilliant  night  attack  upon 
his  camp  at  Catlett's  Station,  capturing  many  prisoners,  personal 
baggage  of  General  Pope,  and  his  despatch  book,  containing  informa- 
tion of  value  to  us  in  this  expedition.  In  the  evening,  we  moved 
near  Jcffersonton.  Pursuing  the  instructions  of  the  commanding 
General,  I  left  Jeffersonton  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  to  throw  my 
command  between  Wa?hington  city  and  the  army  of  General  Tope, 
and  to  break  up  his  raihoad  communication  with  the  Federal  capital. 
Taking  the  route  by  Amissville,  crossing  Hedgcmaii  river,  one  of  ■  the 
tributaries  of  the  Rappahannock,  at  Ilenson's  mill,  and  moving  via 
Orlean,  we  reached  the  vicinity  o/  Salem,  after  a  severe  days'  march, 
and  K'ivouicked  there  for  the  night.' 

On  the  next  day,  (26th,)  the  march  was  continued,  diverging  to  the 
right  at  Salem,  crossing  the  Bull  Run  mountain  through  Thor- 
oughfare Gap,  and,  passing  Gainesville,  we  reached  Bristoe  Station 
on  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad  after  sunset. 

At  Gainesville,  I  was  joined  by  General  Stuart,  who,  after  leaving 
the  vicinity  of  Waterloo  Bridge,  about  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  had,  by  a 
rapid  march,  come  up  in  time  to  render  all  useful  assistance,  lie 
kept  upon  my  right  flank  during  the  residue  of  the  day.  My  com- 
mand was  now  in  rear  of  General  Rope's  army,  separating  it  from  the 
Federal  capital  and  its  base  of  supply.  As  we  approached  Bristoe 
Station,  the  sound  of  cars  coming  from  the  direction  of  Warrenton 
Junction,  was  heard,  and  General  Ewell  divided  his  force  80  as  to 
take  simultaneous  possession  of  the  two  points  of  the  railroad.  Col- 
onel Munford,  with  the  second  Virginia  cavalry,  co  operated  in  this 
movement.  Two  trains  of  cars  and  some  prisoners  were  captured, 
the  largest  portion  of  the  small  Federal  force  at  that  point  making 
its  escape.  Learning  that  the  enemy  had  collected  at  Manassas 
Junction,  a  station  about  seven  miles  distant,  stores  of  great  value, 
I  deemed  it  important  that  no  time  should  be  lost  in  securing  them. 
Kotwiihstanding  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  the  fatiguing  march 
which  would,  since  dawn,  be  over  thirty  miles,  before  reaching  the 
Junction,  Brigadier  General  Trimble  volunteered  to  proceed  tliere 
forthwith,  with  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina,  (Lieutenant  Colonel 
Fulton  commanding,)  and  the  twenty-first  Georgia,  (Major  Glover  com- 
manding,) in  all,  about  five  hundred  men,  and  capture  the  place.  I 
accepted  the  gallant  offer,  and  gave  him  orders  to  move  without  de- 
lay. In  order  to  increase  the  prospect  of  success,  Major  General 
Stuart,  with  a  portion  of  his  cavalry,  was  subsequently  directed  to 
move  forward,  and,  as   the  ranking  officer,  to   take  command  of  the 


93 

expe(?ition.  The  duty  was  cheerfully  undertalcen  by  all  who  were 
assigned  to  it,  and  most  promptly  and  successfully  executed.  Not- 
withstanding the  Federal  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery,  our  infantry 
dispersed  the  troops  placed  there  for  the  defence  of  the  place,  and 
captured  eight  guns,  with  seventy  two  horses,  equipments  and  am- 
munition complete,  immense  supplies  of  commissary  and  quartermas- 
ter stores,  upwards  of  two  hundred  new  tents;  and  General  Trimble 
also  reports  the  capture  of  over  three  hundred  prisoners,  and  cno 
hundred  and  seventy-five  horses,  exclusive  of  those  belonging  to  the 
artillery,  besides  recovering  over  two  hundred  negroes.  The  next 
morning,  the  divisions  under  command  of  Generals  Hill  and  Talia- 
ferro, moved  to  Manassas  Junction,  the  division  of  General  Ewell 
reniJiining  at  Bristoc  Station.  About  a  mile  before  reaching  the 
Junction,  Colonel  Baylor  encountered  and  dispersed  a  regiment  of 
Federal  cavalry.  Soon  after  the  advance  of  the  troops  from  Bristoe 
Station  reached  the  Junction,  they  were  fired  upon  by  a  distant  bat- 
tery of  the  enemy  posted  in  the  direction  of  the  battlc-GoM  of  j\Ia- 
nassas.  This  arlillevy  was  soon  driven  off,  and  retreated  in  the 
direction  of  Centreville.  Soon  after,  a  consilerable  body  of  Federal 
infantry,  under  Brigadier  General  Taylor,  of  New  Jersey,  came  in 
sight,  having,  it  is  believed,  that  morning  left  Alexandria  in  the  cars, 
and  boldly  pushed  forward  to  recover  the  position  and  stores  which 
had  been  lost  the  previous  night.  The  advance  was  made  with  great; 
spirit  and  determination,  and  under  a  leader  worthy  of  a  better  cause. 
Assailed  by  the  batteries  of  Poague  and  Carpenter,  and  some  of  Gen- 
eral Hill's  division,  and  apparently  seeing  that  there  was  danger  of 
its  retreat  being  cut  off  by  our  other  troops  if  it  continued  to  move 
furward,  it  soon  commenced  retreating,  and,  being  subjected  to  a  heavy 
fire  from  our  batteries,  was  soon  routed,  leaving  its  killed  and 
wounded  upon  the  field.  Several  brigades  of  General  HilTs  division 
pressed  forward  in  pursuit.  In  this  conflict,  the  Federal  commander, 
General  Taylor,  was  mortally  wounded. 

Our  loss  was  small.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  parae  day,  heavy  col- 
umns of  the  enemy  were  seen  approaching  Bristoe  Station  from  the 
direction  of  Warrenton  Junction,  and  on  the  right  of  the  railroad. 
General  Ewcll  promptly  made  dispositions  to  meet  them.  So  soon  as 
the  enemy  came  within  range,  the  batteries  of  his  division  opened 
upon  them  from  their  several  positions,  as  did  also  the  sixth  and 
eighth  Louisiana  and  sixtieth  Georgia  regiments.  By  this  combined 
fire,  two  columns  of  the  enemy,  of  not  less  than  a  brigade  each,  were 
driven  back,  Jjut  fresh  columns  soon  .supplied  their  places,  and  it 
was  obvious  that  the  enemy  was  advancing  in  heavy  force.  General 
Ewell's  instructions  were,  if  hard  pressed,  to  fall  back  and  join  the 
main  command  at  Manassas  Junction,  and  orders  were  accordingly 
given  for  the  withdrawal  of  his  forces  north  of  Broad  Run.  At  th) 
moment  of  issuing  this  order,  a  portion  of  the  troops  were  actively 
engaged,  and  the  enemy  advancing,  and  yet  the  withdrawal  of  the 
infantry  and  artillery  was  conducted  with  perfect  order,  General 
Early  closing  up  the  rear.  The  Federals  halted  near  Bristoe  Station, 
and   General    Ewell    moved   without   further  molestatioD,    Colonel 


94 

Munford,  of  the  secoml,  and  Colonel  Rosser,  of  the  fifch  Virginia 
cavalry,  bringing  up  his  rear  to  Manassas.  The  destruction  of  the 
railroad  bridge  across  Broad  Run  was  entrusted  to  Lieutenant  (now 
Captain)  Boswell,  of  the  engineer  corps,  under  whoso  superinten- 
dence the  duty  was  promptly  and  efhcienily  e>:ecuted.  Orders  were 
given  to  supply  the  troops  with  rations  and  other  articles  which  they 
could  properly  make  subtJcrvient  to  their  use  from  the  captured  prop- 
erty. It  was  vast  in  quantity  and  of  great,  value,  comprising  fifty 
thousand  pounds  of  bacon,  one  thousand  barrels  of  corn-beef,  two 
thousand  barrels  of  salt  pork,  two  thousand  barrels  of  flour,  quarter- 
masters', ordnance,  and  sutlers'  stores,  deposited  in  buildings  and  fill- 
ing two  trains  of  cars.  Having  appropriated  all  that  we  could  use, 
and  unwilling  that  the  residue  should  again  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  who  took  possession  of  the  place  the  following  day,  orders 
were  given  to  destroy  all  that  remained  after  supplying  the  immediate 
wants  of  the  army.     This  was  done  during  the  night. 

General  Taliaferro  moved  his  division  that  night  across  to  the 
Warrcnton  and  Alexandria  turnpike,  pursuing  the  road  to  Sudloy 
mill,  and  crossing  the  turnpike  in  the  vicinity  of  («roveton,  halted 
near  the  battle-field  on  the  21st  of  July,  1861.  Ewell's  and  Hill's 
divisions  joined  Jackson's  on  the  '28th.  My  command  had  hardly 
concentrated  north  of  the  turnpike  before  the  enemy's  advance  reached 
the  vicinity  of  Groveton  from  the  direction  of  Warrcnton  General 
Stuart  kept  me  advised  of  the  general  movements  of  the  enemy, 
whilst  Colonel  RoS'ser,  of  the  cavalry,  with  his  command,  and  Colo- 
nel Bradley  T.  Johnson,  commanding  Campbell's  brigade,  remained 
in  front  of  the  Federals  and  operated  against  their  advance.  Dis- 
positions were  promptly  made  to  attack  the  enemy,  based  upon  the 
idea  that  he  Avould  continue  to  press  forward  upon  the  turnpike  to- 
wards Alexandria.  But  as  he  did  not  appear  to  advance  in  force, 
and  there  was  reason  to  believe  his  main  body  was  leaving  the  road, 
and  inclining  towards  Manassas  Junction,  my  command  was  advanced 
through  the  woods,  leaving  Groveton  on  the  left,  until  it  reached  a 
commanding  position  near  Brawner's  house.  By  this  time  it  was 
near  sunset,  but  his  column  appeared  to  be  moving  by  with  its  flank 
exposed.  X  determined  to  attack  at  once,  which  was  vigorously  done 
by  the  divisions  of  Taliaferro  and  Ewell.  The  batteries  of  Wooding, 
Poague  and  Carpenter  were  placed  in  position  in  front  of  Starke's 
brigade,  and  above  the  village  of  Groveton,  and  firing  over  the  heads 
of  our  skirmishers,  poured  a  heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell  upon  the 
enemy.  This  was  responded  to  by  a  very  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy, 
forcing  our  batteries  to  select  another  position.  By  this  time,  Talia- 
ferro's command,  with  Lawton's  and  Trimble, s  brigades  on  his  left, 
were  advanced  from  the  woods  to  the  open  field,  and  were  now  mov- 
ing in  gallant  style  until  they  reached  an  orchard  on  the  light  of  our 
line,  and  were  less  than  a  hundred  yards  from  a  large  force  cf  the 
enemy.  The  conflict  here  was  fierce  and  sanguinary.  Although 
largely  reinforced,  the  Federals  did  not  attempt  to  advance,  but 
maintained  their  ground  with  obstinate  determination.  Both  lines 
stood  exposed  to  the  discharge  of  musfcetry  and  artillery,  until  about 


95 

nine  o'clock,  -when  the  enemy  slowly  fell  back,  yielding  the  field  to 
our  troops.  The  loss  on  both  sides  was  heavy,  and  among  our 
wounded  were  Major  General  Ewell  and  Brigadier  General  Taliaferro, 
the  latter,  after  a  few  months,  was  able  to  assume  his  duties,  the  for- 
mer, I  regret  to  say,  is  still  disabled  by  his  wound,  and  the  army 
thi7s  deprived  of  hia  valuable  services. 

This  obstinate  resistance  of  the  enemy  appears  to  have  been  for  the 
purpose  of  protecting  the  flank  of  his  column  until  it  should  pass 
the  position  occupied  by  our  troops.  Owing  to  the  diflSculty  of  get- 
ting artillery  through  the  woods,  I  did  not  have  so  much  of  that  arm 
as  I  desired  at  the  opening  of  the  engagement ;  but  this  want  was  met 
by  Major  Peiham,  with  the  Suart  horse  artillery,  who  dashed  forward 
on  my  right  and  opened  upon  the  enemy  at  a  moment  when  his  ser- 
vices were  much  needed.  Althouirh  the  enemy  moved  off  undercover 
of  the  night,  and  left  us  in  quiet  possession  of  the  field,  he  did  not 
long  permit  us  to  remain  inactive,  or  in  doubt  as  to  his  intention  to 
renew  the  conflict.  The  next  morning  I  found  that  he  had  abandoned 
the  ground  occupied  as  the  battle-field  the  evening  before,  and  had 
moved  further  to  the  east,  and  to  my  left,  placing  himself  between 
my  command  and  the  Federal  capital.  My  troops  on  this  day  were 
distributed  along  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cut  of  an  unfinished  rail- 
road, (intended  as  a  part  of  the  track  to  connect  the  Manassas  road 
directly  with  Alexandria,  (stretching  from  the  Warrenton  turnpike 
in  the  direction  of  Sudley  mill.  It  was  mainly  along  the  excava- 
tion of  this  unfinished  road  that  my  line  of  battle  was  formed  on  the 
29th,  Jackson's  division,  under  Brigadier  General  Starke,  on  the 
right,  Ewell'a  division,  under  Brigadier  General  Lawton,  in  the  cen- 
tre, and  Hill's  division  on  the  left.  In  the  morning,  about  ten  o'clock, 
the  Federal  artiilerj  opened  with  spirit  and  animation  upon  our  right, 
which  was  soon  replied  to  by  the  batteries  of  Poague,  Carpenter,  De- 
ment, Brockeubrough,  and  Latimer,  under  Major  Shumaker.  Tins 
lasted  for  some  time,  when  the  enemy  moved  around  more  to  our  left 
to  another  point  of  attack.  His  next  effort  was  directed  against  our 
left.  This  was  vigorously  repulsed  by  the  batteries  of  Braxton, 
Crenshaw,  and  Pegram.  About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  Federal  in- 
fantry, in  large  force,  advanced  to  the  attack  of  our  left,  occupied  by 
the  division  of  General  Hill.  It  pressed  forward  in  defiance  of 
our  fatal  and  destructive  fire  with  great  determination,  a  portion  of 
it  crossing  a  deep  cut  in  the  railroad  track,  and  penetrating  in  heavy 
force  an  interval  of  near  a  hundred  and  seventy-five  yards,  v/hich 
separated  the  right  of  Gregg's  from  the  left  of  Thomas'  brigade.  For 
a  short  time  Gregg's  brigade,  on  the  extreme  left,  was  isolated  from 
the  main  body  of  the  command.  But  the  fourteenth  South  Carolina 
regiment,  then  in  reserve,  with  the  forty-ninth  Georgia,  left  of  Col. 
Thomas',  attacked  the  exultant  enemy  with  vigor,  and  drove  them  back 
across  the  railroad  track  with  great  slaughter.  Gen.  McGowan  re- 
ports that  the  opposing  forces,  at  one  time,  delivered  their  volleys  into 
each  other  at  the  distance  of  ten  paces.  Assault  after  assault  was 
made  on  the  left,  exhibiting  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  great  pertina- 
city and  determination,  but  every  advance  was  most  successfully  and 


9^ 

gallantly  driven  back.  "General  Hill  reports  that  six  separate  and 
distinct  assaults  were  thus  met  and  repulsed  by  his  division,  assisted 
by  Hays'  brigade,  Colonel  Forno  commanding.  By  this  time  the 
brigade  of  General  Gregg,  which,  from  its  position  on  the  extreme 
left,  wjis  most  exposed  to  the  enemy's  attack,  had  nearly  expended  its 
ammunition.  It  had  sufft^red  severely  in  its  men,  and  all  its  field  offi- 
cers, except  two,  were  killed  or  wounded.  About  four  o'clock  it  had 
been  assisted  by  Hay's  brigade,  (Colonel  Forno.)  It  was  now  retired 
to  the  rear  to  take  some  repose  after  seven  hours  of  severe  service 
and  General  Early's  brigade,  of  Ewcll's  division,  with  the  eighth  Lou- 
isiana regiment,  took  its  place.  On  reaching  his  position,  General 
Early  found  that  the  enemy  had  obtained  possession  of  the  railroad  and 
a  piece  of  wood  in  front,  there  being  at  this  point  a  deep  cut,  which 
furnished  a  strong  defence.  Moving  through  a  field,  he  advanced 
upon  the  enemy,  (Irove  them  from  the  wood  and  railroad  cut  with 
great  slaughter,  and  followed  in  pursuit  some  two  hundred  yards. 
The  thirteenth  Georgia  at  the  same  time  advanced  to  the  railroad  and 
crossed  with  Early's  brigade.  As  it  was  not  desirable  to  bring  on  a 
general  engagement  that  evening,  General  Early  was  recalled  to  the 
railroad,  where  Thomas,  Pender  and  Archer  had  firmly  maintained 
their  positions  during  the  day.  Early  kept  his  position  there  until 
the  following  morning.  Brigadier  General  Field  and  Colonel  Forno 
(commanding  Hays'  brigade)  were  severely  wounded.  Brigadier 
General  Trimble  was  also  seriously  wounded.  Daring  the  day, 
a  force  of  the  enemy  penetrated  the  wood  in  my  rear,  endanger- 
ing the  safety  of  my  ambulances  and  train.  Upon  being  advised  of 
this,  by  General  Stuart,  I  sent  a  body  of  infantry  to  drive  tliem  from 
the  wood.  But  in  the  meantime,  the  vigilant  Pelham  had  unlim- 
bcred  his  battery  and  dispersed  that  portion  of  them  which  had 
reached  the  wood.  At  a  later  period.  Major  Patrick,  of  the  cavalry, 
who  ^as  by  General  Stuart  entrusted  with  guarding  the  train,  was 
attacked,  and  although  it  was  promptly  and  effectually  repulsed,  it 
was  not  without  the  loss  of  that  intrepid  officer,  who  fell  in  the  attack 
whilst  setting  an  example  of  gallantry  to  his  men  well  worthy  of  imi- 
tation. During  the  day,  the  commanding  General  arrived,  and  also 
General  Longstreet,  with  his  command.  On  the  following  day,  (30th) 
my  command  occupied  the  ground,  and  the  divisions  the  same  relative 
position  to  each  other,  and  to  the  field,  which  they  held  the  day  be- 
fore, forming  the  left  wing  of  the  army.  General  Longstreet's  com- 
mand formed  the  right  wing.  A  large  quantity  of  artillery  was 
posted  upon  a  commanding  eminence  in  the  centre. 

After  some  desultory  skirmishing  and  heavy  cannonading  during 
the  day,  the  Federal  infantry,  about  four  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
moved  from  under  cover  of  the  wood  and  advanced  in  several  lines, 
first  engaging  the  right,  but  soon  extending  its  attack  to  the  centre 
and  left.  In  a  few  moments  our  entire  line  was  engaged  in  a  fierce 
and  sanguinary  struggle  with  the  enemy.  As  one  line  was  repulsed, 
another  took  its  place  and  pressed  forward  as  if  determined,  by  force 
of  numbers  and  fury  of  assault,  to  drive  us  from  our  positions.  So 
impetuous  and  well  sustained  were  these  onsets  as  to  induce  me  to 


•9^ 

fend  to  the  commanding  General  for  reinforcements,  but  the  timely 
and  gallant  advance  of  General  Longstreet,  on  the  right,  relieved  my 
troops  from  the  pressure  of  overwhelming  numbers  and  gave  to  those 
brave  men  the  chances  of  a  more  equal  conflict.  As  Longstreet 
pressed  upon  the  right,  the  Federal  advance  was  checked,  and  soon  a 
general  advance  of  my  whole  line  was  ordered.  Eagerly  ani  fiercely 
did  each  brigade  press  forward,  exhibiting  in  parts  of  the  field  scenes 
of  close  encounter  and  murderous  strife  not  witnessed  often  in  the 
turmoil  of  battle.  The  Federals  gave  way  before  our  troops,  fell 
back  in  disorder,  and  fled  precipitately,  leaving  their  dead  and 
wounded  on  the  field.  During  their  retreat  the  artillery  opened  with 
destructive  power  upon  the  fugitive  masses.  The  infantry  followed 
until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  pursuit. 

Our  loss  was  heavy  ;  that  of  the  enemy,  as  shown  by  the  battle- 
field, of  which  we  were  in  possession,  much  heavier.  Among  the 
losses  was  Colonel  Baylor,  commanding  Winder's  brigade,  who  fell  ia 
front  of  his  brigade,  whilst  nobly  leading  it  on  to  the  charge.  We 
captured  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  with  their  caissons,  and  six  thou- 
sand five  hundred  and  twenty  small  arms  were  collected  from  the 
battle-field. 

It  being  ascertained  next  morning  that  the  Federal  army  had 
retreated  in  the  direction  of  Centreville,  I  was  ordered  by  the  com- 
manding General  to  turn  that  position.  Crossing  Bull  Run  at 
Sudley  ford,  thence  pursuing  a  country  road  until  we  reached  the 
Little  River  turnpike,  which  we  followed  in  the  direction  of  Fairfax 
Court- House  until  the  troops  halted  for  the  night.  Early  next  morn- 
ing, September  1st,  we  moved  forward,  and  late  in  the  evening,  after 
reaching  Ox  Hill,  came  in  contact  with  the  enemy,  who  were  in  posi- 
tion on  our  right  and  front,  covering  his  line  of  retreat  from  Centre- 
ville to  Fairfax  Court-House.  Our  line  of  battle  was  formed— 
General  Hill's  division  on  the  right ;  Ewell's  division,  General 
Lawton  commanding,  in  the  centre  ;  and  Jackson's  division,  General 
Starke  commanding,  on  the  left — all  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike 
road.  Artillery  was  posted  on  an  eminence  to  the  left  of  the  road. 
The  brigades  of  Branch  and  Field,  Colonel  Brockenbrough  command- 
ing the  latter,  were  sent  forward  to  feel  and  engage  the  enemy.  A 
cold  and  drenching  thunder  shower  swept  over  the  field  at  this  time, 
striking  directly  into  the  faces  of  our  troops.  These  two  brigades 
gallantly  engaged  the  enemy,  but  so  severe  was  the  fire  in  front  and 
flank  of  Branch's  brigade  as  to  produce  in  it  some  disorder  and  fall- 
ing back.  The  brigades  of  Gregg,  Thomas  and  Pender  were  thea 
thrown  into  the  fight.  Soon  a  portion  of  Ewell's  division  became 
engaged.  The  conflict  now  raged  with  great  fury,  the  enemy  obsti- 
Dately  and  desperately  contesting  the  ground  until  their  Generals 
Kearney  and  Stephens  fell  in  front  of  Thomas'  brigade,  after  which 
they  retired  from  the  field. 

By  the  following  morning  the  Federal  army  had  entirely  disappeared 
from  our  view,  and  it  soon  appeared,  by  a  report  from  General  Stuart, 
that  it  had  passed  Fairfax  Court-House  and  had  moved  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Washington  city. 
7 


98 

On  the  3rd  of  September  we  left  Ox  Hill,  taking  the  road  by 
Dranesville  and  Lcesburg,  and  on  the  4th  bivouacked  neax  the  Big 
Snnng,  between  Leesburg  and  the  l^otomac. 

The  official  reports  of  the  casualties  of  my  command,  in  its  opera- 
tjons  from  the  Rappahannock  to  the  Potomac,  will  show  a  loss  of 
seventy-five  officers  killed  and  two  hundred  and  seventy-three 
wounded,  seven  hundred  and  thirty  non-commissioned  officers  and 
officers  and  privates  killed,  three  thousand  two  hundred  and  seventy 
four  wounded,  and  thirty-five  missing,  making  a  total  loss  of  four 
thousand  three  hundred  and  eighty-seven. 

Colonel  S.  Crutchfield,  chief  of  artillery,  discharged  his  duties 
well.  The  conduct  of  officers  and  men  during  the  various  engage- 
ments described  was  such  as  to  entitle  them  to  great  praise.  The 
wounded  were  skillfully  cared  for  by  my  medical  director,  Dr.  Hun- 
ter RIcGuire.  In  the  transmission  of  orders  I  was  greatly  assisted^ 
dnring  the  expedition,  by  the  following  members  of  my  staff;  Colo- 
n'.']  A.  Smead,  assistant  inspector  general ;  Major  E.  F.  I^axfon, 
acting  assistant  adjutant  general  ;  Captain  R.  E.  Wilbourn,  chief 
fljgnal  officer ;  first  Lieutenant  H.  R.  Douglas,  assistant  inspector 
goneral ;  first  Lieutenant  J.  G.  Morrison,  aid-de-camp,  and  Colonel 
William  L.  Jackson,  volunteer  aid-de-camp.  Captain  Wilbourn  was 
so  severely  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Groveton  as  to  be  unable  to  go 
further  with  the  army.  The  ordnance,  quartermiaster  and  commis- 
sary departments  were  well  managed  by  their  respective  chiefs, 
Majors  G.  H.  Baer,  J.  A.  Harman,  and  W.  J.  Hawks. 

For  further  information,  respecting  the  detailed  movements  of 
troops  and  the  conduct  of  individuals.  I  would  respectfully  refer  you 
to  the  accompanying  reports. 

For  these  great  and  signal  victories  our  sincere  and  humble  thanks 
aro  due  unto  Almighty  God.  We  should  in  all  things  acknowledge 
the  hand  of  Him  who  reigns  in  Heaven  and  rules  among  the  armies 
of  men.  In  view  of  the  arduous  labors  and  great  privations  the 
troops  were  called  to  endure,  and  the  isolated  and  perilous  position 
which  the  command  occupied,  while  engaged  with  greatly  superior 
numbers  of  the  enemy,  we  can  but  express  the  grateful  conviction  of 
our  mind,  that  God  was  with  us  and  gave  to  us  the  victory,  and  unto 
His  holy  name  be  the  praise. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 
Lieiit£na7\t  General, 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  JACKSON  OF  OPE- 
RATIONS FROM  5th  TO  27th  SEPTEMBER,  1862. 

Headquarters  Second  Coups,  A.  N.  V.,  ) 
April  23,  1863.      J 

Brigadier  General  R.  II.  Cihltox,  A.  A.  General: 

General  :  I  have  the  honor,  herewith,  to  submit  a  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  command  from  the  5th  to  the  27th  of  September, 
1862,  embracing  the  capture  of  Harper's  Ferry,  the  engagement  at 
Shepherdstown  and  so  much  of  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg  as  was  fought 
by  the  troops  under  my  command  : 

My  command  ccmpriised  A.  P.  Hill'8  division,  consisting  of  the 
brigades  of  Branch,  Gregg,  Field,  (  Colonel  Brockenbrough,  com- 
manding,) Pender,  Archer  and  Colonel  Thomas,  with  the  batteries  of 
the  division,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  L.  Walker;  Ewell's  divis- 
ion, under  Brigadier  General  Lawton,  consisting  of  the  brigades  of 
Early,  Hays,  (Colonel  StroiTg,)  Trimble,  (Colonel  Walker,)  and  La\>- 
ton,  (Colonel  Douglas,)  with  the  artillery,  under  Major  Courtnay  ; 
and  Jackson's  division,  under  Brigadier  General  Starke,  consisting  of 
the  brigades  of  Winder,  ( Colonel  Grigsby, )  Jones,  (Colonel  B.  T.. 
Johnson,)  Taliaferro,  (Colonel  Warren,)  and  Starke,  (Colonel  Staf- 
ford,) with  the  artillery,  under  Major   Shuraaker,   chief  of  artillery. 

On  the  5th  of  September,  my  command  crossed  the  Potomac  at 
White's  ford,  and  bivouacked  that  night  near  the  Three  Springs,  in 
the  State  of  Maryland.  Not  having  any  cavalry  with  me  except  the 
Black  Horse,  under  Captain  Randolph,  I  directed  him  after  crossing 
the  Potomac,  to  take  part  of  his  company  and  scout  to  the  right,  in 
order  to  avoid  a  surprise  of  the  column  from  that  direction.  For  the 
thorough  and  efficient  manner  in  which  this  duty  was  discharged,  and 
for  the  valuable  service  rendered  generally,  whilst  attached  to  my 
headquarters,  I  desire  to  make  special  mention  of  this  company  and 
its  otiicers.  Captain  Randolph  and  Lieutenants  Paine,  Tyler  and 
Smith,  who  frequently  transmitted  orders  in  the  absence  of  staff  offi-- 
cers. 

The  next  day  we  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  Frederick  city.  Jack-- 
son's  division  encamped  near  its  suburbs,  except  the  brigade  of  Gen- 
eral Jones,  (Colonel  Bradley  T.  Johnson  commanding, )  which  was 
posted  in  the  city  as  a  provost  guard.  EwelTs  and  Hill's  divisions 
occupied  positions  near  the  railroad  bridge  over  the  Monocacy,  guard- 
ing the  approaches  from  Washington  city. 

In  obedience  to  instructions  from  the  commanding  General,  and  tor 
the  purpose  of  capturing  the  Federal  forces  and  stores  then  at  Mar- 
tinsburg  and  Harper's  Ferry,  my  command  left  the  vicinity  of  Fred- 
erick city  on  the  lOth,  and  passing  rapidl3?  through  Middletown, 
Boonsborough  and  Williamsport,  recrossed  the  Potomac  into  Virginia 
at  Light's  ford,  on  the  11th.     General  Hill  moved  with  his  division 


100 

on  the  turnpike,  direct  from  Williamsport  to  Martinsburg,  The 
divisions  of  Jackson  and  Ewcll  proceeded  towards  the  North  moun- 
tain depot,  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  about  seven  miles 
northwest  of  Martinsburg.  They  bivouacked  that  night  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  depot  in  order  to  prevent  the  Federal  forces,  then  at  Martins- 
burg, from  escaping  westward  unobserved.  Major  Myers,  command- 
ing the  cavalry,  sent  part  of  his  troops  as  far  south  as  the  Berkeley 
and  Hampshire  turnpike,  l^rigadier  General  White,  who  was  in  com- 
mand of  the  Federal  forces  at  Martinsburg,  becoming  advised  of  our 
approach,  evacuated  the  place  on  the  night  of  the  11th  and  retreated 
to  Harpers  Ferry. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  our  cavalry  entered  the  town,  as,  in 
the  course  of  the  day,  did  the  main  body  of  my  command.  At  this 
point,  abandoned  quartermaster,  commissary  and  ordnance  stores  fell 
into  our  hands.  Brocccding  thence  towards  Harper's  Ferry,  about 
eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  following  morning  (13th,)  the  head  of  our 
column  came  in  view  of  the  enemy,  drawn  up  in  force  upon  Bolivar 
Heights.  General  IIill,  who  was  in  the  advance,  went  into  camp  near 
Hulhown,  about  two  miles  from  the  enemy's  position.  The  two  other 
divisions  encamped  near  by. 

The  commanding  General  having  directed  Major  General  McLawa 
to  move  "with  his  own  and  General  R.  H.  Anderson's  divisions  to  take 
possession  of  the  Maryland  Heights  overlooking  Harper's  Ferry,  and 
Brigadier  General  J.  G.  "Walker,  pursuing  a  different  route,  to  cross 
the  Potomac  and  move  up  that  river  on  the  Virginia  side  and  occupy 
the  Loudon  Heights,  both  for  the  purpose  of  co-operating  with  me, it 
became  necessary  before  making  the  attack  to  ascertain  whether  they 
were  in  position.  Failing  to  learn  the  fact  by  signals,  a  courier  was 
dispatched  to  each  of  those  points  for  the  required  information.  Dur- 
ing the  night  the  courier  to  the  Loudon  Heights  returned  with  a  mes- 
sage from  General  Walker  that  he  was  in  positidn.  In  the  meantime 
General  McLaws  had  attacked  the  Federal  force  posted  to  defend  the 
Maryland  Heights,  had  routed  it,  and  taken  possession  of  that  com- 
manding position.  The  Potomac  river  flowed  between  the  positions 
respectively  occupied  by  General  McLaws  andm^'sclf,  and  the  Shenan- 
doah seperated  me  from  General  Walker,  and  it  became  advisable,  as 
the  speediest  mode  of  communication,  to  resort  to  signals.  Before 
the  necessary  orders  were  thus  transmitted,  the  day  was  far  advanced. 

The  enemy  had,  by  fortifications,  strengthened  the  naturally  strong 
position  he  occupied  along  Bolivar  Heights,  extending  from  near  the 
Shenandoah  to  the  Potomac.  McLaws  and  Walker,  being  thus  sepa- 
rated from  the  enemy,  by  intervening  rivers, would  afford  no  assist- 
ance beyond  the  fire  of  their  artillery  and  guarding  certain  avenues 
0^ escape  to  the  enemy.  And  from  the  reports  received  from  them, 
by  signals,  in  consequence  of  the  distance  and  range  of  their  guns, 
not  much  could  be  expected  from  their  artillery,  so  long  as  the  enemy 
retained  his  advanced  position  on  Bolivar  Heights. 

In  the  afternoon,  General  Hill  was  ordered  to  move  along  the  left 
bank  of  the  Shenandoah,  turn  the  enemy's  left,  and  enter  Harper's 
Ferry.     General  Lawton,  commanding  Ewell's  division,  was  directed 


101 

to  move  along  the  turnpike  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  General 
Hill,  and  of  otherwise  operating  against  the  enemy  to  his  left.  Gen- 
eral J.  R.  Jones,  commanding  Jackson's  division,  was  directed,  with 
one  of  his  brigades  and  a  battery  of  artillery,  to  make  a  demonstra- 
tion against  the  enemy's  right,  whilst  the  remaining  part  of  his  com- 
mand, as  a  reserve,  moved  along  the  turnpike.  Major  Massie,  com- 
manding the  cavalry,  was  directed  to  keep  upon  our  left  flank  for  the 
purpose  of  preventing  the  enemy  from  escaping.  Brigadier  General 
Walker  guarded  against  an  escape  across  the  Shenandoah  river. 
Fearing  lest  the  enemy  should  attempt  to  escape  across  the  Potomac, 
h^  means  of  signals  1  called  the  atention  of  Major  General  McLaws, 
commanding  on  the  Maryland  Heights,  to  the  propriety  of  guarding 
against  such  an  attempt.  The  demonstration  on  the  left  against  the 
enemy's  right  was  made  by  Winder's  brigade,  (Colonel  Grigsby  com- 
manding )  It  was  ordered  to  secure  a  commanding  hill  to  the  left  of 
the  heights,  near  the  Potomac.  Promptly  dispersing  some  cavalry, 
this  eminence,  from  which  the  batteries  of  Poague  and  Carpenter  sub- 
sequently did  such  admirable  execution,  Avas  secured  without  difli- 
culty.  In  execution  of  the  order  given  Major  General  Hill,  he  moved 
obliquely  to  the  right  until  he  struck  the  Shenandoah  river.  Ob- 
serving an  eminence  crowning  the  extreme  left  of  the  enemy's  line, 
occupied  by  infantry,  but  without  artillery,  and  protected  oniy  by  an 
abattis  of  fallen  timber,  Pender,  Archer  and  Brockeubrough  were  di- 
rected to  gain  the  crest  of  that  hill,  while  Branch  and  Gregg  were 
directed  to  march  along  the  river,  and,  during  the  night,  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  ravines,  cutting  the  precipitous  banks  of  the  river,  and 
establish  themselves  on  the  plain  to  the  left  and  rear  of  the  enemy's 
works.  Thomas  followed  as  a  reserve.  The  execution  of  the  first  move- 
ment, was  entrusted  to  Brig.  Gen.  Pender,  who  accomplished  it  with 
slight  resistance;  and  during  the  night,  Lieut.  Colonel  Walker,  chief  of 
artillery  of  Hill's  division,  brought  up  the  batteries  of  Captains  Pe- 
gram,  Mcintosh,  Davidson,  Braxton  and  Crenshaw,  and  established 
them  upon  the  position  thus  gained.  Branch  and  Gregg  also  gained 
the  positions  indicated  for  them,  and  daybreak  found  them  in  rear  of 
the  enemy's  line  of  defence. 

A?  directed.  Brigadier  General  Lawton,  commanding  Ewell's  di- 
vision, moved  on  the  turnpike  in  three  columns — one  on  the  road,  and 
another  on  each  side  of  it — Until  he  reached  Hulltown,  when  he 
formed  line  of  batlle  and  advanced  to  the  woods  on  School-House  hill. 
The  division  laid  on  their  arms  during  the  night,  Lawton  and  Trimble 
being  in  line  on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  Hays  on  the  left,  with 
Early  immediately  in  his  rear.  During  the  night.  Colonel  Crutch- 
field,  my  chief  of  ariillery,  crossed  ten  guns  of  Ewell's  division  over 
the  Shenandoah  and  established  them  on  its  right  bank,  so  as  to  enfi- 
lade the  enemy's  position  on  Boliver  Heights,  and  take  his  nearest 
and  most  formidable  fortifications  in  reverse.  The  other  batteries  of 
Ewell's  division  were  placed  in  position  on  School-Uouse  hill,  on  each 
side  of  the  road. 

At  (kwn,  September  15th,  General  Lawton  advanced  his  division 
to  the  front  of  the  woods,  Lawton's  brigade  (Colonel  Douglas  com- 


102 

mandinn;,)  moved  by  flank,  to  the  bottom  between  School-House  hill 
and  Bolivar  Heights,  to  support  the  advance  of  Major  General  Hill. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker  opened  a  rapid  enfilade  fire  from  all  his 
batteries  at  about  one  thousand  yards  range.  The  batteries  on  School- 
House  hill,  attacked  the  enemy's  lines  in  front.  In  a  short  time  the 
guns  of  Captains  Bro\vn,  Garber,  Latimer  and  Dement,  under  the  di- 
rection of  Colonel  Crutchfield,  opened  from  the  rear.  The  batteries 
of  Poague  and  Carpenter  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy's  right.  The 
artillery  upon  the  Loudon  Heights,  of  Brigadier  General  Walker's 
command,  under  Captain  French,  Avhich  had  silenced  the  enemy's  ar- 
tillery near  the  superintendent's  house  on  the  preceding  afternoon, 
again  opened  upon  Harper's  Ferry,  and  also  some  guns  of  Major 
General  McLaAvs  from  the  Maryland  Heights.  In  an  hour,  the  en- 
emy's fire  seemed  to  be  silenced,  and  the  batteries  of  General  Hill 
were  ordered  to  cease  their  fire,  which  Avas  the  signal  for  storming  the 
■works.  General  Pender  had  commenced  his  advance,  when  the  en- 
emy again  opening,  Pegram  and  Crenshaw  moved  forward  their  bat- 
teries, and  poured  a  rapid  fire  into  the  enemy.  The  white  flag  was 
now  displayed,  and  shortly  afterwards  Brigadier  General  White  (the 
commanding  ofiicer,  Colonel  D.  S.  Miles,  having  having  been  mortally 
wounded,)  with  a  garrison  of  about  eleven  thousand  men,  surrendered 
as  prisoners  of  war.  Under  this  capitulation,  we  took  possession  of 
seventy-three  pieces  of  artillery,  some  thirteen  thousand  small  arms, 
and  other  stores.  Liberal  terms  were  granted  to  General  White,  and 
the  officers  under  his  command,  in  the  surrender,  Avhich,  I  regret  to 
say,  do  not  seem,  from  subsequent  events,  to  have  been  properly  ap- 
preciated by  their  Government. 

Leaving  General  Hill  to  receive  the  surrender  of  the  Federal  troops, 
and  take  the  requisite  steps  for  securing  the  captured  stores,  I  moved, 
in  obedince  to  orders  from  the  commanding  General,  to  rejoin  him  in 
Maryland,  with  the  remaining  divisions  of  my  command.  By  a  se- 
vere night  march,  ^\e  reached  the  vicinity  of  Sharpsburg  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the   IGth. 

By  direction  of  the  commanding  General,  I  advanced  on  the  en- 
emy, leaving  Sharpsburg  to  the  right,  and  took  position  to  the  left  of 
General  Longstreet,  near  a  Dunkard  church,  EavcH's  division  (Gene- 
ral Lawton  commanding)  forming  the  right,  and  Jackson's  division 
(General  J.  R.  Jones  commanding)  forming  the  left  of  my  command. 
Major  General  Stuart,  with  the  cavalry,  Avas  on  my  left.  Jackson's 
division  (General  Jones  commanding)  Avas  formed  partly  in  an  open 
field,  and  partly  in  the  Avoods,  Avith  its  right  resting  upon  the  Sharps- 
burg and  HagerstoAvn  turnpikes  ;  Winder's  and  Jones'  brigades  being 
in  front,  and  Taliaferro's  and  Starke's  brigades  a  short  distance  in 
their  rear,  and  Poague's  battery  on  a  knoll  in  front. 

Ewell's  division  followed  that  of  Jackson  to  the  woods  on  the  left 
of  the  road  near  the  church.  Early's  brigade  was  then  formed  on 
the  left  of  the  line  of  Jackson's  division,  to  guard  its  flank,  and 
ilays'  brigade  was  formed  in  its  rear.  Lawton's  and  Trimble's  brig- 
a^des  remained,  during  the  evening,  with  arms  stacked,  near  the 
church. 


103 

A  battery  of  the  enemy,  some  five  hundred  yards  to  the  front  of 
Jackson's  division,  opening  fire  upon  a  battery  to  the  right,  was  si- 
lenced in  twenty  minutes'  by  a  rapid  and  well  directed  fire  from 
Poague's  battery.  Other  batteries  of  the  enemy  opened  soon  after 
upon  our  lines,  and  the  firing  continued  until  after  dark. 

About  ten,  P.  M.,  Lawton's  and  Trimble's  brigades  advanced  to 
the  front  to  relieve  the  command  of  Brigadier  General  Hood,  (on  the 
left  of  Major  General  D.  H.  Hill,)  which  had  been  more  or  less  en- 
gaged during  the  evening.  Trimble's  brigade  was  posted  on  the 
right,  next  to  Ripley's,  of  D.  H.  Hill's  division,  and  Lawton's  on  the  left. 

The  troops  slept  that  night  upon  their  arms,  disturbed  by  the  oc- 
casional fire  of  the  pickets  of  the  two  armies,  who  were  in  close 
proximity  to  each  other.  At  the  first  dawn  of  day,  skirmishing  com- 
menced in  front,  and  in  a  short  time  the  Federal  batteries,  so  posted 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Anteitam  as  to  enfilade  my  line,  opened 
a  severe  and  damaging  fire.  This  was  vigorously  replied  toby  the 
batteries  of  Poague,  Carpenter,  Brockenbough,  Raines,  Caskie  and 
Wooding.  About  sunrise,  the  Federal  infantry  advanced  in  heavy 
force  to  the  edge  of  the  wood,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  turnpike, 
driving  in  our  skirmishers.  Batteries  were  opened  in  front  from  the 
wood  with  shell  and  canister,  and  our  troops  became  exposed,  for 
near  an  hour,  to  a  terrific  storm  of  shell,  canister  and  musketry.  Gen- 
eral Jones  having  been  compelled  to  leave  the  field,  the  command  of 
Jackson's  division  devolved  upon  General  Starke.  With  heroic 
spirit,  our  lines  advanced  to  the  conflict,  and  maintained  their  posi- 
tion in  the  face  of  superior  numbers  with  stubborn  resolution,  some- 
times driving  the  enemy  before  them,  and  sometimes  compelled  to  fall 
back  before  their  well  sustained  and  destructive  fire.  Fresh  troops 
from  time  to  time  relieved  the  enemy's  ranks,  and  the  carnage  on 
both  sides  was  terrific.  At  this  early  hour.  General  Starke  was 
killed,  Colonel  Douglas,  (commanding  Lawton's  brigade,)  was  also 
killed.  General  Lawton,  commanding  division,  and  Colonel  Walker, 
commanding  brigade,  were  severely  wounded.  More  than  half  of  the 
brigades  of  Lawton  and  Hays  were  eitlier  killed  or  wounded,  and 
more  than  a  third  of  Trimble's,  and  all  the  regimental  commanders 
in  those  brigades,  except  two,  were  killed  or  wounded.  Thinned  in 
their  ranks,  and  exhausted  of  their  ammunition,  Jackson's  division 
and  the  brigades  of  Lawton,  Hays  and  Trimble,  retired  to  the  rear, 
and  Hood,  of  Longstreet's  command,  aguin  took  the  position  from 
which  he  had  been  before  relieved.  In  the  meantime.  General  Stuart 
moved  his  artillery  to  a  position  nearer  to  the  main  command,  and 
more  in  our  rear.  Early  being  now  directed,  in  consequence  of  the 
disability  of  General  Lawton,  to  take  command  of  Ewell's  division, 
returned  with  his  brigade  (with  the  exception  of  the  thirteenth  Vir- 
ginia regiment,  which  remained  with  General  Stuart,)  to  the  piece  of 
wood  where  he  had  left  the  other  brigades  of  his  division  when  he  was 
separated  from  them.  Here  he  found  that  the  enemy  had  advanced 
his  infantry  near  the  wood,  in  which  was  the  Dunkard  church,  and 
had  planted  a  battery  across  the  turnpike,  near  the  edge  of  the  wood 
and  an  open  field,  and  that  the  brigades  of  Lawton,  Hays  and  Trim- 


104 

ble  bad  fallen  back  some  distance  to  the  rear.  Finding  here  CoTonels- 
Grigsby  and  Stafford,  with  a  portion  of  Jackson's  division,  which 
formed  on  his  left,  he  determined  to  maintain  his  position  there  if  re- 
inforcements could  be  sent  to  his  support,  of  which  he  was  promptly 
assured.  Colonel  Grigsby,  with  his  small  command,  kept  in  check 
the  advance  of  the  enemy  on  the  left  flank,  while  General  Early  at- 
tacked, with  great  vigor  and  gallantry,  the  column  on  his  right  an(J 
front.  The  force  in  front  was  giving  way  under  this  attack,  whea 
another  heavy  column  of  Federal  troops  were  seen  moving  across  the 
plateau  on  his  left  flank.  By  this  time  the  expected  reinforcements, 
consisting  of  Semmes'  and  iVndorson's  brigades  and  a  part  of  Barks- 
dale's,  of  JMcLaw's  division,  arrived,  and  the  whole,  including  Grigs- 
bj's  command,  now  united,  charged  upon  the  enemy,  checking  his 
advance,  then  driving  him  back,  with  great  slaughter,  entirely  from 
and  beyond  this  wood,  and  gaining  possession  of  our  original  posi- 
tion. No  further  advance,  beyond  demonstrations,  was  made  by  the 
enemy  on  the  left.  In  the  afternoon,  in  obedience  to  instructions 
from  the  conimaYiding  General,  I  moved  to  the  left  with  a  view  ta 
turning  the  Federal  right;  but  I  found  his  numerous  artillery  so 
judiciously  eptablished  in  their  front  and  extending  so  near  to  the  Po- 
tomac, wliich  here  makes  a  remarkable  bend,  as  will  be  seen  by  refer- 
ence to  the  map  herewith  annexed,  as  to  render  it  inexpedient  to 
hazard  the  atten^pt.  In  this  movement,  Major  General  Stuart  had 
the  advance,  and  acted  his  part  well.  This  officer  rendered  valuable 
service  throughout  the  day.  His  bold  use  of  artillery  secured  for  us 
an  important  position,  v»'hich,  had  the  enemy  possessed,  might  have 
commanded  our  left.  At  the  close  of  the  day,  my  troops  held  the 
ground  which  they  had  occupied  in  the  morning.  The  next  day  we 
remained  in  position  awaiting  another  attack.  The  enemy  continued 
in  heavy  force  west  of  the  Anteitam  on  our  left,  but  made  no  further 
movement  to  the  attack. 

I  refer  you  to  the  report  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill  for  the  ope- 
rations  of  his  command  in  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg.  Arriving  upon 
the  battle-field  from  Harper's  Ferry  at  half-past  two  o'clock  of  the 
17th,  he  reported  to  the  commanding  General,  and  was  hy  him 
directed  to  take  position  on  the  right.  I  have  not  embraced  tho 
movements  of  his  division,  nor  his  killed  and  wounded  of  that  action, 
in  my  report. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  19th,  we  recrossed  the  Potomac  river 
into  Virginia  near  Shepherdstown.  The  promptitude  and  success 
vith  which  this  movement  was  effected  reflects  the  highest  credit  upon 
the  skill  and  energy  of  Major  Harman,  chief  quartermaster.  In  the 
evening,  the  command  moved  on  the  road  leading  to  Martinsburg, 
except  Lawton's  brigade,  (Colonel  Lamar,  of  the  sixty-first  Georgia, 
commanding,)  which  was  left  on  the  Potomac  heights. 

On  the  same  day  the  enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force  on  the 
northern  side  of  the  Potomac,  and  commenced  planting  heavy  batte- 
ries on  its  heights.  In  the  evening,  the  Federals  commenced  crossing 
under  the  protection  of  their  guns,  driving  off  Lawton's  brigade  and 
General  Pendleton's  artillery.     By  morning,  a  considerable  force  had 


105 

crossed  over.  Orders  were  despatched  to  Generals  Early  and  Hill, 
who  had  advanced  some  four  miles  on  the  Martinsburg  road,  to  return 
and  drive  back  the  enemy.  General  Hill,  who  was  in  the  advance, 
as  he  approached  the  town,  formed  his  line  of  battle  in  two  lines,  the 
first  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Pender,  Gregg  and  Thomas,  under 
the  command  of  General  Gregg,  and  the  second  of  Lane's,  Archer's 
and  Brockenbrough's  brigades,  under  command  of  General  Archer. 
General  Early,  with  the  brigades  of  Early,  Trimble  and  Hays,  took 
position  in  the  wood  on  the  light  and  left  of  the  road  leading  to  the 
ford.  .  The  Federal  infantry  lined  the  high  banks  of  the  Virginia 
shore,  while  their  artillery,  formidable  in  numbers  and  weight  of 
metal,  crowned  the  opposite  heights  of  the  Potomac.  General  Hill's 
division  advanced  with  great  gallantry  against  the  Federal  infantry, 
in  the  face  of  a  continuous  discharge  of  shot  and  shell  from  their 
batteries.  The  Federals,  massing  in  front  of  Pender,  poured  a  heavy 
fire  into  his  ranks,  and  then  extending  with  a  view  to  turn  his  left. 
Archer  promptly  formed  on  Pender's  left,  when  a  simultaneous  charge 
was  made,  which  drove  the  enemy  into  the  river,  followed  by  an  ap- 
palling scene  of  the  destruction  of  human  life.  Two  hundred  pris- 
oners were  taken.  This  position,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  we  con- 
^  tinued  to  hold  that  day,  although  exposed  to  the  enemy's  guns  and 
within  range  of  his  sharpshooters,  posted  near  the  Chesapeake  and 
Ohio  canal.  Our  infantry  remained  at  the  river  until  relieved  by 
cavalry,  under  General  Fitzhugh  Lee. 

On  the  evening  of  the  20th,  the  command  moved  from  Shepherds- 
town  and  encamped  near  the  Opequon,  in  the  vicinity  of  Martinsburg. 
We  remained  near  Martinsburg  until  the  27th,  when  we  moved  to 
Bunker  Hill,  in  the  county  of  Berkeley. 

The  official  list  of  casualties  of  my  command,  during  the  period 
embraced  in  this  report,  will  show  that  we  sustained  a  loss  of  thirty- 
eight  officers  killed  and  one  hundred  and  seventy-one  wounded,  of 
three  hundred  and  thirteen  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
killed,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-nine  wounded,  and  fifty- 
seven  missing  ;  making  a  total  loss  of  two  thousand  four  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON,  Lieutenant  General 
Official : 

Charles  J.  Faulkner,  Lieut.   Col.  and  A.  A.  G. 


Headquarters  of  Lieutenant  General  Ewell,  ) 

July,   1663.  ] 

Major:  I  herewith  forward  to  you  the  last  of  General  Jackson's 
official  report.  I  found  the  two  missing  pages,  and  had  the  whole 
re-copied.  You  will  now  oblige  me  bjPhaving  ray  resignation  ap- 
proved by  General  Lee  and  forwarded  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

I  am,  truly  yours, 

CHARLES  J.  FAULKNER. 


106 

I  certify  that  the  above  is  an  authentic  report  by  Lieutenant  Gen- 
eral Jackson  of  the  operations  of  his  command  from  the  5th  to  the 
27th  k^eptember,  1862;  that,  after  undergoing  his  last  revision,  he 
had  directed  it  to  be  copied,  with  a  view  to  its  being  signed  and  for- 
warded by  him,  which  purpose  was  interrupted  by  movements  of 
General  Hooker,  resulting  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville.  There 
is  an  omission  of  that  customary  notice  of  his  staff,  which  he  was  in 
the  habit  of  inserting  in  the  final  copy  of  his  reports,  previous  to  it3 
being  forwarded. 

CHARLES  J.  FAULKNER,  A.  A.  G: 


107 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  the  fights  at  Boomhoro\  Campton's  Gap, 
Harper's  Ferry,  Sharpsburg,  and  Shepherdsioivn,  in  September,    1862  .* 


Regiment. 


1st  Virginia 

7th  Viigiiiiit,  

lUh  Virginia 

17th  Virginia,  

24lh  Virginia, 

8h  Virginia, 

I8th  Virginia, ■ 

19th  Virgin's, 

28th  Virginiii, ' 

56th  Virginia, 

24th  North  Carolina 

25th  North  Oarolmn, 

85th  N  orth  Carolina, 

49lh  North  Carolina, 

Brunch's  Battery, 

3  ith  Virginia, 

46'h  North  Carolina, 

48>.h  North  Carolina, 

27ih  North  Carolina, 

Sni  Ark;inea8 

Fri-n<-.lr8  Battery, 

8th  Gf orgia, 

9lh  G.'orgia, 

7tli   Georgia, 

11th  (Jeornia, 

Iflt  Georgia, 

4tb   Alabama, 

6th  North  Ctirolina, 

2  id   MiAsiPBippi, 

nth  Missit^r-ippi, 

18Lh   Georgia, 

lat  'IVx;is, 

4thTfXis, 

5th  Ti'x:is 

Hampton  I^fsion, 

Keilly's  Rnttcry, 

Garden's  n;ittery, 

li.ichnianV  Battery, , 

17th  Goorifia, 

2Jth  Geortria, 

2iid  Georgia, 

15ih  G<  oriria 

6ih  South  Carolina, -..-., 

PaliTH'tto  Sharpshooters, 

1st  youth   Carolina, 

2:id  South  Carolina, 

6lh  South  Carolina, 

Ilolcoiiibe   Legion, , 

18Ui  Souili  (Carolina, 

22iid  South  Carolina, 

23rd  South  Carolina, 

17th  South  Carolina, 

Washiuaton  Artillery, 

13! h  South  Carolina 

50th   Georgia, 

5l8t  G  oriria,  

l^Hh   Mississippi, 

21-^t  Miss  8Mip])i, 

ISlh  Atiesir'pippi. 

17lh  Mississippi. 

and  Sou'h  Carolina, 

3rd  Soiitli  (/arolina, 

7th  South  Carolina 

8h  South  ('aiolina, 

Kead's  Battery, 

lOlh  Georgia, 

68rd  Georgia, 

S2nd  Vruinia, 

15lh  Viruiuia, 

Georu ia  Loici on , ^. 

24lh  (Greori?ia, 

16th  Georgia, 

35th  North  ('arolina, i. 

48lh  Georgia, 


Brigade. 

% 

Kemper's, 

u 

Pickett's  (old) 
Ransom's, 
WalUer'e, 

A  nderson'e, 

Law's, 

t( 

It 

Woflbrd's, 

It 

ToomhB', 

(t 
Jerkins', 

t( 
It 

EvRns', 


Drajt^n'e, 

It 

Barksdale's, 

It 

Kershaw's, 

ti 
Semraee', 

Cobh'B, 

It 

tt 

Wright's, 


DiviBioD. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Pickett's, 


Walker's, 


Hood's, 


McLaws', 


Anderson's, 


1 

20 
2 
3 

16 
2 

39 
5 

31 

31 


8 

14 

16 

4 

26 

'29 

1 

8 

6 

10 

11 

17 

7 

23 

2 

4 

15 

11 

15 

11 

18 

13 

23 

16 

1 


8 

10 

38 

30 

2 

9 

S8 

C7 

54 

19 

44 

13 

2} 

61 

8 

121 

60 

186 

168 

l.).-> 

1 

17 

14 

9 

10 

29 

S7 

117 

12/ 

90 

72 

141 

97 

77 

47 

8 

9 

2 

12 

44 

37 

30 

51 

55 

37 

14 

20 

18 

39 

64 

6.i 

49 

o,j 

84 
97 
7 
55 
56 
73 
82 
77 
73 

117 
17 
10 
69 
63 
57 
63 
68 

145 
83 

143 
46 


Total. 


8 

12 

41 

36 

2 

13 

43 

44 

62 

20 

64 

15 

26 

77 

5 

160 

65 

817 

1-19 

1.S2 

2 

19 

IS 

12 

10 

30 

44 

r-'5 

]54 
104 
85 
J  86 
1'7 
82 
53 
10 
9 
4 
12 
48 
43 
86 
68 
64 
39 
16 
31 

n 

42 

si) 

67 

80 

no 

126 

8 

63 

62 

83 

93 

94 

8.) 

140 

19 

14 

84 

74 

72 

74 

86 

158 

100 

159 

47 


108 


MARYLAND  f'/G JITS'— Continued. 


Regiment. 


Brigado.  Division. 


Wriifhl's, 


ArmiBtead'e. 


Wilcox's, 


Pry  or"  s, 


'Fcfitberston't 


Mahono'B, 


Taliafcrvo"! 


.andcvBon'F; 


Killed.     I  Wounded.  |       Total. 


Srd  Geortr'.a 

'2-2  iJ  Geort  \^, 

44'.h    Al»l)»in:i, 

W-(\  Virginia,  

fiTili  Vii'tfiniii, 

14th  Vir«iiii«, 

3S-ti  VlrpiniB, 

&,li   AlHb.-»in:(, 

9:li  A1:-.l>mna, 

lO-li  Alabama, 

ll-li  AlHl'.ima 

lUh  Ai.'v'>aina, 

;il  Virginia, 

S'h  Florida,  

2d  Florda, 

2d  Misi'iRBipp'' l>al'-»l'"" 

12th   Mit<'<i»>'''VP 

lOih  Mit^sisxii-ni, 

lUih  Miss'-siiipi,  

12ih  Virginia, 

mtli  \'iririn'i', 

6h  Virttinia, 

1\«%y*''?"'''' i    Winder's,    i   Jack-ou's, 

4tL  V^irjtinia, |  „  ]  n 

Oth  Virginia, 

27lh  Viririnia,  

33d  Virginia, 

Battorie*,  

2jd  Virginia, 

47lh  Vii'uini:!, j  ;, 

4Sth  Virginia, ^^ 

37ih  '■  irtjinia ,, 

D.invillc  artillery,  ci.,,.kt.'fl 

2d  T/Oui-iana,  ^taikefl, 

9!h  I..oui.Hiana, j  ^^ 

lOlh  Loiiieiann, 

lyih  Loiiir^iaua, 

I'll  I.ouitiiana, 

Batteries,...  _ -.••••      t,.^^,„,^,,  Eweli 

l:i;h  Georgia, 

31«t  Georgia, 

f.Oth   Georgia, 

filst  Gforcia, 

IKih  Virginia, 

25th  Virginia, 

81 «t  \  irginia, 

52d  Virgirtia, - 

44. h  Virginia. 

4'Jth  Virginia, •  • 

6th  Loiiifiana, 

Gth  Louifiana, 

7ih  LouiHiana, 

8ih  Louisiana,.' 

12th  Georgia, 

irjth  Al.aliama, - ip,    tt    ^il^^^ 

2(llh  North  Carolina, - ^-  "' 

8d  North  Carolin;!,.... 

2d  North  Carolina, 

Ixt  North  Carolina, 

■    23d  North  Carolina, 

4lh  North  Carolina,.... 
3mh  North  Carolin.a,.. .. 
13lh  North  Carolina,.... 

4th    Georgia, 

6th  Georgia, 

44ih  Georgia, 

2l8tG-orgia, 

JoncB' battery,.... 

23d  Georgia, 

27tli  Georgia, 

28th  Georgia, 

19th  Georgia, 


La^ton's, 


Early'fl, 


n..ys' 


TriiiiWe'6, 


Bodol^'s, 


Gp.n.  Anderson  and  A.  D.  C.,..- 
Gen.  Garland, 
Gen.  Hlarkc, 


A,  r.  Hill, 


12 

12 

10 

3 

2 

3 

13 

6 

."j 

G 

27 


5 

10 
IS 

6 

7 
13 

9 
U 
4G 
11 
IS 
18 

6 
10 
41 

10 

17 

4 

1 

14 

15 

11 

13 

70 

113 


57 
19 

e5 

8 

1 

7 

C3 
42 
5:^ 
26 
45 
16 

43 

55 

53 

100 

52 

SG 

5 

It) 

8 

21 

28 

5 

16 

0 

35 

30 

53 

45 


2 

3 

10 

49 

25 

67 

17 

S4 

4 

15 

14 

4i) 

169 

SO 

48 

91 

5 

21 
10 
E5 
22 
73 
40 
29 
63 
84 
4!1 
75 
30 
207 
Gl 
142 
35 
52 
63 
149 
119 
13 
Co 
72 
25 
C4 
89 
62 
76 
409 
818 
2 


66 
21 

60 

11 

1 

7 

16 
75 
54 
63 
29 
45 
19 
69 
49 
60 
.59 
127 
53 
39 
3 


24 
2S 
8 
10 
9 
43 
36 
S8 
54 
5 
59 
82 
51 
19 
63 
8 
217 
50 
5;t 
107 
!S 
23 
12 
89 
22 
78 
50 
47 
l>9 
91 
(^2 
84 
41 
258 
72 
ItU) 
53 
53 
73 
190 
141 
23 
8-2 
70 
26 
73 
104 
73 
89 
479 
931 
2 
1 
1 


109 


ENGAGEMENT  near  Kearnysvilk,   Virginia,  October  ,  1862. 


Regiment. 

Brigade. 

Division. 

Kiilod. 

Wounded. 

Total. 

Winder's, 

Jaokson'n, 

3 

14 
5 

1 
1 

17 

27th   Virginia 

1 

1 

3 

21 

»4 

REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  D.  H.  HILL. 

Headquarters  Division. 

General  R.  H.  Ciiiltov, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  my  com- 
mand, from  the  battles  around  Richmond  until  after  the  battle  of 
SSharpsbuig  . 

On  the  23d  of  Julv,  I  was  detfichcd  from  my  division,  and  placed  in 
charge  of  the  department  of  the  south  side,  extending  from  Drewry's 
lilufi  to  the  South  Carolina  line.  As  General  McClellan  -was  then 
at  Wcstover,  on  the  James,  some  thirty  miles  from  Richmond,  and  it 
vas  thought  he  might  attempt  an  advance  by  the  south  side,  my  first 
attention  was  given  to  the  defences  in  that  direction.  Heavy  details 
were  made  from  the  division  and  two  brigades  near  the  bluff,  to«Bom- 
plete  a  line  of  entrenchments  around  it,  and  controlling  the  Petcrs- 
burf  road.  Not  a  spade  full  of  earth  had  been  thrown  up  about 
Petersburg,  and  it  Avas  in  a  wholly  defenceless  condition.  A  sy-stera 
of  fortifications  was  begun,  (which  subseqently  met  the  approval  of 
the  chief  engineer.  Colonel  J.  F.  Gilmer,  C.  S.  A.,)  and  the  brigades 
of  Ransom,  Walker  and  Daniel,  were  put  to  work  on  it.  About  a 
thousand  negroes  were  procured  (chiefly  from  North  Carolina)  and 
employed  in  like  manner.  Pontoon  briges  were  constructed  at  several 
points  to  make  the  connection  rapid  and  secure,  between  the  two  posi- 
tions to  be  secured.  The  defences  of  the  Appomattox  were  also 
strengthened,  and  a  moveable  car  planned  and  ordered  to  prevent  a 
landing  at  City  Point.  An  effort  was  made  to  organize  and  make  effi- 
cient the  numerous  independent  companies  in  the  department,  which 
iiad  been  of  little  use  and  much  expense  to  the  country.  A  concen- 
tration of  these  troops  at  Weldon  and  Goldsboro'  was  ordered  to 
prevent  the  cutting  of  our  important  lines  southward. 

In  accordance  with  instructions  from  the  General  commanding  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia,  I  made  a  personal  examination  of  the  Yankee 
shipping  and  encampment,  on  the  28th  instant,  and  determined  to 
attack  it  from  Coggins'  Point  and  Meycock's,  on  the  south  siJe. 
This  expedition  was  entrusted  to  Brigadier  General  French,  and  was 
u  complete  success.  Forty-three  pieces,  under  command  of  General 
Pendleton  and  Colonel  J.  T.  Brown,  were  placed  in  position  on  the 
night  of  the  31st,  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  within  easy  range  of  the  • 
objects  to  be  reached.  Much  damage  was  done  to  the  Yankee  ship- 
ping, some  destruction  of  life  caused  in  the  camp,  and  the  wildest 
terror  and  consternation  produced.  The  report  of  General  French  is 
herewith  submitted.  This  officer  had  charge  of  the  expedition,  agreea- 
bly to  the  wishes  of  General  Lee.  Doubtless,  the  night  attack  had 
much  to  do  with  the  evacuation  of  Westover,  as  it  made  McClellan 
feel  that  his  shipping  was  insecure.  Two  days  after,  he  took  posses- 
sion of  Coggins'  Point,  and  maintained  a  force  on  the  south  side  till 


Ill 

he  left  the  river.  His  gun-boats  were  attacked  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Appomattox,  and  points  were  selected  for  the  further  harassing  of  his 
shipping.  An  expedition  was  sent  out,  under  Colonel  J.  R.  Cham- 
bliss,  to  within  two  miles  of  Suffolk.  Arrangements  were  made  for 
the  defence  of  the  Blackwater,  Chowan,  and  Tar  rivers,  and  a  point 
selected  for  fortifications  on  the  Roanoke  to  secure  "Weldon. 

On  the  21st  August,  I  left  Petersburg  to  join  the  army  in  northern 
Virginia,  and  was  given  command  of  McLaws'  division  and  three  bri- 
gades of  my  own  division,  at  Hanover  Junction.  The  brigades  of 
Ripley  and  Colquitt,  of  my  division,  were  in  advance  of  us,  at  Orange 
Court-House.  On  the  2Gth  August,  we  left  Hanover  Junction,  and 
joined  General  Lee  at  Chantilly,  on  the  2d  September,  three  days 
after  the  Yankees  had  been  finally  and  decisively  beaten  in  the  second 
great  battle  of  Manassaa.  On  the  4th,  Anderjon's  brigade  was  sent 
to  fire  on  the  Yankee  trairfs  at  Berlin,  ami,  with  two  brigades,  we 
drove  away  the  Yankee  forces  near  the  mouth  of  the  Monocacy,  and 
crossed  the  Potomac.  That  night  and  the  next  day  were  spent  in 
destroying  the  lock  and  canal  banks.  The  aqueduct  could  not  be 
destroyed  for  want  of  powder  and  tools.  The  night  of  the  5th,  my 
division  followed  General  Jackson  to  within  a  few  miles  of  Frederick. 
The  General  being  disabled  by  the  fall  of  his  horse,  the  next  morning 
I  was  placed  in  charge  of  all  the  forces,  and  marched  into  Frederick..' 
The  telegraph  wires  were  cut  and  the  station  seized.  A  few  stores 
and  prisoners  were  taken  in  the  city. 

On  the  lOth,  my  division  constituted  the  rear-guard,  and  had 
charge  of  the  immense  wagon  train  moving  in  the  direction  of  Hagers- 
town.  On  the  13th,  I  was  ordered  by  General  Leo  to  dispose  of  my 
troops  so  as  to  prevent  the  escape  of  the  Y'ankees  from  Harper's 
Ferry,  then  beseiged,  and  also  to  guard  the  pass  in  the  Blue  Ridge, 
near  Boonsboro'.  Major  General  Stuart  reported  to  me  that  two 
brigades  only  of  the  Yankees  were  pursuing  us,  and  that  one  brigade 
would  be  sufficient  to  hold  the  pass.  I,  however,  sent  the  brigades  of 
Garland  and  Colquitt,  and  ordered  my  other  three  brigades  up  to  the 
neighborhood  of  Boonsboro'.  An  examination  of  the  pass,  very  early 
in  the  morning  of  the  14th,  satisfied  me  that  it  could  only  be  held  by 
a  large  force,  and  was  wholly  indefensible  by  a  small  one.  I  accord- 
ingly ordered  up  Anderson's  brigade.  A  regiment  of  Ripley's  bri- 
gade was  sent  to  hold  another  pass,  some  three  miles  distant,  on  our 
left.  I  felt  reluctant  to  order  up  Ripley  a'nd  llodes  from  the  important 
positions  they  were  holding,  until  something  definite  was  known  of 
the  strength  and  designs  of  the  Yankees.  About  seven  o'clock,  they 
opened  a  fire  upon  our  right,  and  pushed  forward  a  large  force  through 
the  dense  woods,  to  gain  a  practicable  road  to  our  rear.  Garland's 
brigade  was  sent  in  to  meet  this  overwhelming  force,  and  succeeded 
in  checking  it,  and  securing  the  road  from  any  further  attack  that 
day.  This  brilliant  service,  however,  cost  us  the  life  of  that  pare, 
gallant  and  accomplished  Christian  soldier,  General  Garland,  who  had 
no  superiors,  and  few  equals  in  the  service.  The  Y'ankees,  on  their 
side,  lost  General  Reno,  a  renegade  Virginian,  who  was  killed  by  a 
happy  shot  from  the  tweaty-third  North  Carolina.     Garland's  brigade 


113 

was  badly  deraorallzetl  by  his  fall,  and  the  rough  handling  it  had  re- 
ceived, and  had  the  Yankees  pressed  vigorously  forward,  the  road 
might  have  been  gained.  Providentially,  they  were  ignorant  of  their 
success,  or  themselves  too  much  damaged  to  advance.  The  twentieth 
North  Carolina,  of  this  brigade,  under  Colonel  Iverson,  had  attacked 
a  Yankee  battery,  killed  all  the  horses,  and  driven  off  the  cannoneers. 
This  battery  was  used  no  more  that  day  by  the  Yankees. 

Anderson's  brigade  arrived  in  time  to  take  the  place  of  the  much 
demorali7-ed  troops  of  Garland.  There  were  two  mountain  roads 
practicable  for  artillery,  on  the  right  of  the  main  turnpike.  The  de- 
fence of  the  further  one  had  cost  Garland  his  life.  It  was  now  en- 
trusted to  Colonel  Rosser,  of  the  cavalry,  who  had  reported  to  me, 
and  who  had  artillery  and  dismounted  sharpshooters.  General  An- 
derson was  entrusted  with  the  care  of  the  nearest  and  best  road. 
Bondurant's  battery  was  sent  to  aid  him  ift  its  defence.  The  brigade 
of  Colquitt  was  disposed  on  each  side  of  the  turnpike,  and  that,  with 
Lane's  battery,  was  judged  adequate  to  the  task.  There  was,  how- 
ever, a  solitary  peak  on  the  left,  which,  if  gained  by  the  Yan- 
kees, would  give  them  control  of  the  ridge  commanding  the  turnpike. 
The  possession  of  this  peak  was,  therefore,  every  thing  to  the  Yan- 
kees, but  they  seemed  slow  to  perceive  it.  I  had  a  large  number  of 
guns  from  Cutt's  artillery  placed  upon  the  hill  on  the  left  of  tho 
turnpike  to  sweep  the  approaches  to  this  peak.  From  the  position 
selected,  there  was  a  full  view  of  the  country  for  miles  around.  But 
the  mountain  was  so  steep  that  ascending  columns  were  but  little  ex- 
posed to  artillery  fire.  The  artillerists  of  Cutt's  battalion  behaved 
gallantly,  but  their  firing  was  the  worst  I  ever  witnessed. 

Rodcs  and  Ripley  came  up  soon  after  Anderson.  Rodes  was  sent 
to  the  left  to  seize  th'^  peak  already  mentioned,  and  Ripley  was  sent 
to  the  right  to  support  Anderson.  Several  attempts  had  been  made 
previous  to  this,  by  the  Yankees,  to  force  a  passage  through  the 
woods  on  the  right  of,  and  near  the  turnpike.  But  these  were  re- 
pulsed by  the  sixth  and  twenty-seventh  Georgia  and  the  thirteenth 
Alabama,  of  Colquitt's  brigade. 

It  was  now  past  noon,  and  the  Yankees  had  been  checked  for  more 
than  five  hours.  But  it  was  evident  that  they  were  in  large  force  on 
both  sides  of  the  road,  and  the  signal  corps  reported  heavy  masses  at 
the  front  of  the  mountain.  In  answer  to  a  despatch  from  General 
Longstreet,  I  urged  him  to  hurry  forward  troops  to  my  assistance. 
General  Drayton  and  Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson  came  up,  I  think, 
about  three  o'clock,  with  one  thousand  nine  hundred  men,  and  I  felt 
anxious  to  beat  the  force  on  my  right  before  the  Yankees  made  their 
grand  attack,  which  I  feared  would  be  on  our  left,  Anderson,  Rip- 
ley and  Drayton  were  called  together,  and  I  directed  them  to  follow  a 
path  until  they  came  in  contact  with  Rosser,  when  they  should  change 
their  flank,  march  in  line  of  battle,  and  sweep  the  woods  before  them. 
To  facilitate  their  movements,  I  brought  up  a  battery  and  made  it 
shell  the  woods  in  various  directions.  Anderson  soon  became  par- 
tially, and  Drayton  hotly  engaged.  But  Ripley  did  not  draw  trig- 
ger— why,  I  do  not  know.     The  fourth  North  Carolina  (Anderson's 


113 

brigade)  attempted  to  carry  a  Yankee  battery,  but  failed.  Three 
Yankee  brigades  moved  up  in  beautiful  order  against  Drayton,  apd 
his  men  were  soon  beaten  and  went  streaming  to  the  rear.  Rosser, 
Anderson  and  Ripley  still  held  their  ground,  and  the  Yankees  could 
not  gain  our  rear. 

Affairs  were  now  very  serious  on  our  left.  A  division  of  Yankees 
was  advancing  in  handsome  style  against  Rodes.  I  had  every  possi- 
ble gun  turned  upon  the  Yankee  columns,  but  owing  to  the  steepness 
of  the  acclivity  and  the  bad  handling  of  the  guns,  but  little  harm  was 
done  to  the  "restorers  of  the  Union."  Rodes  handled  his  little  brig- 
ade in  a  most  admirable  and  gallant  manner,  fighting,  for  hours,  vastly 
superior  odds,  and  maintaining  the  key-points  of  the  position  till 
darkness  rendered  a  further  advance  of  the  Yankees  impossible.  Had 
he  fought  with  les^  ob^itinacy,  a  practicable  artillery  road  to  the  rear 
would  have  been  gained  on  our  left,  and  the  line  of  retreat,  cut  off. 

Colonel  Gordon,  the  Christian  hero,  excelled  his  former  deeds  at 
Seven  Tines,  and  in  the  battles  around  Richmond.  Our  language  is 
not  capable  of  expressing  a  higher  compliment. 

General  Rodes  sa)?s  the  men  and  officers  generally  behaved  v/ell, 
but  Colonel  Gordon,  sixth  Alabama,  Major  ilobson,  fifth  Alabama, 
and. Colonel  Battle,  thiul  Alabama,  deserve  especial  mention  for  ad- 
miraWe  conduct  during  the  whole  fight.  We  did  not  drive  the  enemy 
back,  or  whip  him  ;  but,  with  one  thousand  two  hundred  men,  we  held 
his  whole  division  at  bay  for  four  hours  and  a  half,  without  assistance 
from  any  one,  losing,  in  that  time,  not  more  than  half  a  mile  of 
ground. 

He  estimates  his  loss  at  four  hundred  and  twenty-two,  out  of  one 
thousand  two  hundred  taken  into  action,  but  thinks  that  he  inflicted 
a  three-fold  heavier  loss  on  the  Yankees.  Colonel  Ga3?le,  of  tho 
twelfth  Alabama,  was  killed,  and  Colonel  O'Neal,  twenty-fourth  Ala- 
ban  a,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pickens,  of  the  twelfth,  severely 
wounded. 

Major  General  Longstreet  came  up  about  four  o'clock,  with  tho 
commands  of  Brigadi(!r  Generals  Evans  and  D.  R.Jones.  I  had  nov 
become  familiar  with  the  ground  and  knew  all  the  vital  points,  and 
had  these  troops  reported  to  me,  the  result  might  have  been  different. 
As  it  was,  they  took  wrong  positions,  and,  in  their  exhausted  condi- 
tion after  a  long  march,  they  were  broken  and  scattered.  Our  whpl© 
left  was  now  faiily  exposed,  and  the  Yankees  had  but  to  push  down 
to  seize  the  turnpike. 

It  was  now  dark,  however,  and  they  feared  to  advance.  AH  the 
available  troops  were  collected  behind  a  stone  wall,  to  resist  an  ap- 
proach  upon  the  turnpike  from  the  left.  Encou^'aged  by  their  suc- 
cesses in  that  direction  the  Yankees  thought  that  it  would  be  an  easy 
matter  to  move  directly  up  the  turnpike.  But  they  were  soon  unde- 
ceived. They  were  heroically  met  and  bloodily  repulsed  by  the  twenty- 
third  and  twenty-eighth  Georgia'regimentsof  Cohjuitt'e  brigade.  The 
fight  lasted  for  more  than  an  hour  after  night,  but  gradually  subsided 
as  the  Yankees  retired.  General  Hood  (who  had  gone  in  on  the  right 
with  his  two  noble  brigades)  pushed  forward  his  skirmishers  ^nd 
8 


114 

drove  back  the  Yankees.  We  retreated  that  night  to  Sharpshurg, 
having  accomplished  all  that  was  required — the  delay  of  the  Yankee 
army  until  Ilarper'8  Ferry  could  not  be  relieved.  Should  the  truth 
ever  be  known,  the  battle  of  South  Mountain,  as  far  as  my  division 
was  concerned,  will  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  remarkable  and 
creditable  of  the  war.  The  division  had  marched  all  the  way  from 
Kichmond,  and  the  straggling  bad  been  enormous,  in  consequence  of 
heavy  marches,  deficient  commissariat,  want  of  shoes,  and  inefBcieot 
officers.  Owing  to  these  combined  causes,  the  division  numbered  less 
than  five  thousand  men  on  the  morning  of  the  14th  September,  and 
had  five  roads  to  guard,  extending  over^a  space  of  as  mnny  miles. 
This  small  force  successfully  resisted,  without  support,  for  eight  hours, 
the  ^^ho]e  Yaiikee  array,  and  when  its  supports  were  beaten,  still  held 
the  roads,  so  that  our  letreat  was  effected  without  the  loss  of  a  gun, 
a  wof^on,  or  an  ambulance,  Rodes'  brigade  had  immojtalized  itself; 
C^olquitt's  had  fought  well,  and  the  two  regiments  most  closely  pressed, 
(tv.-enty-third  and  twenty-eighth  Georgia,)  had  repulsed  the  foe  ;  Gar- 
land's brigade  had  behaved  nobly  until  demoralized  by  the  fall  of  its 
gallant  leader,  and  being  outflanked  by  the  Yankees  ;  Anderson's 
hrigade  had  shown  its  wonted  gallantry  ;  Ripley's  brigade,  for  some 
cause,  had  not  been  engaged,  and  was  used  with  Hood's  two  brigades 
to  cover  the  retreat. 

Had  Longstreet's  division  been  with  mine  at  daylight  in  the  morn- 
ing, the  Yankees  would  have  been  disastrously  repulsed.  But  they 
had  gained  important  positions  before  the  arrival  of  reinforcements. 
These  additional  troops  came  up,  after  a  long,  hurried  and  exhausting 
march,  to  defend  localities  of  which  they  were  ignoi-ant,  and  to  fight 
B.  foe  flushed  with  partial  success,  and  already  holding  key  points  to 
further  advance.  Had  our  forces  never  been  separated,  the  battle  of 
Bharpsburg  never  would  have  been  fought,  and  the  Yankees  would 
ijot  have  even  the  shadow  of  consolation  for  the  loss  of  Harper's 
Ferry. 

VVe  reached  Sharpsburg  about  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  I  oth. 
The  Yankees  made  their  appearance  that  day,  and  some  skirmishing 
and  cannonading  occurred.  There  was  a  great  deal  of  artillery  fir- 
ing during  the  forenoon  of  the  16th  ;  and  late  that  afternoon,  the 
Yankees  crossed  the  Antietam,  opposite  the  centre  of  my  line,  and 
Bande  for  the  Hagerstown  turnpike.  Had  we  been  in  a  condition  to 
attack  them,  as  they  crossed,  much  damage  might  have  been  inflicted. 
But  as  jc't  there  wore  but  two  weak  divisions  On  the  gjouiid.  Jjorig- 
Btreet  held  the  position  south  of  the  Boousboro'  turnpike,  and  I,  that 
on  the  right,  flood's  conanand  was  placed  on  my  left  to  guard  the 
Hagerstown  pike.  Just  before  sundown,  I  got  up  a  battery  (Lane's) 
of  Cult's  battalion,  to  open  upon  the  Yankee  column  advancing  to- 
ivards  that  pike,  while  Colonel  Stephen  Lee  brought  up  another  fur- 
ther on  the  right.  These  checked  the  Yankee  advance,  and  enabled 
Jackson  to  take  position  on  Hood's  left,  and  covering  any  attempt  to 
turn  us  in  that  direction.  My  ranks  had  been  diminished  by  some  addi- 
tional straggling,  and  the  morning  of  the  17th  I  had  but  three  thousand 
,  infantry.     1  had,  however,  twenty -six  pieces  of  artillery  of  my  own, 


115  •       . 

and  near  sixty  pieces  of  Cutt's  battalion,  temporarily  under  my  com- 
mand. Positions  were  selected  for  as  many  of  these  guns  as  could 
be  used  ;  but  all  the  ground  in  my  front  was  completely  commanded 
by  the  long-range  artillery  of  the  Yankees  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Antietam,  which  concentrated  their  fire  upon  every  gun  that  opened, 
and  soon  disabled  or  silenced  it. 

At  daylight  a  brisk  skirmish  began  along  Hood's  front,  and  Col- 
quitt, Ripley  and  Mcllae  (commanding  Garland's  brigade,)  were 
moved  up  to  his  support.  Hood's  men  always  fight  well,  and  they 
were  handsomely  supported  by  Colquitt  and  Jiipley.  The  first  line 
of  the  I'ankees  were  broken,  and  our  men  pushed  vigorously  for- 
ward, but  to  meet  another  and  yet  another  line.  Colquitt  had  gone 
in  with  ten  field  officers  ;  four  were  killed,  five  badly  wounded,  and 
the  tenth  had  been  stunned  by  a  shell.  The  men  w«re  beginning  to 
fall  back,  and  eftorts  were  made  to  rally  them  in  the  bed  of  an  old 
road,  nearlv  at  riirlit  anjrles  to  the  Ila^erstown  pike,  and  which  had 
been  their  position  previous  to  the  advance.  These  efforts,  however, 
■were  only  partially  successful.  Most  of  the  brigade  took  no  further 
part  in  the  action.  Garland's  brigade  (Colonel  McKae,  command- 
ing) had  been  much  demoralized  by  the  fight  at  South  Mftun* 
tain  ;  but  the  nien  advanced  with  alacrity,  secured  a  good  position, 
and  were  fighting  bravely,  when  Captain  Thompson,  fifth  North  Car- 
olina, cried  out,  "They  are  Hanking  us  !"  This  cry  spread  like  an 
electric  shock  along  the  ranks,  bringing  up  vivid  recollections  of  the 
flank  fire  at  South  Mountain.  In  a  moment  they  broke  and  fell  to 
the  rear.  Colonel  Mcllae,  though  wounded,  remained  on  the  field  all 
day  and  succeeded  in  gathering  up  some  stragglers,  and  personally  ren- 
dered much  efficient  service.  The  twenty-third  North  Carolina  regiment, 
of  this  brigade,  was  brought  off  by  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Johnston,  and  posted,  by  my  order,  in  the  old  road  already  described. 

Ripley's  brigade  had  united  with  AValker's  and  fallen  back   with  it 
behind  the  ridge  to  the  left  of  this  road  and  near  to  it.     We  had  now 
lost^all  the  grouiid  wrested  froui  the  enemy,  and  were  occupying  the 
position  held  in  the  morning.      But  three    of  ray  brigades    had   been 
broken  aud  much  demoralized,  and  all  of  the  artillery  had  been  with- 
drawn from  my  front.      Rodes  and   Anderson  were  in   the   old    road,, 
and  sorae  stragglers  had  been  g  ithereii  up  and  placed  upon  their  left.. 
It  was  now  apparent  that  the  Yii.koes  were  massing  in  our  front; and 
that  th.Ar  grand  attack  wou!<i  be  made  upon  ray   position,  which    was 
the  centre  of  our  line.     I  sent   several    urgent  messages  to   Gene.al 
Lee  i'vv  reinforcemcn's,  but  before  any  arrived,  a  heavy   force   (since 
ascertained  to  be  Franklin's  corps,)  advanced  in  three  parallel   Jiueji 
with  all  the  precision  of  a  parade  day.  upon  my  two  brigades.     Thij 
met  with  a  ^'ailing   tire,  however,  recoiled  and   fell  back,    again   ad-- 
vanced  and  afi'ain  fell  back,  and  tinally  lay  down  behind  tiie  crest  of 
the  hill,  and  kept  up  an  irregular  fire.      1  got  a  battery    in    po-iuion* 
which  fiartiall^  enfiladed  the  Yankee   line,  and  aided    materially    to- 
check  its  advance.     This  bittery  was  brought  up  by   my   aid.    Lieu- 
tenant J.  A.  Reid,  who  received  a  painful  wound   in  the  discharge  of 
that  duty.     In  the  meantime,  General  R.  II.  Anderson  reported  to 


116 

me  with  some  three  or  four  thousand  men  a  9  reinforcements  to  my  com- 
mand. I  directed  him  to  form  immediately  behind  my  men.  That 
gallant  and  accomplished  officer  was  soon  wounded,  and  the  command 
devolved  upon  General  Pryor.  The  Yankee  fire  had  now  nearly 
ceased,  and  but  for  an  unfortunate  blunder  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Lightfoot,  eixth  Alabama,  no  further  advance  would  have  been  made 
by  them.  General  Rodeshad  observed  a  regiment  lying  down  in  his 
rear  and  not  engaged.  lie  says  as  the  fire  was  now  desultory  and 
slack,  1  went  to  the  troops  referred  to  and  found  that  they  belonged 
to  General  Pryor's  brigade.  Their  officers  stated  that  they  had  been 
halted  by  some  body — not  General  Pryor.  Finding  General  P.  in  a 
few  minutes,  and  iijforroing  him  as  to  their  conduct,  he  immediately 
ordered  them  forward.  Returning  towards  the  brigade,  I  met  Lieu- 
tenant Colone!  Lightfoot,  sixth  Alabama,  looking  for  me.  Upon  his 
telling  me  that  the  right  wing  of  the  regiment  was  exposed  to  a  ter- 
rible enfilade  fire,  which  the  enemy  was  enabled  to  deliver  by  their 
gaining  somewhat  upon  Anderson,  (General  G.  B.)  I  oriiered  him  to 
hasten  back  and  to  throw  his  right  wing  back  and  out  of  the  old  road 
referred  to.  Instead  of  executing  the  order,  he  moved  briskly  to  the 
rear  of  the  regiment,  and  gave  the  command,  "Sixth  Alabama — about, 
face  ;  forward,  march."  JMajor  Ilobson,  of  the  fifth,  seeing  this, 
asked  him  if  the  order  was  intended  for  the  whole  brigade;  he  said, 
*'Ye8;"  and  thereupon  the  fifth  and  the  other  troops  on  their  left,  re- 
treated. I  did  not  see  their  retrograde  movement  until  it  was  too  late 
for  me  to  rally  them;  and  for  this  reason  :  Just  as  I  was  moving  on  af- 
ter Lightfoot,  I  heard  a  shot  ."strike  Lieutenant  Beraey,  (aid)  who  was 
immediately  behind  me.  Wheeling  around,  I  found  him  falling,  and 
that  he  had  been  struck  in  the  face.  He  found  that  he  could  walk 
after  I  raised  him.  I  followed  him  a  few  paces  and  watched  him  till 
he  reached  a  barn,  a  short  distance  in  the  rear,  where  he  first  met 
Bome  one  to  help  him  in  case  he  needed  it.  As,  I  turned  towards  the 
brigade,  I  was  struck  heavily  by  a  piece  of  shell  on  ray  thigh.  At 
first  I  thought  that  the  wound  was  serious ;  but  finding,  upon  exami- 
nation, that  it  was  slight,  I  turned  towards  the  brigade,  when  I  dis- 
covered it,  without  visible  cause  to  me,  retreating  in  confusion.  I 
hastened  to  intercept  it  at  the  Hagersto\jn  road.  I  found  though, 
that  with  the  exception  of  a  few  men  from  the  twenty-sixth,  twelfth 
and  third,  and  a  few  under  Major  Hobson,  of  the  fifth,  not  more  than 
forty  in  all,  the  brigade  had  disappeared  from  this  portion  of  the 
field.  This  small  number,  together  with  some  Mississippians  and 
North  Carolinians,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  all,  I  rallied  and 
stationed  behind  a  small  ridge  leading  from  the  Ilagerstrwn  road. 
General  G.  B.  Anderson  still  nobly  held  his  ground;  but  the  Yankees 
began  to  pour  through  th<?  gap  made  by  the  retreat  of  Rodes.  An- 
derson himself  was  mortally  wounded,  and  his  brigade  was  totally 
routed. 

Colonel  Bennett,  of  the  fourteenth,  and  Major  Sillers,  of  the  thir- 
tieth North  Carolina  regiments,  rallied  a  portion  of  their  men.  There 
were  no  troops  near  to  hold  the  centre,  except  a  few  hundred  rallied 
from  various  brigades.     The  Yankees  crossed  the  old  road,  which  we 


117 

had  occupied  in  the  morning,  and  occupied  a  corn-field  and  orchard  in 
advance  of  it.  They  had  now  got  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the 
hill,  which  commanded  Sharpsburg  and  our  rear.  Aflfairs  looked  very 
critical,  I  found  a  battery  concealed  in  a  corn-field,  and  ordered  it 
to  move  out  and  open  upon  the  Yankee  columns.  This  proved  to  be 
Bryce's  South  Carolina  bittery.  It  moved  out  most  gallantly, 
although  exposed  to  a  terrible  direct  and  reverse  fire  from  the  long- 
range  Yankee  artillery  across  the  Antietam.  A  caisson  exploded,  but 
the  battery  was  unlimbercd,  and,  with^rape  and  cannister,  drove  the 
Yankees  back.  I  was  now  satisfied  that  the  Y''ankee3  were  so  demor- 
alized that  a  single  regiment  of  fresh  men  could  drive  the  vn  hole  of  them 
in  our  front  across  the  Antietam.  I  got  up  about  two  hundred  men 
who  said  that  they  were  willing  to  advance  to  the  attack,  if  I  would 
lead  them.  We  met,  however,  with  a  warm  reception,  and  the  little 
command  was  broken  and  dispersed.  Major  Hobson  and  Lieutenant 
Gaff,  of  fifih  Alabama,  acquitted  themselves  handsomely  in  this 
charge.  Colonel  Iverson,  twentieth  North  Carolina,  Colonel  Christie, 
twenty-third  North  Carolina,  Captain  Garrett,  fifth  North  Carolina, 
Adjutant  Taylor  and  Lieutenant  Pierce,  of  the  same  regiment,  had 
gathered  up  about  two  hundred  men,  and  I  sent  them  to  the  right  to 
attack  the  Yankees  in  iiank.  They  drove  them  back  a  short  distance  ; 
but,  in  turn,  were  repulsed.  These  two  attacks,  however,  had  a  most 
happy  effect.  The  Y'ankees  were  completely  deceived  by  their  bold- 
ness, and  induced  to  believe  that  there  was  a  large  force  in  our  centre. 
They  made  no  farther  attempt  to  piprce  our  centre,  except,  on  a  small 
scale,  hereafter  to  be  mentioned. 

It  was  now  about  four  P.  M.,  and  Burnside's  corps  was  massing  to 
attack  on  our  right.  A  heavy  column  was  advancing  up  the  Boons- 
boro'  pike,  and  I  ordered  up  some  two  or  three  hundred  men,  under 
command  of  Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson,  to  the  hill  already  described, 
commanding  Sharpsburg.  But  they  were  exposed  to  an  enfilade  fire, 
from  a  battery  near  the  church,  on  the  Hagerstown  pike,  and  com- 
pelled to  retire  to  another  hill.  About  thirty  men,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Betts,  twelftli  Alabama,  of  my  division,  remained  as  supports 
to  my  division  batteries,  under  Jones,  Ilardaway  and  Bondurant. 
The  Yankee  columns  were  allowed  to  come  within  easy  range,  when  a 
sudden  storm  of  grape  and  cannister  drove  them  back  in  confusion. 
Betts'  men  must  have  given  them  a  very  hot  fire,  as  Burnside  reported 
that  he  had  met  three  heavy  columns  on  the  hill.  It  is  difficult  to 
imagine  how  thirty  men  could  so  multiply  themselves,  as  to  appear  to 
the  frightened  Yankees  to  be  three  heavy  columns.  On  our  extreme 
right,  however,  the  Yankees  had  been  more  successful.  They  had 
crossed  the  Antietam,  and  were  driving  our  men  before  them.  Our 
forces,  (supposed  to  be  A.  P.  Hill's  or  D.  R.  Jones'.)  had  fallen  back 
nearly  to  the  road  in  rear  of  Sharpsburg,  and  the  Yankees  aiivanced 
in  fine  style  to  the  crests  commanding  it.  A  few  hundred  yards  more, 
and  our  only  line  of  retreat  would  be  cut  off.  I  called  Cixrter's  atten- 
tion to  this  imposing  force  of  Yankees,  and  he  opened  upon  them  with 
three  guns,  aided  by  two,  I  think,  of  the  Donaldsonville  artillery. 
The  firing  was  beautiful,  and  the  Yankee  columns  (one  thousand  two 


118 

hundred  yards  distant)  were  routed  by  this  artillery  firo  alone,  unaided 
by  musketry.  This  is  the  only  instance,  I  have  ever  known,  of  in- 
fantry being  broken  by  artillery  fire  at  long  range.  It  speaks  badly 
for  the  courage  of  Burnside's  rnen. 

Captain  Carter  says  :  "  The  next  reovement  of  the  enemy  was  to 
ndvance  a  heavy  column  on  the  extreme  right,  bearing  down  on  what 
1  supposed  to  have  been  the  right  wing  of  A.  P.  Hill's  division.  Our 
troops  gave  way  entirely  before  the  column  With  three  pieces  of 
my  battery,  aided  by  two  of  Lieutenant  Elliott's,  this  column  was 
shattered  and  driven  back,  without  the  assistance  (so  far  as  I  know) 
of  any  infantry  whatever.  Gener.'ils  D.  II.  Hill  and  llodes  witnessed 
the  firing."  Our  troops  advanced,  now,  on  the  extreme  right,  and 
Burnside's  whole  corps  was  driven  back.  This  virtually  closed  tho 
operations  of  the  day.  But  a  movement  of  a  rather  farcical  charac- 
ter now  took  place.  General  Pryor  had  gathered  quite  a  respectable 
force  behind  a  stone  wall,  on  the  Hagcrstown  road,  and  Colonel  G.  T. 
Anderson  had  about  a  regiment  behind  a  hill,  immediately  to  the  right 
of  this  road.  A  Maine  regiment,  the  twenty-first  (1  think)  came 
down  to  this  hill,  wholly  unconscious  that  there  were  any  Confederate 
troops  near  it.  A  shout  and  a  volley  informed  them  of  their  danger- 
ous neighborhood.  The  Yankee  apprehension  is  acute,  the  idea  was 
soon  taken  in,  and  was  followed  by  the  most  rapid  running  I  ever  saw. 
The  night  closed  in,  with  our  troops  in  the.centre,  about  two  hundred 
yards  in  rear  of  the  position  held  in  the  morning.  We  held,  however, 
two-thirds  of  the  battle-field,  including  the  ground  gained  by  General 
A.  P.  Hill  on  our  right.  The  only  ground  lost  was  in  the  centre, 
where  the  chief  Yankee  attack  had  been  made,  and  where  there  had 
been  the  severest  fighting  and  the  heaviest  loss  to  both  parties.  The 
skulkers  and  cowards  had  straggled  off,  and  only  the  bravest  and 
truest  men  of  my  division  had  been  left.  It  is  true  that  hunger  and 
exhaustion  had  nearly  unfitted  these  bravo  men  for  battle.  Our 
wagons  had  been  sent  ofi"  across  the  river  on  Sunday,  and  for  three 
days  the  men  had  been  sustaining  life  on  green  corn  and  such  cattle 
as  thej  could  kill  in  the  fields.  In  charging  through  an  apple  orchard 
at  the  Yankees,  with  the  immediate  prospect  of  death  before  them,  I 
noticed  men  eagerly  devouring  apples.  The  unparalelled  loss  of  tho 
division  shows,  that  spite  of  hunger  and  fatigue,  the  ofiicers  and  men 
fought  most  heroically  in  the  two  battles  in  Maryland.  The  division 
lost  three  thousand  out  of  less  than  nine  thousand  engacred  at  Seven 
Pines.  Four  thousand  out  of  ten  thousand  in  the  battles  around 
Richmond.  But  now,  the  loss  was  thirty-two  hundred  and  forty-one 
* (3,2-4  I)  in  two  babies  out  of  less  than  five  thousand  engaged  ;  that  is, 
the  loss  was  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  entire  force.  Of  these,  nino 
hundred  and  twenty-five  (925)  are  reported  missing.  Doubtless  a 
large  number  of  the  missing  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Yankees  when 
■wounded.  But  even  supposing  that  none  of  the  missing  were  killed 
or  wounded,  still  we  have  twenty-three  hundred  and  sixteen  (2,3  1 6) 
reported  killed  and  wounded,  or  nearly  one-half  of  those  taken  into 
action.  Among  these  was,  one  brigadier  general  killed,  one  mortally 
•wounded,  and  three  brigade  commanders  wounded.    Four  colonels  killed. 


119 

eight  colonels  wcunJed.  One  lieutenant  colonel  killed,  seven  lieu- 
tenant colonels  wounded.  Two  majors  killed  and  two  majors  woundeJ. 
There  were  but  thirty-four  field  officers  present  in  the  battles,  and 
only  nine  left  when  they  ^ere  over.  The  mortality  was  equally  gre"t 
among  company  commanders,  and  several  regiments  were  left  under 
coa^mand  of  lieutenants.  Still  the  stubborn  spirit  of  the  men  was 
not  subdued.  From  fifteen  to  seventeen  hundred  were  gathered 
together  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  and  placed  in  a  position  more 
sheltered  than  the  one  occupied  the  day  before,  and,  I  think,  would 
have  fought  with  determination  if  not  with  enthusiasm,  had  the  Yan- 
kees raa'le  an  advance  Our  northern  brethren  were  too  much  shat- 
tered to  renew  the  contest,  and  that  night  we  recrossed  the  Potoraao. 
The  battle  of  Sharpsburg  was  a  success,  so  far  as  the  failure  of  the 
Yankees  to  carry  the  position  they  assailed.  It  would,  however, 
have  been  a  glorious  victory  for  us,  but  for  three  causes.  I.  Tho 
separation  of  our  forces.  Had  McLaws  and  II,  11.  Anderson  been 
there  earlier  in  the  morning  the  battle  would  not  have  lasted  two 
hours,  and  would  have  been  signally  disastrous  to  the  Yankees.  2. 
The  bad  handling  of  our  artillery.  This  could  not  cope  with  the 
superior  weight,  calibre,  range,  and  number  of  the  Yankee  guns. 
Hence  it  ought  only  to  liave  been  used  against  masses  of  infantry. 
On  the  contrar-y,  our  guns  wore  made  to  reply  to  the  Yankee  gund, 
and  were  smashed  up  or  withdrawn  before  they  could  be  effectually 
turned  agninst  massive  columns  of  attack.  An  artillery  duel  between 
tho  Washington  aitillcry  and  the  Yankee  batteries  across  the  Aa- 
tietam.-on  the  1 6th,  v,'as  the  most  raelincholy  farce  iu  the  war.  3. 
The  enormous  straggling.  The  battle  was  fought  with  less  than  thirty 
thousand  men.  Had  all  our  stragglers  been  up,  McClellan's  army 
would 'have  been  completely  crushed  or  annihilated.  Doubtless,  tho 
want  of  shoes,  want  of  food  and  phyj-ical  exhaustion  had  kept  many 
brave  men  from  being  with  tho  army.  But  thousands  of  thieving 
poltroons  had  kept  away  from  sheer  cowardice.  The  straggler  is  gen- 
erally a  thief  and  always  a  coward,  lost  to  all  sense  of  shame;  ho 
can  only  be  kept  in  ranks  by  a  strict  and  sanguinary  disciplino.     ' 

LIST    OF    CASUALTIES. 

K'tlhd.  Wounded.  Bliasing. 


Rodes'  brigafle, 

. 

Ill 

28n 

225 

Kipley's  1  ligade,     - 

. 

no 

506 

124 

Garland's  brigade,   - 

- 

46 

210 

187 

Anderson's  brigade, 

. 

G4 

299 

2(12 

Colquitt's  brigade,  - 

. 

129 

518 

184 

Artillery, 

- 

4 

30 

3 

Total,         -         -  464  1,852  925 

In  this  sad  list,  we  have  especially  to  mourn   many  distinguished 
officers.     Brigadier  General  Garland  was  killed  at   South  Mountain, 


120 

the  most  fearless  man  I  ever  knew,  a  Christian  hero,  a  ripe  scholar 
and  most  accomplished  gentleman.  Brigadier  General  G.  B.  Ander- 
Fon  was  mortally  wounded  at  Shnrpsburg,  a  high-toned,  honorable, 
conscientious,  Christian  soldier,  highly  gifted  and  lovely  in  all  the 
qualities  that  adorn  a  man.  Colonel  C  C.  Tew,  second  North  Caro- 
lina regiment  was  one  of  the  most  finished  scholars  on  the  continent, 
and  had  no  superior  as  a  soldier  in  the  field.  Colonel  B.  B.  Gayle, 
twelfth  Alabama,  a  most  gallant  and  accomplished  officer,  was  killed 
Bt  South  Mountain.  Colonel  W.  P.  Barclay,  twenty-third  Georgia, 
the  hero  of  South  Mountain,  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg.  There,  too, 
fell  those  gallant  Christian  soldiers,  Colonel  Levi  B.  Smith,  twenty- 
seventh  Gtorgia,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  M.  Newton,  of  the  sixth 
Georgia.  The  modest  and  heroic  Major  Tracy,  of  the  sixth  Georgia, 
met  there,  too.  a  bloody  grave.  The  lamented  Captain  l*lane,  of  that 
regiment,  deserves  special  mention;  of  him  it  could  be  truly  said 
that  he  shrank  from  no  danger,  iSD  fatigue  and  no  exposure.  Major 
Kobert  S.  Smith,  fourth  Georgia,  fell,  fighting  most  heroically,  at 
Sharpsburg.  He  had  received  a  military  education,  and  gave  promise 
of  eminence  in  his  profession.  Captain  James  B.  Atwell,  twentieth 
Ncrth  Carolina,  deserves  to  live  in  the  memory  of  his  countrymen 
for  almost  unsurpassed  gallantry.  After  having  greatly  di.'>tinguished 
liimself  in  the  capture  of  the  Yankee  battery  at  South  Mountain,  he 
fell,  heroically  fighting,  at  Sharpsburg.  Brigadier  General  Ripley 
received  a  severe  wound  in  the  throat,  from  a  minie  ball,  which  would 
have  proven  fatal,  but  for  passing  through  his  cravat.  After  his 
v,ound  was  dressed,  he  heroically  returned  to  the  field,  and  remained 
to  the  close  of  the  day  with  his  brigade.  Brigadier  General  llodes 
received  a  painful  contusion  from  a  shell,  but  remained  -with  his  com- 
maand.  Celonel  McRae,  commanding  brigade,  was  struck  in  the 
forehead,  but  gallantly  remained  on  the  field.  Colonel  Bennett,  four- 
teenth North  Carolina  regiment,  who  had  conducted  himself  most 
nobly  throughout,  won  my  special  admiration  for  the  heroism  he  ex- 
hibited, at  the  moment  of  receiving  what  he  supposed  to  be  a  mortal 
wound.  Colonel  Dellosset,  third  North  Carolina,  received  a  severe 
wound  at  Sharpsburg,  which,  I  fear,  will  forever  deprive  the  South  of 
his  most  valuable  services.  Colonel  F.  M.  Barker,  thirtieth  North 
Carolina,  a  modest,  brave  and  accomplished  officer,  was  severely 
r.ounded  at  Sharpsburg.  Colonel  J.  B.  Gordon,  sixth  Alabama,  the 
Chevalier  Bayard  of  the  army,  received  five  wounds^  at  Sharpsburg, 
lefore  he  would  quit  the  field.  The  heroic  Colonel  Fry,  thirteenth 
Alabama,  and  Colonel  O'Neal,  twenty-sixth  Alabama,  who  h<ul  both 
licen  wounded  at  Seven  Pines,  were  once  more  wounded  severely  at 
Sharpsburg,  while  nobly  doing  their  duty.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Pickens,  twelfth  Alabama,  and  Major  Redden,  twenty-sixth  Alabama, 
v/ere  both  wounded  at  Souih  Mountain,  the  former  severely.  They 
greatly  distinguished  themselves  in  that  battle.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
J  M.  Lightfoot,  sixth  Alabama,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Johnston, 
fourteenth  North  Carolina,  were  wounded  at  Sharpsburg,  the  latter 
filightly.  Major  Thurston,  third  North  Carolina,  received  a  painful 
contusion,  but  did  not  leave  the  field.     Lieutenant  Colonel  Ruffin^ 


1^1 

thirteenth  North  Carolina,  remained  with  his  regiment  on  South 
Mountain,  after  receiving  three  painful  wounds.  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Betts,  thirteenth  Alabama,  Avas  slightly  wounded.  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Zachry,  twenty-seventh  Georgia,  had  just  recovered  from  a 
severe  wound  received  before  Richmond,  to  receive  a  more  serious 
one  at  Sharpsburg.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Best  and  Major  Iluggins, 
twenty-third  Georgia,  gallant  and  meritorious  officers,  were  severely 
wounded  at  Sharpsburg. 

It  becomes  ray  grateful  task  to  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of  my 
brigade  commanders,  two  of  whom  sealed  their  devotion  to  their 
country  with  their  lives.  Major  Ratchford,  Major  Pierson,  chief  of 
artillery,  and  Lieutenant  J.  A.  Rcid,  of  ray  staif,  were  conspicuous 
for  their  gallantry.  Captain  Overton,  serving  temporarily  Avith  me, 
was  wounded  at  Sharpsburg,  but  remained  under  fire  until  I  urged 
him  to  leave  the  field.  Captain  West  and  Lieutenant  T.  J.  Moore, 
ordnance  officers^  discharged  faithfully  their  duty,  and  rendered  im- 
portant service  on  the  field  at  South  Mountain.'  Major  Archer  An- 
derson, adjutant,  had  been  wounded  in  crcssing  the  Potomac,  and  I 
lost  his  valuable  services  in  Maryhind.  Sergeant  Hanneling  and 
privates  Thomas  Joifes  and  Minter,  of  the  couriers,  acquitted  them- 
selves handsomely. 

Brigadier  General  Rodes  reports,  as  specially  deserving  notice  for 
their  gallantry.  Colonel  O'Neal  and  Major  Redden,  twenty-sixth  Ala- 
bama;  Colonel  J.  B  Gordon,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lightfoot,  Lieuten- 
ant R.  H.  Larrey,  Sergeant  J.  B.  Hancock,  sixth  Alabama;  Major 
E.  L.  Hobson,  Captain  T.»  M.  Riley,  Lieutenant  J.  M.  Gaff,  Sergeant 
A.  Swicegood,  Color-Corporal  Joshua  Smith,  fifth  Alabama;  Colonel 
C.  A.  Battles,  Captain  E.  S.  Ready,  (badly  wounded,)  Lieutenant  J. 
J.  Lake,  (killed,)  Lieutenant  E.  L,  Randle,  (wounded.)  Sergeant  N. 
M.  Howard,  Sergeant  William  Taylor,  Corporal  Josiah  Ely,  Sergeant 
J.  W.  H;!uxthall,  private  Joseph  Lee, 'Sergeant  Jas.  Stewart,  Sergeant 
Henry  Donnalson,  Sergeant  George  Ellison,  and  private  Hollatiquist, 
third  Alabama. 

Brigadier  General  Colquitt  reports,  in  like  manner,  N.  B.  Neusan, 
color-sergeant,  J.  J.  Powell,  ^^  W.  Glover,  H.  M.  James  and  N.  B. 
Lane,  color-guard,  sixth  Georgia;  Corporal  John  Cooper,  Corporal 
Joseph  J.  Wood,  private  J.  W.  Tompkins,  privates  B.  C.  La  Prade, 
L.  B.  Lamnah,  A.  D.  Simmons,  W.  Smith,  J.  M.  Feltman  and  J.  C. 
Penn.  Captain  Arnold,  sixth  Georgia  regiment,  who  commanded  a 
battalion  of  skirmishers  at  South  jMountain  and  Sharpsburg,  is  enti- 
tled to  the  highest  commendation  for  his  skill  and  gallantry.  Cap- 
tain Garrison,  commanding  tAventy-eighth  Georgia,  was  severely 
wounded  at  the  head  of  his  regiment.  Captain  Banning,  twenty- 
eighth  Georgia  regiment,  was  distinguished  for  his  intrepid  coolness, 
fighting  in  the  ranks,  jvith  gun  in  hand,  and  stimulating  his  men 
by  his  words  and  example.  AV.  R.  Johnson  and  William  Goff,  twenty- 
eighth  Georgia,  Sergeant  J.  L.  Moore,  privates  W.  A.  Estes,  J.  S. 
Wingate,  W.  S.  Walker,  Isaac  Hundley,  Thomas  Sudler,  J.  J.  Gor- 
don, Sinison  Williamson,  Lieutenant  B.  A.  Bowen,  Lieutenant  R.  S. 
Tomme,  Lieutenant  L.  D.  Ford,  First  Sergeant  Herring,  Sergeant  T. 


122 

P.  W.  Bullard,  Sergeant  J.  J.  Adams,  privates  Mosely,  McCall,  J.  M. 
Vau=e,  J.  llutchini^s,  Thomas  Argo,  J.  S.  Denniss,  W.  C.  Cla'ybanks, 
Joseph  llerron,  W.  D.  Tingle  atd  Corporal  J.  A,  Lee,  thirteenth 
Alabama. 

Tlie  officers  commanding  the  twenty-eeventb  and  twenty-eighth  Geor- 
gia regiments  report  that  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  make  di^inctions 
where  so  many  acted  with  distinguished  bravery.  In  the  twenty- 
seventh,  every  commissioned  officer,  except  one,  was  killed  or  wounded 
at  SLarpsburg,  and  this  sole  survivor  was  unwilling  to  discriminate 
among  so  nuiny  brave  men.  Brigadier  General  Do^es  (now  command- 
ing Ripley's  brigade,)  pays  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Mojor  Robert 
S.  Smith,  fourth  Georgia,  and  speaks  in  the  most  complimentary 
terms  of  Colonel  DeRosset,  and  Mi)jor  Thurston,  th-rd  North  Carolina, 
(the  former  severely,  and  the  latter  slightly  wounded,)  and  Captains 
Meares,  McNair  and  Williams,  of  the  same  regiment.  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel H.  A.  Brown  and  Captain  J.  A.  Hannell,  acting  Mnjor  of  the  first 
North  Carolina  regiment,  are  also  highly  commended.  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Phil  Cock,  Captains  Willis,  De  Graffenreid  and  Lieutenants 
Ilawkens,  Bisel,  llulbert,  Gay,  (wounded,)  Stephens,  Exell,  Sncad^ 
Cobb,  (killed,)  Macon,  (severely  wounded,)  **  all.  commended  them- 
selves to  my  special  notice  by  their  gallmt  and  meritorious  conduct," 
Captain  Rcy,  commanding  ferty-fourth  Georgia,  and  Captain  Reid, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General,  are  equally  eommended.  Assistant 
Surgeon  William  P.  Young,  remained  on  the  field  after  he  was 
wounded,  caring  for  the  wounded,  and  fell  into  the  .hands  of  the 
cneusy.  Privates  Thomas  S.  Cartright,  Joseph  S.  Kichardson_  and 
Henry  E.  AVelch,  fourth  Georgia,  are  mentioned  with  distinction. 
The  first  named  fell  with  the  colors  of  his  regiment  in  his  hand. 
Richardson  was  wounded.  Privates  R  Dudley  Hill  and  Thomas  J, 
Dinglers,  two  lads  in  the  forty-fourth  Georgia,  attracted,  in  an 
especial  manner,  the  attention  of  their  commander,  by  their  extraor- 
dinary daring.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brown,  of  the  first  North  Caro- 
lina regiment,  v,'ho  commanded  in  both  battles  in  Maryland,  says 
that  all  (lid  their  duty  in  his  regiment,  and  he   cannot  discriminate. 

The  following  officers  and  men,  of  Garland's  brigade,  are  specially 
commended  for  their  good  conduct:  Colonels  D.  R,  McRae,  Iverson 
and  Christie  ;  Lieutenant  Colonels  Johnston  and  Ruflin,  The  latter 
was  woundtd  three  times  at  South  Mountain,  and  exhibited  the  high- 
est qualities  of  the  officer  and  soldier.  Captains  Garret,  Robinson, 
Brookfield,  Adjutant  J,  M.  Taylor  and  Lieutenant  Peirce,  of  tho 
fifth  ;  Captain  AtAvell  (killed)  and  Lieutenant  Caldwell,  of  tho 
twentieth,  conducted  themselves  with -soldier-like  gallantry.  Lieu- 
tenants King,  Ray,  Malone,  Duguid,  Felton  and  Sutten,  Sergeants 
Ptuidick,  Ingram,  Pearce,  Johnson  and  Dennis,  privates.  Hays, 
KIlis,  Campbell,  Hillard  and  Rijtsart,  of  the  same  regiment,  are 
highly  commended  by  their  regimental  commSnders,  Sergeant  A. 
AV,  FuUenwider,  John  W,  Glenn,  C.  W,  Bennet  and  privates  E.  F. 
Howell  and  W.  C,  Watkins,  of  the  twenty-third  North  Carolina,  ex- 
hibited extraordinary  coolness  and  daring.  Sergeant  FuUenwider 
has  been  six  times  wounded  during  the  war,  but  still  lives  to  perform 


123 

more  heroic  deeds.  .  Private  David  Jones,  twentieth  North  Carolina, 
was  specially  distinguishad  as  a  bold  and  intelligent  scout  at  South 
Mountain. 

In  Anderson's  brigade,  the  field  officers  present  in  the  battles.  Colonel 
Tew,  second  North  Carolina,  (killed,)  Colonel  Grimes,  fourth  North 
Carolina,  Colonel  Bennett,  (wounded.)  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  G. 
Johnston,  (slightly  wounded,)  both  of  the  fourteenth  North  Carolina, 
Colonel  Parker,  (severely  wa^unded,)  and  Major  Sellers,  both  of  the 
thirtieth  North  <."arolina,  are  all  worthy  of  the  gratitude  of  their 
country,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  eervices.  Colonel  Grimes  was 
disabled-by  the  hick  of  a  horse,  from  being  with  his  regiment  (fourth 
North  Carolina)  at  Sharpsburg,  and  unfit  for  duty  for  months  after- 
wards. The  fourth  thus  lost  his  valuable  services.  This  gallant  regi- 
ment, which  has  never  been  surpassed  by  any  troops  in  the  world,  for 
gallantry,  subordination  and  propriety,  was  commanded  by  the  heroic 
Captain  Marsh,  and,  after  his  fall,  by  the  equally  heroic  Captain 
Latham,  who  shared  the  same  fate.  Jll  the  officers  of  this  noble 
regiment,  present  at  Sharpsburg,  were  killed  or  wounded.  Their 
names  deserve  to  be  preserved.  Captains  Marsh,  Latham  and  Osborne, 
Lieutenants  Stansill,  Colton,  Allen,  Parker,  Brown,  \Yeaver,  Craw- 
ford and  Bonner,  Sergeants  John  Troutman  and  J.  W.  Shinn,  Cor- 
porals J.  A,  Cowan  and  H.  H.  Barnes,  and  private  J.  D.  Barton,  of 
this  regiment,  were  greatly  distinguished  for  their  courage.  Private  J. 
B.  Stinson,  of  same  regiment,  acting  as  courier  to  General  Anderson, 
was  wounded  in  three  place  at  Sharpsburg,  and  there,  as  on  every  other 
batt'e-fteld,  behaved  most  nobly.  Colonel  Bennet,  of  the  fourteenth 
Norih  Carolina,  commends  Captains  Jones,  Preeman,  Bell,  Dcbun  and 
Weir,  Lieutenants  Liles,  Mitchell,  ILu-ney,  Shankle,  Bevers,  Thread- 
gill,  Moachem,  Sergeants  Jenkins,  McLester,  Corporal  Crump,  pri- 
vates McGregor,  Beasley,  Odell  and  Morgan,  The  second  North 
Carolina,  after  the  death  of  the  gallant  and  accomplished  Tew,  was 
commanded  by  Captain  Roberts,  since  resigned.  The  thirtieth  North 
Carolina,  after  the  fall  of  its  gallant  colonel,  was  commanded  by  Ma- 
jor Sillers,  a  brave  and  meritorious  officer. 

I  much  regret  that  the  officers  of  these  two  regiments  have  declined 
to  present  the  names  of  those  specially  distinguished  for  cOolness  and 
courage.  The  thirteenth  North  Carolina,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Ruffin,  greatly  distinguished  it-3elf  at  South  Mountain.  I  regret  that 
I  have  no  report  from  that  heroic  officer,  now  absent  sick.  ILi  often, 
however,  spoke  of  the  great  gallantry  of  Sergeant  Walter  S.  William- 
son. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

D.  II    HILL, 
Major  General. 


RErORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL. 

I 


Headquarters  Light  Division^ 

Camp  Gregg,  February  25th,  1863. 


Liieutenant  Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner,  A.  A.  G., 

Sectnd  Army  Corps  : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  division,  from  the  crossing  of  the  Rapidan,  August 
2<>th,  to  the  repulse  of  the  enemy  at  ,Castleman's  ferry,  November 
6th.  inclusive  : 

Ti.e  division  was  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Branch, 
Gregg,  Field,  Pender,  Archer  and  Colonel  Thomas,  with  the  batteries 
of  Pra.xton,  Latham,  Crenshaw,  Mcintosh,  Davidson  and  Pegram, 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  L.  Walker,  chief  of  artillery. 

The  march  was  without  incident  of  importance,  until  arriving  at 
the  ford  opposite  Warrenton  Springs.  The  morning  after  arriving, 
(Sunday,  the  2-Jth,)  I  was  directed  to  occupy  the  hills  crowning  this 
ford.  My  batteries  were  placed  in  eligible  positions,  the  brigades 
being  sheltered  in  rear  of  them.  The  enemy  planted  a  number  of 
batteries  upon  the  hills  across  the  river,  and  about  ten,  A.  M.,  opened 
a  heavy  fire  upon  my  batteries,  which  was  continued  without  inter- 
mission until  late  in  the  afternoon.  My  batteries  did  not  reply  to 
this  fire,  but  v.hen  their  heavy  columns  of  infantry  advanced  down 
the  road  towards  the  Springs,  simultaneously  the  batteries  of 'Brax- 
ton, Latham,  Davidson,  Mcintosh,  and  Pegram  poured  in  such  a 
Btorm  of  shot  that  the  enemy  were  scattered  in  the  greatest  confu- 
sion. Twice  was  this  repeated.  My  own  loss  was  but  eighteen,  that 
of  the  enemy  must  have  been  heavy  in  comparison.  At  nightfa-11,  I 
was  relieved  by 'Brigadier  General  Hood,  and  the  next  morning  com- 
menced the  flank  movement  to  Manassas.  A  march  of  thirty-four 
miles  was  made  in  two  days. 

Wednesday  morning,  at  Manassas  Junction,  Branch's  brigade  had 
a'saarp  encounter  with  a  battery  supported  by  the  twelfth  Pennsylva- 
nia cavalry.     They  were  soon  dispersed. 

Field,  Pender,  Archer  and  Thomas  were  directed  to  the  right 
and  towards  the  railroad  bridge,  and  soon  encountered  the  New 
Jersey  brigade  of  General  Taylor.  They  had  just  arrived  from 
Alexandria,  disembarked  from  the  cars,  and  were  farming  line  vif  bat- 
tle when  they  were  attacked,  and  routed  completely.  General  Taylor 
mortally  wounded,  and  two  hundred  prisoners  taken  ;  the  train  in 
which  th'"y  came,  and  the  railroad  bridge  were  destroyed.  That  night, 
about  twelve  o'clock,  the  depot  buildings,  with  an  immense  amount  of 
commissary  stores,  and  about  two  miles  of'loc^ded  freight  cars  were 
burned,  and,  at  one  o'clock,  I  moved  my  division  to  Centreville.  At 
ten,  A.  M.,  moved  upon  the  Warrenton  pike,  towards  the  stone  bridge, 
when  1  received  an  order  from  General  Jackson,  dated  battle-field  of 
Manassas,  eight,  A.  M.,  that  **  the  enemy  were  in  full  retreat,  and  to 
move  down  to  the  fords  and  intercept  him."     But  having  just  seen 


125 

two  intercepted  despatches  from  Pope  to  McDowell,  ordering  the  for- 
mation of  his  line  of  battle  for  the  next  day,  on  Manassas  plains,  I 
deemed  it  best  to  push  on  and  join  General  Jackson.  That  evening, 
(Thursday,)  there  was  a  little  artillery  practice  by  some  of  my  bat- 
teries on  the  enemy's  infantry. 

Battle  of  Manassas. 

Friday  morning,  in  accordance  with  orders  from  General  Jackson, 
I  occupied  the  line  of  the  unfinished  railroad,  my  extreme  left  resting 
near  Dudley's  ford,  my  right  near  the  point  where  the  road  strikes 
the  open  field,  Gregg,  Field  and  Thomas  in  the  front  line — Gregg  on 
the  left  and  Field  on  the  right — with  Branch,  Pender  and  Archer  a8 
supports.  My  batteries  were  in  the  open  field  in  rear  of  the  infantry, 
the  nrsture  of  my  position  being  such  as  to  preclude  the  effective  use 
of  much  artillery.  The  evident  intention  of  the  enemy  this  day  was 
to  turn  our  left  and  overwhelm  Jackson's  corps  before  Longstrect 
came  up,  and,  to  accomplish  this,  the  most  persistent  an<H  furious  on- 
sets were  made,  by  column  after  column  of  infantry,  accompanied  by 
numevLia.i  batteries  of  artillery.  Soon  my  reserves  were  all  in,  and 
up  to  six  o'clock,  my  divii^ion,  assisted  by  the  Louisiana  brigade  of 
General  Hays,  commanded  by  Colonel  Forno,  with  an  heroic  courage 
and  obstinacy  almost  beyond  parallel,  had  met  and  repulsed  six  dis- 
tinct and  separate  assaults,  a  portion  of  the  time'  the  majority  of  the 
men  being  without  a  cartridge.  The  reply  of  the  gallant  Gregg  to  a 
message  of  mjne,  is  worthy  of  notice,  "  Tell  Genernl  Hill  that  my  am- 
munition is  exhausted,  but  that  I  will  hold  my  position  with  the  bay- 
net."  The  enemy  prepared  for  a  la&t  and  determined  attempt.  Their 
sericd  masses,  overwhelming  superiority  of  numbers,  and  bold  bear- 
ing, made  the  chance  of  victory  to  tremble  in  the  balance  ;  my  own 
division,  exhausted  by  seven  hours'  unremitted  'fighting,  hardly  one 
round  per  man  remaining,  and  weakened  in  all  things,  save  its  un- 
conquerable spirit.  Casting  about  for  h'.'lp,  fortunately  it  was  here 
reported  to  me  that  the  brigades  of  Generals  Lawton  and  Early  were 
near  by,  and,  sending  for  then  ,  they  promptly  moved  to  my  front  at 
the  most  opportune  moment,  and  this  last  charge  met  the  same  disas- 
trous fate  that  had  befallen  those  preceding.  Having  received  an 
order  from  General  Jackson  to  endeavor  to  avoid  a  general  engage- 
ment, ray  commanders  of  brigades  contented  themselves  with  repuls- 
ing the  ciicmy,  and  followin*;  them  up  but  a  few  hundred  yards. 

During  the  night  of  the  29th,  my  brigades  were  eng;iged  in  refill- 
ing cartridge-boxes,  and  generally  putting  themselves  in  condition  for 
the  morrow's  fight. 

Brigadier  General  Field  was  severely  wounded,  and  I  regret  thait 
his  invaluable  assistance  was,  in  consequence,  lost  to  me  during  the 
balance  of  the  campaign.  His  gallant  bearing  and  soldierly  qualities 
gave  him  unbounded  influence  over  his  men,  and  they  were  ever  ready 
to  follow  where  he  led.  The  command  of  his  brigade  uevolved  upon 
Colonel  Brockenbrough,  of  the  fortieth  Virginia. 

The  gallant  Forno  was  also  stricken  down,  with,  as  was  supposed  at 


126 

tho  time,  a  mortal  -wound.  Colonel  Strong  succeeded  to  his  com- 
mand. 

General  Pender  was  knocked  down  by  a  ebell,  but,  as  once  before, 
refused  to  leave  the  fi  Id. 

Archer's  horse  was  killed  under  him.  Branch,  Pender,  Brocken- 
brough  and  Stronoj  were  brought  from  tbe  front  apd  placed  in  reserve. 

On  the  3')th,  about  two  o'clock,  the  ciieuiy  again  made  an  attack 
alonge  out^wbolc  line.  The  attack  on  my  part  of  the  line  was  gd- 
lantly  ret^isted  by  Archer  and  Thomas — Gregg  still  holding  the 
extreme  left.  This  onset  was  so  fierce,  and  in  such  force,  that  at  first 
some  headway  was  made,  but  throwing  in  Pender  and  Brockenbrough, 
their  advance  w^s  again  checked,  and  eventually  repulsed  with  groat 
loss.  Later  in  the  evening.  1  sent  a  message  to  General  Jackson  that 
I  had  ordered  my  wliole  line  to  advance,  and  it  was  approved,  and  he 
directed  me  to  advance  in  echelon  of  brigades.  'J'his  order  was 
promptly  carried  out;  Pender',  Archer, 'J  horaas  and  Branch  steadily  ad- 
vancing. Bran(h  on  the  extreme  left,  thrown  considerably  back,  met 
no  resistartce,and  Brockenbrough.  en  tbe  extremeiight, being  separated 
from  bis  oAvn  divison  by  one  or  two  of  Taliaferro's  biigades.  advanced 
in  conjur<'»ion  with  them.  Gregg  and  Strong  were  held  back  to  meet 
a  threatened  movement  on  my  left.  The  three  brigades  of  Pender, 
Archer  and  Thomas,  however,  held  together,  and  drove  everything 
before  them,  capturing  two  batteries,  many  prisoners,  and  resting  that 
night  on  Bull  Bun;  and  the  ground  thus  Von,  was  occupied  that 
night.  These  brigades  had  penetrated  so  far  Avithin  the  enemy's 
lines,  that  Captain  Ashe,  A.  A.  G.  to  'General  Pander,  was  taken 
prisoner  that  night,  returning  from  my  headquarters  to  his  own  brig- 
ade. 

The  batteries  of  Braxton,  Pegram,  Mcintosh  and  Crenshaw  were  gal- 
lantly served  during  this  fight,  arid  did  yeoman's  service.  The  battle 
being  thus  gloriously  won,  my  men  slept  among  the  dead  and  dying 
enemy. 

My  loss  was  one  hundred  and  ninrty-nine  killed,  thirteen  hundred 
and  eight  wounded;  total,  fifteen  hundied  and  seven,  ot  which  Gregg's 
brigade  lost  six  hundred  and  nineteen. 

The  biave  Colonels  Marshall,  of  South  Carolina,  and  Forbes  of 
Tennessee,  were  killed ;  Lieutcnaiit  Colonel  Leudlietter,  cf  South 
Carolina,  also  met  a  soldier's  death.  Colonels  Barnes,  Ed\Vdr<is  and 
Me<iow;in,  Lieutenant  Colonels  McCorkb%  {''arron  and  McCrea<,iy',  and 
Major  Biockman,  of  Gregg's  briga  ie,  were  wounded. 

Tlie  siubl)orn  tenacity  with  which  Gregg's  brigade  held  its  position 
this  day,  is  worthy  of  iiighcst  commendaiion. 

Ox  Hill. 

Monday  evening,  September  1st,  the  divisions  arrived  near  Ger- 
mantown,  on  the  Little  river  turnpike,  and  it  was  understood  the  en- 
emy were  in  force,  in  a  strong  position,  known  as  Ox  Hill,  and 
prepared  to  dispute  our  further  passage.  By  direction  of  Geneial 
Jaekson,  I  sent  forward  the  brigades  of  Branch  and   Brockenbrough 


127 

to  feel  and  engage  the  enemy.  This  battle  commenced  under  the 
most  unfavorable  circumstancea,  a  heavy,  blinding  rain-storm  directly 
in  the  faces  of  my  men.  These  two  brigades  gallantly  engaged  the 
enemy,  Branch  being  exposed  to  a  very  heavy  fire  in  front  and  in  his 
flank.  Gregg,  Pender,  Thomas  and  Archer  were  successively  thrown 
in.  The  enemy  obstinataly  contested  the  ground,  and  it  was  not 
until  the  Federal  Generals  Kearney  and  iStevens  had  fallen  in  front 
of  Thomas'  brigade,  ihat  they  were  driven  from  the  ground.  They 
did  not,  however,  retire  far,  until  later  daring  the  night,  when  they 
entirely  disappeared.  The  brunt  of  this  fight  was  borne  by  Branch, 
Gregg  and  t'ender.  Colonel  Riddiek  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  IMiller, 
of  Fender's  brigade,  were  mortally  wounded,  and  Cnptain  Stor.e, 
commanding  sixteenth  North  Carolina,  and  Major  Rivers,  of  Thomas' 
brifiade,  severely  so. 

My  loss  was  thirty. nine  killed  and  two  hundred  and  sixty-seven 
wounded  ;   total,  three  hundred  and  six. 

On  the  5th  September,  the  division  crossed  into  Maryland,  near 
Leesbura^and,  on  the  llth,  recrossed  into  V'^irginia  at  Williamsport, 
advanccc^pon  INIartinsburg,  skirmishing  with  the  enemy's  pickets, 
entered  the  town  on  the  I'ith,  and  cause<l  General  White  with  somo 
three  thousand  men,  to  fall  back  upon  Harper's  Ferry.  A  large 
quantity  of  commissary  and  quartermaster  stores  were  taken  at  ]!ilar- 
tinsburg. 

Saturday,  the  13th,  arrived  at  Harper's  Ferry,  my  division  being 
In  advance. 

On  Sunday  afternoon,  the  necessary  signals  from  the  Loudon  and 
Maryland  Heights  having  notified  us  that  all  was  ready,  I  was  or- 
dered by  General  Jackson  *'  to  move  along  the  left  bank  of  the  She- 
nandoah, and  thus  turn  the  enemy's  left  flmk,  an<l  enter  Harper's 
Ferry."  The  enemy  occupied  a  ridge  of  hills  known  as  Bolivar 
Heights,  extending  from  the  Potomac  to  the  Shenandoah,  naturally 
strong,  but  rendered  very  formidable  by  extensive  earthworks.  Hav- 
ing first  shelled  the  woods- over  which  my  route  lay.  I  moved  oMiqu  ly 
to  my  right  until  I  struck  the  Shenandoah,  Moving  down  the  She- 
nan<<oah,  I  discovered  an  eminence  crowning  the  extreme  left  of  the 
enemy's  line,  bare  of  all  earthworks,  the  only  obstacles  being  .-.hattis 
of  fallen  tiiuber.  The  enereiy  occupied  this  hill  with  infanrry,  but 
no  artillery.  Branch  and  Gregg  were  ordereil  to  continue  the  raiirch 
along  the  river,  and  during  the  night  to  take  advant:;ge  of  the  ravir.pg, 
cutting  'i.e  precipitous  banks  of  tbe  river,  and  establish  thcm.-elves 
on  the  pluiu  to  thp  left  and  rear  of  the  enemy's  woiks.  Pender.  Archer 
and  Biockenbrough  were  directed  to  gain  the  crest  of  the  hill  before 
mentioned  ;  Thomas  followed  as  a  reserve.  The  execution  of  this 
movement  was  entrusted  to  General  Pender,  his  own  biigade  being 
commanded  by  Colonel  Brewer.  This  was  accom;  lished  with  bu't 
Blight  resistance,  and  the  fatt  of  Harper's  Ferry  was  sealed.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Walker  was  directed  to  bring  up  bis  guns,  and  estab- 
lish them  in  the  position  thus  gained.  This  was  done  during  tho 
liight,  by  tho  indomitalde  resolution  and  energy  of  Colonel  Walker 
and  his  adjutant,  Lieutenant  Chamberlaine,  ably  seconded  by  the  cap- 


128 

tains  of  batteries.  Generals  Branch  and  Gregg,  had  also  gained  the 
position  desired,  and  daybreak  found  them  in  rear  of  the  enemy's  line 
of  defence.  General  Pender,  with  Thomas  in  support,  moved  his 
brigades  to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  works, 
and  were  pheliered  as  much  as  possible  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 
At  dawn,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker  opened  a  rapid  enfilade  fire  from 
all  his  batteries,  at  about  one  thousand  yards'  range.  The  enemy  re- 
plied vigorously.  In  an  hour,  the  enemy's  fire  seeming  to  be  pretty 
well  silenced,  the  batteries  were  ordered  to  cease,  and  this  was  the 
signal  for  storming  the  works.  General  Pender  had  commenced  his 
advance,  when  the  enemy  again  opening,  Pegram  and  Crenshaw  were 
run  forward  to  wiihin  four  hundred  yards,  and  quickly  coming  into 
battery,  poured  in  a  damaging  fire.  The  enemy  now  displayed  the 
^hite  *ll;i;X,  and  Lieutenant  ChamberUine  was  sent  in  to  know  if  they 
Burreu'lered.  This  was  soon  ascertained  to  be  the  fact,  and  the  gar- 
rison, kc.  was  surrendered  by  General  White,  Colonel  D.  8.  Miles, 
the  comniandflPng  officer,  having  been  mortally  wounded.  By  direc- 
tion of  General  Jackson,  I  granted  General  White  th^most  liberal 
terms,  and  regret  to  report  that  this  magnanimity  was  noPappreciated 
by  the  enemy,  as  the  wagons  which  were  loaned  to  carry  off  the  pri- 
vate baggage  of  officers  were  not  returned  for  nearly  two 
months,  a  ad  not  until  repeated  calls  had  been  made  for  them. 
When  I  entered  the  works  of  the  enemy,  which  was  only  a  few 
moments  after  the  white  flag  had  been  shown,  there  was  apparently 
no  organization  of  any  kind — that  had  ceased  to  exist.  The  fruits  of 
this  vicTory  were  eleven  thousand  prisoners,  about  twelve  thousand' 
stand  of  arms,  seventy  pieces  of  artillery,  harness  and  horses,  a  large 
number  of  wagons,  commissary,  quartermaster  and  ordnance  stores, 
^ly  loss  was  three  killed  and  sixty-six  wounded. 

Sharpsburg. 

By  direction  of  General  Jackson,  I  remained  at  Harper's  Ferry 
until  the  morning  of  the  17th,  when,  at  half  past  six,  A.  M.,  I  re- 
ceived an  order  from  General  Lee  to  move  to  Sharpsburg.  Leaving 
Thomas  with  his  brigade  to  complete  the  removal  of  the  captured 
prop(^rty,  my  division  was  put  in  motion  half  past  seven,  A.  M.  The 
head  of  my  column  arrived  upon  the  battlefield  of  Sharpsburg,  a  dis- 
tance of  seventeen  miles,  at  half-past  two,  and,  reporting  in  porson 
to  General  Lee,  he  directed  me  to  take  position  on  our  right.  Brig- 
adier General  D.  R.  Jones,  commanding  on  our  right,  gave  rae  such 
information  as  my  ignorance  of  the  ground  made  necessary.  My 
troops  were  rapidly  thrown  into  position — Pender  and  Brockenhrough 
on  the  extreme  right,  looking  to  a  road  which  crossed  the  Anteitam, 
near  its  mouth,  and  Branch,  Gregg  and  Archer,  extending  to  the  left 
and  connecting  with  D.  11.  Jones'  division.  Mcintosh's  battery  had 
been  went  forward  to  strengthen  Jones'  right,  weakened  by  troops 
■withdrawn  to  our  left  and  centre.  Braxton's  battery,  commanded  by 
Lieutetiant  Marye,  (Captain  Braxton  acting  as  chief  of  artillery)  was 
placed  upon  a  commanding  point  on  Gregg's  right,  and  Crenshaw  and 


129 

Pegratn  on  a  hill  to  my  left,  which  gave  them  a  wide  field  of  fire. 
My  troops  were  not  in  a  moment  too  soon.  The  enemy  had  already 
advanced  in  three  lines,  had  broken  through  Jones'  division,  cap- 
tured Mcintosh's  battery,  and  were  in  the  full  tide  of  success.  With 
a  yell  of  defiance,  Archer  charged  them,  retook  Mcintosh's  guns, 
and  drove  them  back  pell  mell.  Branch  and  Gregg,  with  their  old 
veterans,  sternly  held  their  ground,  and  pouring  in  destructive  vol- 
leys, the  tide  of  the  ememy  surged  back,  and  breaking  in  confusion, 
passed  out  of  sight.  During  this  attack,  Pender's  brigade  was  moved 
from  my  right  to  the  centre,  but  the  enemy  were  driven  back  without 
actively  engaging  his  brigade.  The  three  brigades  of  my  division 
actively  engaged  did  not  number  over  two  thou3;uid  men,  and  these, 
with  the  help  of  my  splendid  batteries,  drove  back  Burnside's  corps 
of  fifteen  thousand  men. 

The  Confederacy  has  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  gallant  soldier  and  ac- 
complished gentleman,  who  fell  in  this  battle,  at  the  head  of  his  brig- 
ade, Brigadier  General  L.  O'B.  Branch,  of  !North  Carolina.  He  was 
my  senior  brigadier,  and  one  to  whom  I  could  have  entrusted  the 
command  of  the  division  with  all  confidence. 

General  Gregg,  of  South  Carolina,  was  wounded,  and  the  brave 
Colonel  Barnes  mortally  so.  My  gallant  Captain  Pregram,  of  the 
artillery,  was  also  wounded,  for  the  first  time. 

My  loss  was  sixty- three  killed  and  two  hundred  and  eighty-three 
wounded.     Total,  three  hundred  and  forty-six. 

We  lay  upon  the  field  of  battle  that  night,  and  until  the  next  night 
at  one  o'clock,  when  my  division  was  silently  withdrawn,  nn  {,  as  di- 
rected by  General  Lee,  covered  the  retirement  of  our  army.  My  di- 
vision crossed  the  Potomac,  into  Virginia,  about  ten,  A.  M.,  the 
next  morning,  every  wagon  an  1  piece  cf  artillery  having  been  safely 
put  on  the  Virginia  shore.  I  bivouacked  that  night,  19th,  aboat  five 
miles  from  Shepherdstown. 

Shepherdstown. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  at  half-past  six,  I  was  directed  by 
General  Jackson  to  take  tny  division  and  drive  across  the  rivor  some 
briffndos  of  the  enemy,  who  had  crossed  during  the  nii^hr,.  driven  '^If 
General  Pendleton's  artillery,  capturing  four  pieces,  and  were  making 
preparations  to  hold  their  po.^ition.  Arriving  opposite  Boteler's  ford, 
and  about  half  mile  therefrom,  I  formed  my  line  of  battle  in  two 
lines — the  firft,  the  brigades  of  Pender,  Oegg  and  Thomas,  under 
command  of  General  Gregg,  and  the  second,  Lane,  (Branch's  brig- 
ade) Archer  and  Brockenbough,  under  the  command  of  General 
Archer. 

The  enemy  had  lined  the  opposite  hills  with  some  seventy  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  the  infantry,  who  had  crossed,  lined  the  crest  of  the 
high  bank-  on  the  Virginia  shore.  My  lines  advanced  simultaneously, 
and  soon  encountered  the  enemy.  This  advance  was  made  in  the  face 
of  the  most  tremendous  fire  of  artillery  I  ever  saw,  and  too  much 
praise  cannot  be  awarded  my  legiment  for  their  steady,  unwavering 
9 


ISO 

step.  It  \ras  as  if  each  man  felt  that  the  fate  of  the  army  waa 
centred  in  himself.  The  infantry  opposition  in  front  of  Gregg's 
centre  and  right  was  but  trifling,  and  soon  brushed  away.  The  en- 
emy, however,  massed  in  front  of  Pender,  and  extending,  endeav- 
ored to  turn  his  left.  General  Pender  became  hotly  engaged,  and 
informing  Archer  of  hia  danger,  he  (Archer)  moved  by  the  left  flank, 
and  forming  on  Pender's  left,  a  simultaneous,  daring  charge  was 
m^de,  and  the  enemy  driven  pell  mell  into  the  river.  Then  com- 
menced the  most  terrible  slaughter  that  this  war  has  yet  witnessed. 
The  broad  surface  of  the  Potomac  was  blue  with  the  floating  bodies 
of  our  foe.  l>ut  few  escaped  to  toil  the  tale.  By  their  own  account 
they  lost  three  thousand  men  killed  and  drowned  from  one  brigade 
alone.     Some  two  hundred  prisoners  were  taken. 

My  own  loss  was,  thirty  killed,  and  two  hundred  and  thirty-on© 
wounded.     Total,  two  hundred  and  sixty-one. 

This  was  a  wholesome  lesson  to  the  enemy,  and  taught  them  to 
know  thiit  it  may  be  dangerous  sometimes  to  press  a  retreating  army. 

In  this  battle  I  did  not  use  a  piece  of  artillery.  My  division  per- 
formed its  share  in  the  destruction  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  rail- 
road, and  about  the  1st  November,  took  position  at  Castleman's 
Ferry,  near  Snicker's  Gap.  November  5th,  Archer's  and  Thomas' 
brigades  being  on  picket  at  the  ferry  with  Pegram's  and  Latham's 
batteries,  the  enemy  made  an  attempt  to  cross  the  river,  but  were 
handsomely  repulsed  by  the  nineteenth  Georgia,  and  the  batteries, 
with  a  loss  of  two  hundred  men. 

During'  this  campaign,  the  especial  good  conduct  of  Colonels 
Brewer,  Mallory,  Folsom  and  Major  C.  0.  Colo,  deserves  mention. 
Captain  Wright,  of  Georgia,  commanding  my  escort,  was  invaluable 
to  me,  and  proved  himself  a  cool,  clear-headed  fighter. 

My  thanks  are  due  my  staff  for  their  hearty  co-operation  and  in- 
telligent transmission  of  my  orders  under  a  fire  frequently  uncom- 
fortably hot;  Major  R.  C.  Morgan,  assistant  adjutant  general; 
Major  Wingate,  Captain  R.  11.  Adams,  signal  officers;  Lieutenant 
Murray  Taylor,  aid-de-camp,  and  Lieutenant  Camfield,  of  my  escort. 

My  loss  during  this  series  of  battles,  was,  three  hundred  and  forty- 
eight  killed,  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  nine  wounded.  Total, 
two  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty-seven. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  P.  HILL, 
Major  General  commanding  Light  Division. 


131 


GENERAL  SUMMARY   OF   KILLED    AND    WOUNDED  in 

the  Division  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill. 


KiLLJKD. 

Wounded. 

0 
^  0 

flATB    OF     Ba.TTL»S. 

in 

O 

V 

a 
O 

a 

m 

o 

c 
"5 

c 

C! 

c 
3 

00 

o 

03 

0) 

> 

"t-c 

0 
5 

0 

cq 

5 

n 

C 

(3 

c 

0. 

CO 

C 

s: 

c 

;5 

0 
d 

H 

0 
H 

August  24th 

10 

11 

0 

1,062 

228 

47 

11 

226 

17 

194 

1 

IS 

Autjust  27th 

1 

2 

20 

August  28th 

8 

August  29tl»  &  30th 
SeptemhfT  1st 

5 

14 

25 

15:5 
32 

1 

2 

43 

1 
27 

2 

4 

1 

i 

1 

... 
... 

3 

1 

.... 

28 
5 
1 

"s 

"4 

78 
11 
3 
1 
8 
3 
11 

130 
25 

2 

1 
39 

3 
21 

1 

22G 

1,507 
306 

Septemhc.r  l-4lh 

54 

September  l-^ih 

16 

Septembor   I7th 

Septenibor   IStli 

1 

1 

; 

2 

16 

1 
2 

346 
26 

September  20th 

261 

November  2nd 

0 

1 

1 

^ 

— 

40 

''70 

3 

fi 

? 

5 

^ 

110 

Total 

821 

1,805 

2  558 

JIEPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STUART  OF  OPERA, 
TIONS  FROM  THE  ADVANCE  OF  THE  ARMY  TILL  IT 
REACHED   THE    K AITAHANNOCK. 

HEABQUARTtRS  CaVALRY  DiVISlON,         ) 

Army  of  Nurthrev  Virginia,  February  5,  1863.  5 

brigadier  General  R   H.  Chilton, 

Assiatant  Adft  and  Inspector  General,  Arwy  of  Northern  Va.  : 

Genkral  :  I  have  tlic  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  ccnimaud  during  the  period  of  the  army's  advance 
to  the  Rappiihannock,  in  August  last : 

My  command,  at  that  time,  consisted  of  Hampton's  brigade,  left  on 
•  observation  on  the  Charles  City  border,  where  the  enemy's  demonstra- 
tions left  us  in  some  doubt  about  his  intentions;  Fitz  Lee's  brigade  at 
Hanover  Court-House,  (where  also  were  my  headquarters,)  and  a  bat- 
tery of  horse  artillery  to  each.  On  the  IGth  of  August,  1862,  in  pur- 
euance  of  the  commanding  General's  (R.  E.  Lee)  secret  instructions,  I 
put  this  brigade  on  the  march  for  the  vicinity  of  Raccocn  ford,  near 
which  point  the  army  under  his  command  was  rapidly  concentrating. 
'General  Fitzhugh  Lee  Avas  directed  by  me  to  proceed  the  next  day 
frcra  near  Davenport's  bridge,  opposite  Beaver  Dam,  across  to  the 
vicinity  of  Raccoon  ford,  where  I  promised  to  join  him  on  tLat 
evening,  (17th.)  I  proceeded,  on  the  cars,  directly  to  the  command- 
ingGeneral,  whom  I  found  near  Orange  Court-House.  My  command 
was  noAv  augmented  by  the  addition  of  another  brigade,  Robei'tson's, 
and  it  was  intended  to  concentrate  the  bulk  of  this  force  near  Eac- 
coon  ford,  cross  and  attack  the  enemy's  communications  in  rear  of 
Culpeper  Court-House,  simultaneout-ly  with  a  blow  by  the  main  body 
in  front.  I  lodc  down  to  Yerdiersville,  a  point  on  the  plank  road, 
'Opposite  Raccoon  ford,  where  I  expected  confidently  to^mect  Lee's 
brigade  that  evening.  I  fciund  no  one  there,  except  the  few  inhabit- 
ants, who  had  heard  nothing  of  the  brigade.  It  was  night ;  but  as  it 
was  highly  important  to  communicate  with  Lee's  brigade,  with  a  view 
to  crosMiig  the  next  day,  I  sent  my  Adjutant  General,  Major  Fitz- 
hugh, on  the  road  on  which  General  F.  Leo  was  t..<  have  inaicbcd,  i3 
■look  for  him,  remaining,  myself,  at  Yerdiersville.  At  early  dawn,  next 
unorning,  I  was  aroused  from  the  porch  where  I  lay,  by  the  noise  of 
Ihorsemeu  and  wagons,  and  walking  out  bareheaded  to  the  fence  near 
by,  found  that  they  were  coming  from  the  very  direction  indicated  for 
General  F.  Lee.  I  was  not  left  long  in  this  delusion,  however,  for 
two  officers.  Captain  Mosby  and  Lieutenant  Gibson,  whom  I  sent  to 
ascertain  the  truth,  were  fired  upon  and  rapidly  pursued.  1  had 
■barely  time  to  leap  upon  my  horse,  just  as  I  was,  and,  with  Major 
Von  Borcke  and  Lieutenant  Dabney,  of  my  staff,  escaped  by  leaping 
a  high  fence.  The  major,  who  took  the  road,  was  fired  at  as  long  as 
in  sight,  but  none  of  us  were  hurt.  There  was  no  assistance  for  ten 
miles.     Having  stopped  at  the  nearest   woods,  I  observed  the  party 


133 

approach  and  leave  in  great  haste,  but  not  without  my  hat  and  the 
cloak  which   had  forrfled  my  bed.       Major   Fitzhugh,  in   his  searches 
for  General  Lee,  was  caught  by  this  party,  and  borne  off  as  a  prisoner 
cf  war      General  Lee's  brigade  did   not  arrive  till  the  night  ot  the 
18th,  a  day  behind  time.       Not  appreciating  the  necessity  of  punc- 
tuality in  this  instance,  he  changed  his  couise  after  leaving  me,  and 
turned  back  by  Louisa  Court-Housc,  following  his  wagons,  ^^^ch  -l 
had  directed  him  to  send  by  that   point  for   provisions,  c^c.     13y  this 
failure   to  comply  with   instructions,  not  only   the   movement  ot  the 
cavalry  across  the  llapidan  was  postponed  a  day,  but  a  fine  opportu- 
nity lost  to  overhaul  a  body  of  the   enemy's  cavalry  on  a  predatory 
excursion  far  beyond  their  lines.     By  the  great  detour  made  by  this 
brigade   it  was  not  in  condition  to  move  on  the    19th   upon  a  forced 
march  to  the  enemy's  rear;  but,  in  accordance  with  instructions  trom 
the  commanding   General,  a  copy  of  which,  marked  A,  accompanies 
this   report,  the    19th   was   devoted  to  rest  and   preparation,  moving 
down  for  bivouac  near  Mitchell's  ford  late  in  the  evening.       During 
the  day  the  order  of  battle,  marked  C,  an.l  subsequent  instructions, 
marked  B,  were  received  from  the  commanding  General,  from  which, 
it  seemed,  the  enemy  had  escaped  attack.     At  moonrise,  on  the  tOth, 
about  four  A.  M.,  General  Lee's-and  Robertson's  brigades  were  moved 
across  the  Rapidan  at  two  adjacent  fords,  and  pushed  rapidly  forward- 
Lee's  directly  by  Madden,  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  in  the  direction  ot 
Kelley's  and   Ely's   fords,  on   the   Rappahannock,  and    Robertson  s, 
which  I  ac(ompiQied,  via  Stevensburg,  (a  village  four  miles   east  ot 
Oulpeper  Court-House,)  towards  Brandy  Station.     Brigadier  General 
Fitzhugh  Lee,  whose  written  report  has  not  been   furnished,  lound 
the  enemy's  rear  near  Kelley's  fori,  and.  by  vigorous  attack,  secured 
several  prisoners  and  a  cavalrv  color.     One  of  Robertson's  regiments, 
with  the  artillery  of  his  brigade,  had  been,  by  ray  direction,  1  -tt  on 
the  upper  Rapidan.     Colonel  T.  T.  Munford,  who  commanded  that  regi- 
ment, was  ordered  to  keep  on  the  left  of  Jackson's  wing  and  keep  pace 
with   its  movements.       Robertson's  brigade  encountered  the  enemy 
first,  between  Stevensburg  and  Brandy,  the  immense  dust  raised  pre- 
venting our  movement  being  conducted  with  secrecy.     Colonel  VYm. 
E   Jones,  (7th  Virginia  cavalry,)  being  in  advance,  captured  a  party 
of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  but  was   kep^.  at  bay  for  some  tune   by  tho 
enemy  occupying  a  wood  near  Brandy  ;    but   having  received  a  fresh, 
supply  of  ammunition,  pushed  boldly   forward   this   regiment   by  the 
road.     General  Robertson,   with  his  main   body,   sixth,   twelfth  and 
seventeenth  Virginia  cavalry,  keeping,  by  my  direction,  to  the  left,  so 
as  to  sweep  across  the  open  country  towards  Barbour's,  and  flank  the 
enemy's  position.     The  enemy's  force   engaging   us   appeared  to  be 
cavalry  only,  and  gave  way  gradually  along  the  road  towards  Rappa- 
hannock Station  ;    but,  about  midway  between  Brandy  and  Rippahan- 
nock,  made  a  determined  stand,  in  solid  column  of  squadrons,  on  the 
ridge    with  skirmishers,  mounted,  deployed   to  the  front,  with  which 
Jones  soon  became  engaged  with  unequal  force.     I  knew  the  country 
to  be  too  much  intersected  by  ditches  to  render  operations  free,  and*, 
considered  it  necessary,  therefore,  to  advance  along  the  road.     Rob- 


134 

ertson,  ^ho  vfRs  now  sent  for  in  haste  to  support  his  advance  regi- 
ment, Avas  found  to  have  mistaken  the  direction,  and  borne  too  much 
to  the  left ;   but,  as  the  enemy  did  not  profit  by  this  mishap,  nothing 
was  lost  by  the  delay,  and  the  remaining  regiments  were  hurled  in 
rapid   succession,  in  column  of  fours,   upon  the  enemy's  main  body. 
It  was  perfectly  plain  that  the  enemy's  force  was  superior  in  numbers 
to  ours;  but  as  I'ope  had  evidently,  with  his  main  body,  reached  the 
other  side  of  the  Kappahannock,  it  was  not  probable,  therefore,  that 
a  fierce  onset  of  such  cavalry  as  ours — animated  by  such  incentives 
and  aspirations — could   he  withstood,   and  sure   enough,   before  the 
clash  of  iheir  sabres   could    make   havoc  in  his  ranks,  he  turned  in 
flight,  and  took  refuge  close  to  the  river,  under  the  protection  of  his 
batteries  planted  beyond  the  river.     Our  squadrons  rapidly  reiormed 
for  a  renewal  of  the  fight;  but  having  no  artillery  yet  up,  the  ground 
was  such  that  cavalry  alone  could  not  have  attacked  the  enemy  under 
such  protection  without  sacrifice  inadequate   to  the  risk.     General 
Fitzhugh   Lee's    brigade  was  sent  for  to  reinforce  Robertson  as  soon 
as  the  enemy  was  found  in  force  here.       It  arrived  just  at  this  time 
with  Pelham's  battery   of  horse  artillery,  but  the  enemy  had  safely 
passed  the  ford  before  a  battery  could  be  placed  to  interfere  with  hie 
progress,  and,  there  being  now  no  enemy  south  of  the  Rappahannock, 
except  those  in  our  hands,  the  remainder  of  the  day  was  devoted  to 
rest.       The  advance  of  Jackson  reached  the  vicinity  of  Brandy  that 
night.     I  kept  the  commanding  General  notified  of  my  whereabouts 
and  the  enemy's  movements  during  the  day.     In  the  meantime,  Mun- 
ford  had  advanced  to  Culpepcr,  where  he  found  a  number  of  prisoners. 
In  the  action  at  Brandy  Station,  our  troops  behaved  in  a  manner  highly 
creditable,  and  Colonel  Jones,  whose  regiment  so  long  bore  the  brunt 
of  the  fight,  behaved  with    marked   courage  and  determination.       I 
regret  his  report  has  not  yet  been  furnished.     The  enemy,  occupying 
woods  and  hedge-roads,  with  dismounted  men,  armed  with  long-range 
carbines,  were   repeatedly   dislodged  by   his  bold  onslaughts,  while 
Flournoy  and  Harman  nobly   supported   the  seventh  in   the  critical 
moment,  when  confronted  by  two  brigades  of  the   enemy's   cavalry. 
General  Robertson  had  cause  to  be  proud  of  the  command  which  his 
superior  discipline,  organization  and  drill  had  brought  to  the  stability 
of  veterans.     Major  lleros  Von  Borcke,  my  Adjutant   General,  wa's 
conspicuous  in  the  charge,  and  led  an  important  flank  attack  at  the 
critical  moment  of  the-engagement.     While  that  brave  soldier  and  ven- 
erable patriot,  animated  with  the  fires  of  youth.   Captain   Redmond 
Burke,  while  among  the  foremost  in  the  fierce  onset,  received  a  severe 
wound   in    the    leg,    disabling    him  for  some  time  from  active  duty. 
Brigadier  General  Robertson's  report  accompanies  this,  and  will  give 
some  interesting  information,  (marked  D.)     He  reports  a  loss  of  three 
billed  and  thirteen  wounded,  while  the  enemy  left  several  more  dead 
on  the  field,  and  sixty-four  were  taken  prisoners,  wounded  included, 
and  several  commissioned  oflBcers,  together  with  their  arms  and  equip- 
ments, and  a  number  of  cavalry  horses.     Thus  ended  the  operatione 
of  the  i(Jth  August,  the  enemy's  operations  having  materially  modified 
the  original  plan.     During  the  night,  outposts  were  kept  up  by  the 


135 

cavalry  along  the  entire  front.  It  was  ascertained,  by  my  command 
during  the  day,  that  Burnside  had  effected  a  junction  with  Pope 
before  the  retreat,  and  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  principally  at  Kelly's 
ford  and  Rappahannock  Station  ford,  (the  main  body  of  his  cavalry 
crossing  at  the  latter  place,)  and  that  the  retreat  began  the  night  pre- 
vious, the  wagon  train*  having  been  sent  off  early  in  the  day,  corrobo- 
raticg  the  conclusion^  arrived  at  by  the  commanding  General,  on 
Clark's  mountain.  Accompanying  this  report  will  also  be  found  a 
map  of  the  country  traversed  in  the  operations  described,  drawn  by 
Captain  Blackford,  my  topographical  engineer. 

Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

J,  E,  B.  STUART, 
Major  Gmeral^ommanding  Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STUART  OF  OPERATIONS 
FROM  AUGUST  2  1st,  1862,  TO  EXPEDITION  TO  CAT- 
LETTS  STATION. 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division  A.  N.  V.,  ) 
February  23,  1863.       ^ 

Brigadier  General  R.  II.  Chilton, 

Assistant  Adjutant  and  Inspector  General  A.  N.  V. : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  tf  nij  comfnand  with  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
continuing  the  series  from  the  morning  of  the  2  1st  AuL'ust,  -vvheu  the 
amy  was  near  Brandy  Station,  with  my  command  in  front  along  the 
Rapj;ahannock,  until  its  return  to  the  south  side  of  that  river  from  a 
succeesful  expedition  to  the  enemy's  rear  at  Catlett's  Station  ; 

In  my  kist  report  I  comm,itted  an  error  in  saying  that  Lee's  brigade 
joined  me  at  Brandy  Station  on  2Uth  August,  only  two  regiments  of 
that  brigade,  first  and  fifth  Virginia  c.ivalry,  did  so,  under  command 
of  Colonel  T.  L.  l»os?er,  fifth  Virginia  cavalry.  Brigadier  General 
Lee  with  the  remainder  continued  in  observation  of  the  enemy  at 
Kelly's  and  bolow. 

In  pursuance  of  the  plan  of  the  commanding  General,  I  directed 
Colonel  Ilosser  to  move,  at  da^'light,  with  his  command  for  Beverly  or 
Cunningham's  ford,  as  advance  guard  to  the  aimy,  to  seize  the  oppo- 
site bank  by  a  sudden  attack,  and  hold  as  much  of  the  country  beyond 
as  possible.  This  duty  was  nobly  performed,  and  by  the  time  I 
reached  the  spot,  Colonel  Bosser  had  accomplished  the  object,  cap- 
turing a  num'bir  of  prisoners,  fifty  excellent  muskets,  stacked, 
(his  sudden  dash  having  frigliteued  the  enemy  away  from  their 
arms)  and  held  enough  of  the  bank  beyond  to  make  a  crossing  by  our 
infantry  practicable.  All  this  was  promptly  reported  to  General  Jack- 
son, who  supplied  me  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  which  were  ad- 
vantageously posted,  under  my  immediate  direction,  beyond. 

For  some  reason  the  army  did  not  follow,  and  our  small  force  of 
cavalry  and  this  section  of  artillery  sustained  an  unequal  contest  for 
a  greater  part  of  the  day  with  artillery,  infantry,  and  cavalry,  during 
which  a  brilliant  charge,  as  foragers,  was  made  by  Colonel  Rosser's 
cavalry,  dispersing,  capturing  and  killing  a  number  of  the  enemy, 
but  losing  one  captured,  whose  bravery  and  heroism  led  him  too  far, 
I  refer  to  Captain  John  Ells,  fifth  Virginia  cavalry.  The  daring  of 
Colonel  Rosser's  command  excited  the  unreserved  praise  of  the  enemy. 
Late  in  the  afternoon,  as  it  appeared  that  a  crossing  of  the  main 
body  would  not  be   attempted  by  us,  I  deemed  a  prolong^ion  of  this 


r  -    ,  --^pf 

the  enemy  moving  with  heavj  force  upon    my  position   and   close  at 
hand.     I  therefore  withdre.w  to  the  south  bank.     Brigadier  General 


137 

Robertson,  also  recrossing  the  Rappahannock  proper  above,  and  rest- 
ing for  the  night  in  the  fork  of  the  two  streams.     That  evening,  too, 
Brigadier  General  Lee,  with  the   remaider    of  liis  brigade,  came  up, 
except  the  third  Virginia    cavalry,    left    below  on  Longstreet's  flank 
and  rear.     On  the  22d  of  August,  I  moved  early  to  Freeman's  ford, 
on  the  Rappahannock  'river,  where  I   had   a  picket  the   night    pre- 
vious, to  carry  out  instructions   by  effecting  a  crossing,  if  po^^ibIe. 
The  ford  was  commanded  by  the  enemy's  artillery  and  infantry,  and 
four  pieces  of  the  Stuart  horse  artillery,  under  Captain  Pelham,  tried 
in  vain  to  silence  the  enemy's  guns.     Having    advantage  in  po^iition, 
he  handled  the  enemy  severely,  though  suffering  casualties  in  his  own 
battery.      While  this    cannonading    wus  going  on,  General   Jackson's 
column  passed  just  in  my  rear,  going  higher  up,  and  I  received  anoto 
from  the  commanding  General,    that    my  proposition    to    strike,   with 
cavalry,  the  enemy's  rear,  was  approved,  and  at  ten,  A.  M.,  I  started 
to  the  execution  of  the  plan,    with  the   main    portion  of  Robertson's 
brigade,  except   the    seventh    Virginia  cavalry,    (Jones'.)  and  Lee's 
brigade,  except  the  third  Virginia  cavalry — say  about  fifteen  hundred 
men,  and  two  pieces  of  artillery.     Procecling  through  the  village  of 
Jefferson,  part  of  the  command  crossed  the  Rappahannock  at  Water- 
loo bridge,  and  the  remainder  at  Hart's  mill,  a  few  miles  below,  and 
took  the  direct  road  to  Warrcnton.     Reaching  that  place  in  the  after- 
noon, I  halted  to  close  up  and  obtain   information.      iNo  force   of  the 
enemy  had  been  here  for  days.     From  this  point  I  directed  my  march 
to  the    rear  of  Cedar  cieek.  with    the    view    to    destroy  the   railroad 
bridge  over  it,  near  Catlett's  Station,  and  the  telegraph  line,  and  thus 
cut  the  enemy's  line  of  communication.     I  had  not  proceeded  far  be- 
fore   a    terrific    Ptorm    set    in,  which    was  a  serious   obstacle   to  the 
progress    of    artillery,    and   gave    indications    of    continuing    for    a 
sufficient  time  to  render  the  streams  on  my  return  impassable.     Lee's 
brigade  was  in  advance,  and  the    artillery  being  entrusted  to  one  of 
Robertson's  regimonta,  (twelfth   Virginia    cavalry,)   the    head  of  the 
column  pushed  on  by  the  village  of  Auburn,  reaching  the  immediate  vi- 
cinity of  Catlett's  after  dark.    Rosser,  being  again  in  front,  by  his  good 
address  and  consummate  skill,  captured  the  picket,  and  wo  soon  found 
ourselves  in  the  midst  of  the  enemy's  encampments;  but  the  darkest 
night  I  ever  knew.     Fortunately,   wo    captured,    at   this  moment,  so 
critical,  a  negro  who  had  knovn  me  in  Berkeley,  and  who,  recogniz- 
ing mc,  informed  me  of  the  location  of  General  Pope's  staff,  baggage, 
horses,  kc,  and  offered  to  guide  me   to  the  spot.     After  a  brief  con- 
sultation, it  was    determined    to    accept    the    negro's    proposition,  as 
whatever  was  to  be  done  had  to  be  done  quickly,  and  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Fitz    Leo  selected  Colonel  W^.  H.  F.  Lee's  regiment  for  the  work. 
Thp  latter  led  his  command    boldly  to    within    a  few  feet  of  the  tents 
occupied  by  the    convivial    staff  cf  General    Pope,    and    charged  the 
camp,    capturing  a  largo  number    of  prisoners,    particularly  officers, 
securing  public  property  to  a  fabulous  amount.      While  this  was  go- 
ing on,  the  first  and  fifth  Virginia  cavalry  w?resent  to  attack  another 
camp  beyond  the  railroad  and  obstruct  the  latter.      This  was  gallantly 
done  under  the   dashing    lead    of  Colonels    Rosser  and    Brien,    over 


1S8 

gToand  exceedingly  difficult,  crossing  a  heavy  filling  of  the  railroad, 
vrith  ditches  each  side,  amid  darkness  and  a  perftct  torrent  of  rain. 
The  lights  here  were  extinguished  at  the  first  pistol  shot,  and  the  only 
light  left  to  guide  was  the  flash  of  the  enemy's  guns  from  the  wagons, 
in  which  they  took  speedy  refuge.  It  will  readily  be  perceived  that 
under  such  circumstances  successful  attack  by  *a  charge,  mounted,  was 
impossible,  and  its  further  prosecution  was  deferred  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  what  was  the  great  object  of  the  expedition,  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Cellar  Run  railroad  bridge. 

Capt.  Blackford,  with  a  picket  party,  set  about  this  arduous  under- 
taking, but  owing  to  the  fact  that  everything  was  saturated  with  water, 
ignition  was  impossible.  Axes  were  looked  up  in  the  darkness  with 
great  difficulty,  and  the  energetic  and  thorough-going  Wickham  was 
Bent,  with  his  regiment,  (fourth  Virginia  cavalry,)  to  effect  its  de- 
struction by  cutting  it  doAvn,  and  finally  Brigadier  General  Lee  went 
in  person  to  superintend  it,  but  the  difficulties  Avere  insuperable,  for 
the  enemy  on  the' other  side  of  the  stream,  where  a  cliff  afforded  ex- 
cellent protection,  were  already  firing  upon  our  men,  who,  in  this  rain 
which  had  greatly  swollen  the  stream,  met  difficulty  at  every  step.  It 
was  formed  of  double  trestle  work  superposed,  which  rendered  de- 
struction difficult  and  repair  easy.  The  commanding  General  will,  I 
.im  sure,  appreciate  how  hard  it  was  to  desist  from  the  undertaking, 
but  to  any  one  on  the  spot  there  could  be  but  one  opinion — its  impos- 
sibility— I  gave  it  up.  While  these  attempts  were  going  on,  other 
portions  of  the  command  were  securing  horses  and  other  valuable 
property  from  the  enemy's  camp  in  our  possession,  and  conducting 
the  large  numbers  of  prisoners  to  the  rear.  The  enemy  collected, 
after  their  first  stampede,  enough  to  fire  a  volley  into  the  burning 
camp,  but  without  injury.  Brigadier  General  Robertson's  command 
was  held  in  reserve,  of  which  the  twelfth  regiment  had  not  yet  ar- 
rived, being  detained  by  the  artillery.  The  streams — Cedar  Run  and 
Rappahannock — were  in  my  rear,  and  the  former  was  reported  already 
swimming,  and  the  rain  still  continued.  This  cavalry  had  had  a  long 
march  without  intermission,  and  being  the  greater  part  of  the  cavalry 
of  the  army,  its  return  without  delay  was  necesary.  These  consid- 
erations determined  me  to  leave  before  daylight  with  what  had  been 
accomplished.  I  accordingly  retired  by  the  same  route.  As  day 
dawned  1  found,  among  the  great  number  of  prisoners,  Pope's  field 
quartermaster.  Major  Goulding,  and  ascertained  that  the  chief  quar- 
tui master  and  Pope's  aid-de-carap,  (Colonel  L.  H.  Marshall,)  nar- 
rowly escaped  the  same  fate.  The  men  of  the  command  had  secured 
Pope's  uniform,  his  horses  and  equipments,  money  chests,  ondagreat 
variety  of  uniforms  and  personal  baggage,  but  what  was  of  peculiar 
value  was  the  despatch  book  of  General  Pope,  which  contained  infor- 
mation of  great  importance  to  us,  throwing  light  upon  the  strength, 
movements  and  designs  of  the  enemy,  and  disclosing  General  Pope's 
own  views  against  his  ability  to  defend  the  line  of  the  Rappahannock. 
These  and  many  others,  to  which  it  is  needless  now  to  refer,  were 
transmitted  to  the  commanding  General  at  the  time,  and  no  copies 
were  kept  by  me. 


139 

The  number  of  the  enemy's  killed  we  had  no  means  of  ascertaining. 
Our  own  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  was  slight — a  circum- 
stance affording  peculiar  reason  for  congratulation  under  the  extra- 
ordinary circumstances  surrounding  the  enterprise.  Over  three 
hundred  prisoners,  of  whom  a  large  number  were  officers,  were 
marched  safely  within  our  lines  at  Warrenton  Springs,  on  the  23d 
of  August,  where  General  Jackson  was  found  constructing  a  bridge. 
My  command  remained  that  night  on  the  north  bank  in  bivouac,  and 
the  next  day  recrossed  to  the  south  bank,  General  Jackson's  crossing 
at  that  point  having  been  abandoned.  During  the  23d,  some  severe 
skirmishing  with  artillery  took  place,  in  which  the  second  Virginia 
cavalry,  Colonel  Munford,  (Robertson's  brigade,)  suffered  to  some  ex- 
tent. The  brigades,  after  recrossing  the  Rappahannock,  took  posi- 
tion between  Jefferson  and  Amissville,  the  main  portion  of  the  army 
being  now  between  the  two  rivers. 

I  feel  bound  to  accord  to  the  officers  and  men,  collectively,  engaged 
in  this  expedition,  unqualified  praise  for  their  good  conduct,  under 
circumstances  where  their  discipline,  fortitude,  endurance,  and 
bravery  stood  such  an  extraordinary  test.  The  horseman,  who,  at  his 
officers'  bidding,  without  questioning,  leaps  into  unexplored  darkness, 
knowing  nothing  except  that  there  is  certain  danger  ahead,  possesses 
the  highest  attribute  of  the  patriot-soldrier.  It  is  a  great  source  of 
pride  to  me  to  command  a  division  of  such  men.  I  append  a  map, 
containing  that  portion  of  the  country  embraced  in  this  report  drawn 
by  Captain  W.  W.  Blackford,  corps  of  engineers.  I  am  greatly  in- 
debted to  my  staff  for  valuable  services  rendered.  They  were,  with- 
out exception,  prompt  and  indefatigable.  Subsequent  events  have 
shown  what  a  demoralizing  effect  the  success  of  this  expedition  had 
upon  the  army  of  the  enemy — shaking  their  confidence  in  a  general 
who  had  scorned  the  enterprise  and  ridiculed  the  courage  of  his  ad- 
versaries, and  it  compelled  him  to  look  to  his  communications  and 
make  heavy  detachments  from  his  main  body  to  protect  them.  It  in- 
flicted a  motifying  disaster  upon  the  General  himself  in  the  loss  of 
bis  personal  baggage  and  part  of  his  staff. 

Appended  will  be  found  a  list  of  casualties. 
Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding. 


MEMORANDA  OF  OPERATIONS  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  J. 
E.  D.  STUART,  SECOND  BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS,  OR 
GROVETON. 

Tuesday,  Augiiti  26,  1862 — General  Stuart  overtook  General 
Jackson  at  Gainesville,  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  that  night  Bristoe 
Station  was  attack-d,  Genenil  Stuart  keeping  on  General  Jackson's 
right  flank,  Ictween  him  and  Warrenton  Junction. 

Nigfit  of  Tuesday,  Augxid  26,  1 862. — General  Stuart  took  General 
Trimble's  brigade  of  infantry  and  a  part  of  his  cavalry,  and  went 
from  Bristoe  to  Manassas  Depot. 

Wednesday,  August  27  — General  Stuart  made  an  attack  on  Manas- 
sas Depot  at  dayliglit,  and  captured  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  with 
horses,  harness,  all  complete,  and  immense  stores  of  all  kinds.  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  and  part  of  his  command,  came  up  at  noon,  (twelve, 
M.,)  of  that  day,  and  fought  Taylor's  (Federal)  brigade  coming  from 
the  direction  of  Union  ^jiIls,  in  which  fight  General  Taylor  (Fede- 
ral) was  mortally  wounded.  In  the  meantirao.  General  EwcU  was  at- 
tacked at  Bristoe  Station,  and  towards  night,  retired  upon  Manassas, 
Colonel  Rosscr  protecting  Iris  (EwelTs)  right  flank,  and  bringing  up 
his  rear  to  M;inassas,  with  his  cavalry  regiment.  The  cavalry  was 
picketing  and  scouting  in  every  direction  that  diy  and  night.  Gen- 
eral Fitzhugh  Lee  was  sent  that  day  with  a  portion  of  his  command 
on  an  expedition  beyonil  Fairfax  Court-IIouse,  in  which  he  went  to 
Burke's  Siation,and  there  captured  prisoners,  stores,  &o. 

Night  of  Wednesday,  jlugust  27. — After  destroying  everyth'ng  at 
Manassas,  (stores,  &c,,)  the  army  started  for  the  Stone  Bridge,  a 
portion  going  by  the  way  of  Centreville,  the  cavalry  being  so  dis- 
posed as  to  cover  this  movement,  Colonel  Rosser  forming  the  rear 
guard  to  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division. 

Thursday,  August  28. — On  the  morning  of  this  day,  (the  army 
facing  towards  Groveton,  Colonel  Rosscr's  cavalry  bein'g  on  our  left 
flank  and  front,)  a  portion  of  the  cavalry  stationed  on  our  right  flank 
as  videttes,  kept  watch  of  the  enemy's  movements,  with  orders  to  re- 
port to  G'?ncTal  Jackson.  General  Stuart,  with  portions  of  Robert- 
son's an<l  F.  Lee's  brigides,  (under  General  Robertson)  marched 
for  Ilayniarket,  keeping  along  the  south  side  of  Ball  Run,  (crossing 
sometimes)  by  a  by-way  ;  but  before  reaching  there,  General  Stuart 
found  a  force  of  the  enemy,  which  he  skirmished  with  for  some  time, 
liis  attack  on  them  at  Haymarket  being  intended  as  a  diversion  in 
favor  of  General  Longstreet,  who  was  engaged  with  the  enjuiy  at 
Thoroughfare  Gap.  General  Stuart  reached  Haymarket  at  three,  P. 
M.,  and  returned  about  dark,  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  battle,  which 
had  been  going  on,  joining  in  just  after  the  infantry  and  artillery 
ceased  firing.  General  Stuart  spent  the  night  of  Thursday,  August 
28ih,  with  General  Jackson,  near  Sudley  mills. 

Friday,  August  2i). — As  General  Scuart  rode  forward  towards 
Gro^ton,  about  ten,  A.  M.,  he  found  tbdt  the  enemy's  sharpshooters 


141 

had  penetrated  the  woods  going  towards  the  ambulances  and  train, 
threatening  to  cut  them  off.  He  at  once  directed  Captain  (now  Ma- 
jor) Pelham,  of  the  Stuart  horse  artillery,  who  was  near  by,  to  shell 
the  woods  and  gather  up  all  the  stragglers  around  the  train  and  drive 
back  the  enemy,  notifying  General  Jackson,  in  the  meantime,  of  what 
was  transpiring.  He  also  ordered  the  quartermaster  to  move  the 
train  towards  Aldie,  and  sent  an  order  to  Major  Patrick  to  keep  his 
battalion  of  cavalry  between  the  enemy  and  the  baggage  train,  a  duty 
which  he  faithfully  discharged,  receiving  a  mortal  wound  just  as  he 
gallantly  and  successfully  repulsed  a  large  force  of  the  enemy  that 
was  attempting  to  cross  the  run.  General  Stuart  also  sent  to  Colo- 
nel Baylor,  who  was  near  the  rnilroad  em])ankment,  in  command  of 
the  Stonewall  brigade,  asking  him  to  come  forward  and  drive  back  the 
enemy,  but  he  replied  :  "I  was  posted  here  for  a  purpose,  and  have 
positive  orders  to  stay  here,  which  I  must  obey."  Having  ordered 
Captain  Pelham  to  report  to  General  Jackson,  General  Stuart  went 
towards  Haymarket  to  establish  communication  with  Generals  Lee 
and  Longstreet,  accompanied  by  Brigadier  General  Robertson,  with 
a  portion  of  his  and  a  portion  of  General  F.  Lee's  cavalry.  Gen- 
eral Stuart  met  Generals  Lee  and  Longstreet  on  the  road  betv.een 
Haymarket  and  Gainesville,  and  informed  them  of  what  had  hap- 
pened, and  the  situation  of  General  Jackson's  forces,  and  those  of 
the  enemy.  General  Lee  inquired  for  some  way  to  the  Sudley  road. 
General  Stuart  showed  him  that  the  best  route  for  them  was  by  the 
turnpike,  which  they  took,  and  General  Stuart  moved  to  General 
Long8treet's  right  flank. 

The  detachment  of  cavalry  under  General  F.  Lee,  that  had 
been  to  Burke's  Station,  returned  in  the  afternoon  cf  this  day,  to  the 
vicinity  of  General  Jackson,  at  Sudley. 

The  night  of  Friday,  August  20,  General  Stuart  was  two  miles  east 
of  General  Longstreet's  command. 

Snturdny,  August  30. — General  Stuart  remained  on  Longstreet's 
right,  and  moved  down  upon  the  enemy  with  crushing  effect,  driving 
him  across  Bull  Run,  at  Lewis'  Ford,  the  artillery  enfilading  his 
lines  and  firing  into  his  rear,  only  ceasing  to  fire  upon  him  at  dark, 
for  fear  of  firing  into  our  own  men. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STUART  OF  OPERATIONS 
IMMEDIATELY  PRECEDING,  AND  INCLUDING,  THE 
BATTLE  OF  GROVETON. 


I 


Headquarters  Stuart's  Cavalry  Division, 
Army   of  I^urthern   Virginia,  February  28,   1863. 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, \^4.  A.   G.  : 

Genrral:  I  have  the  honor  to  furnish  the  following  summary  of 
events  in  which  my  command  participated  immediately  preceding  and 
dubseciuent  to  the  second  battle  of  Manassas,  or,  as  it  should  be  more 
properly  termed,  the  battle  of  Groveton  Heights,  August  3tUh,  1862. 
My  command  had  hardly  recrossed  the  Rappahannock,  as  narrated  in 
my  last,  when  that  portion  of  it  left  on  outpost  duty  on  the  river 
became  engaged  with  the  enemy,  who  had  advanced  to  the  opposite 
bank.  It  was  soon  apparent  that  the  enemy  meditated  the  destruction 
of  the  Waterloo  bridge,  the  only  bridge  over  the  stream  then  stand- 
ing. Appreciating  its  importance  to  us,  I  directed  the  sharpshooters 
of  the  two  brigades  to  be  sent  to  its  defence,  and  the  command  of  this 
party,  numbering  about  one  hundred  men,  devolved,*  by  selection,  upon 
Colonel  T.  L.  Rosser,  fifth  Virginia  cavalry,  whose  judgment  in  post- 
ing his  command  enabled  him  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  bridge 
in  spite  of  desperate  attempts  to  reach  it,  and  held  possession  all  day 
and  night  against  infantry  and  artillery,  until  the  next  day,  when  he 
turned  over  his  position  and  the  bridge,  intact,  to  a  regiment  of  in- 
fantry sent  to  relieve  him.  During  the  day,  I  sent  Captain  J,  Har- 
deman Stuart,  my  signal  officer,  to  capture  the  enemy's  signal  party 
at  View  Tree,  an  eminence  overlooking  Warronton,  and  establish  his 
own  flag  instead — the  sequel  shows  with  what  success.  Colonel 
Munford's  regiment,  second  Virginia  cavalry,  was  detached  for  tem- 
porary service  with  General  Jackson  That  night  (25th)  1  repaired 
to  the  headcjuarters  of  the  commanding  General,  and  received  my 
final  instructions  to  accompany  the  movement  of  Major  General  Jack- 
son, already  begun.  I  was  to  start  at  two,  A.  M.,and,  upon  arriving 
at  the  brigades  that  night,  at  one,  A.  M.,  I  had  reveille  sounded  and 
preparations  made  for  the  march  at  two.  In  this  way  I  got  no  sleep, 
but  continued  in  the  saddle  all  night.  I  followed,  by  direction,  the 
route  of  General  Jackson,  through  Amissville,  across  the  Rappahan- 
nock, at  Hinson's  Mill,  four  miles  above  Waterloo,  proceeded  through 
Orlean,  and  thence  on  the  road  to  Salem,  till,  getting  near  that  place, 
I  found  my  way  blocked  by  the  baggage  trains  and  artillery  of  Gen- 
eral Jackson's  command.  Directing  the  artillery  and  ambulances  to 
follow  the  road,  I  left  it,  with  the  cavalry,  and  proceeded  by  farm 
roads  and  by-paths,  parallel  to  General  Jackson's  route,  to  reach^the 
bead  of  his  column,  which  left  Salem  and  The  Plains  early  m  the 
mcrning  for  the  direction  of  Gainesville,  The  country  was  exceed- 
ingly rough,  but  I  succeeded,  by  the  aid  of  skillful  guides,  in  passing 
Bull^un  Mountain  without  passing  Thoroughfare  Gap,  and,  without 


143 

incident  worthy  of  record,  passed  through  Haymarket  and  overtook 
tfeneral  Jackson  near  Gainesville  and  reported  to  him,  Ewell's  di- 
vision was  in  advance,  and  to  my  command  was  entrusted  guarding 
the  two  flanks  during  the  remainder  of  the  pending  , operations, 
(26th.)  As  Lee's  brigade  passed  Haymarket,  he  received  informa- 
tion of  a  train  of  forage  wagons  of  the  enemy,  and  sent  out  promptly 
a  regiment  and  captured  it.  Having  made  disposition  above  and 
below  Gainesville,  on  the  Warrenton  road,  with  cavalry  and  artillery, 
I  kept,  with  the  main  portion,  on  General  Jackson's  right,  crossing 
Broad  Run  a  few  miles  above  Bristoe  and  intersecting  the  railroad  to 
the  right  (south)  of  that  point.  The  cavalry  no^  fronted  towards  the 
main  body  of  the  enemy,  still  in  the  direction  of  the  Rappahannock, 
and  covered  General  J.ickson's  operations  on  the  railroad  bridge,  on 
approaching  which  Colonel  Munford's  regiment,  second  Virginia 
cavalry,  as  advance  guard,  wnade  a  bold  dash  into  the  place  and  se- 
cured most  of  the  occupants.  About  dusk,  and  simultaneously  with, 
the  arrival  of  the  conini:ind  at  the  railroad,  trains  of  cars  came  rap- 
rapidly  on  from  the  direction  of  Warrenton  Junction,  and  before  ob- 
struction could  be  made  the  first  passed  on,  though  fired  into  by  the 
infantry  ;  several  subsequent  ones  followed,  and  were  captured  by  the 
infantry.  Details  of  tlie.^e  operations  will,  no  doubt,  be  given  by 
General  Jackson  and  the  division  commanders. 

As  soon  as  practicable,  I  reported  to  General  Jackson,  who  desired 
me  to  proceed  to  Manassas,  and  ordered  General  Trimble  to  follow 
with  his  brigade,  notifying  me  to  take  charge  of  the  whole.  The 
fourth  Virginia  cavalry  (Colonel  Wickham)  was  sent  around  to  gain 
the  rear  of  Manassas,  and  with  a  portion  of  Robertson's  brigade,  not 
on  outpost  duty.  I  proce<'ded  by  the  direct  road  to  Manassas.  I 
marched  until  challenged  by  the  enemy's  interior  sentinels,  and  re- 
ceived a  fire  of  canister.  As  the  infantry  wer3  near,  coming  on,  I 
awaited  its  arrival,  as  it  was  too  dark  to  venture  cavalry  over 
uncertain  ground,  against  artillery.  I  directed  General  Trimble, 
upon  his  arrival,  to  re.st  his  centre  directly  on  the  railroad  and  ad- 
vance upon  the  place,  wit!;  skirmishers  well  to  the  front.  He  soon 
gent  me  word  it  was  so  dark  he  preferred  waiting  till  morning,  which 
I  accordingly  directed  he  should  do.  As  soon  as  day  broke,  the 
place  was  taken  w'ithout  much  difficulty,  and,  with  it,  m^ny  prisoners 
and  millions  of  stores  of  every  kind,  which  his  report  will  doubtless 
show.  Rosser  (fifth  Virginia  cavalry)  was  left  on  outposc  duty  in 
front  of  Ewcll  at  Bristoe,  and  Brien  (first  Virginia  cavalry)  above 
Gainesville.  During  the  ^27th,  detachments  of  Robertson's  and  Lee'a 
brigades  had  great  sport  chasing  fugitive  parties  of  tho  enemy's  cav- 
alry. General  Jackson,  having  arrived  early  in  the  day,  took  direc- 
tion of  affairs,  and  the  day  was  occupied  mainly  in  rationing  the 
command ;  but  several  serious  demonstrations  were  ma<le  by  the 
enemy  during  the  day,  from  the  north  side,  and  in  this  connection  I 
will  mention  the  coolness  and  tact  of  Mr,  Lewis  F.  Terrill,  volunteer 
aid  to  General  Robertson,  who  extemporized  lanyards  and,  with  de- 
tachments from  the  infantry  as  cannoneers,  turned  the  captured  guns 
with  marked  effect  tipon  the  enemy.     Their  general,  G.  W.  'Jta^lor, 


144 

of  New  Jersey,  was  killed  during  the  fire.  Brigadier  General  Fitz- 
hugh  Lee,  with  the  ninth,  fourth  and-  third  Virginia  cavalry,  was 
detached  and  sent  in  rear  of  Fairfax  Court  House  to  damage  the  ene- 
ray's  communication  as  much  as  possible,  and,  if  possible,  cut  off  the 
retreat  of  this  party.  Colonels  Munford  and  Rosser  brought  up  the 
rear  of  General  Ewell,  and  that  night,  v.'hen  Manassas  was  destroyed 
and  evacuated,  the  cavalry  brought  up  the  rear,  a  portion  remaining 
in  the  place  till  davlight.  Captain  Pelham,  arriving  late,  was  inde- 
fatigable in  his  efforts  to  get  away  the  captured  guns,  which  di^ty  was 
entrusted  specially  to  him.  A  part  of  the  command  marching  by 
Centrcville,  and  a  part  directly  to  Stone  Bridge,  (over  Bull  Run,)  de- 
tachments of  cavalry  were  so  arranged  as  to  guard  both  flanks. 

The  next  morning,  (28th,)  the  main  body  of  Robertson's  rendez- 
voused r.ear  Scdley  Church.  General  Jackson's  were  massed  between 
the  turnpike  and  Sudley  ford,  on  Bull  Ri>n,  fronting  towards  Manas- 
sas and  Gainesville.  Colonel  Brien  (first  Virginia  cavalry)  had  to 
retire,  being  hard  pressed  by  the  enemy  from  the  direction  of  War- 
renton,  and  was  on  the  turnpike  covering  Jackson's  front  towards 
Gainesville,  and  Rosser  towards  Manassas,  where  tlie  enemy  had  also 
appeared  in  force,  early.  The  remainder  of  Lee's  brigade  were  still 
detached  on  an  expedition  towards  Alexandria.  Early  in  the  day  a 
despatch  from  the  enemy  had  been  intercepted,  giving  the  order  of 
march  from  Warrenton  towards  Manassas,  and  directing  cavalry  to 
report  to  General  Bayard,  at  Ilaymarket.  1  proposed  to  General 
Jackson  to  allow  me  to  go  up  there  and  do  what  1  could  with  the  two 
fragments  of  brigades  1  still  had,  I  proceeded  to  that  point,  captur- 
ing a  d(3tachment  of  the  enemy  en  route.  Approaching  the  place  by 
a  by-path,  I  saw  indications  of  a  large  force  there  prepared  for  attack. 
About  this  time,  I  could  see  the  fight  going|on  at  Thoroughfare  Gap, 
where  Longstrect  had  his  progress  disputed  by  the  enemy,  and  it  was 
to  establish  communication  with  him  that  I  was  anxious  to  make  this 
march.  I  sent  a  trusty  man  with  the  despatch  to  the  right  of  Ilay- 
market. I  kept  up  a  brisk  skirmish  with  the  enemy,  without  any  result, 
until  in  the  afternoon,  when.  General  Jackson  having  engaged  the 
enemy,  I  quietly  withdrew  and  hastened  to  place  my  command  on  his 
right  flank.  Not  reaching  General  Jack-on's  right  till  dark,  the 
fighting  ceased,  and  the  comtuand  rendezvoused  as  before,  but  the 
cavaii^,  under  Colonel  Rosser,  had  played  an  important  part  in  attack- 
ing ti)c  enemy's  baggage  train.  Captain  John  Pelham's  battery  of 
horse  artillery  acted  a  conspicuous  part  on  the  extreme  right  of  the 
battle-field,  dashing  forward  to  his  position  under  heavy  fire. 

The  next  morning,  (29th,)  in  pursuance  of  General  Jackson's 
wishes,  I  set  out  again  to  endeavor  to  establish  communication  with 
Longstrect,  from  whom  he  had  received  a  favorable  report  the  night 
before.  Just  after  leaving  the  Sudley  road,  my  party  was  fired  on 
from  the  wood  bordering  the  road,  which  was  in  rear  of  Jackson's 
lines,  and  which  the  enemy  had  penetrated  with  a  small  force,  it  was 
afterwards  ascertained,  and  captured  some  stragglers.  They  were 
between  General  Jackson  and  his  baggage  at  Sudley.  I  immediately 
Bentftto  Major  Patrick,  whose  six  companies  of  cavalry  were  near 


145 

Sudlcy,  to  interpose  is  defence  of  the  baggage,  and  use  all  the  means 
at  hand  for  its  protection,  and  order  the  baggage  at  once  to  start  for 
Aldie.  General  Jackson  also  being  notified  of  this  movement  in  his 
rear,  sent  back  infantry  to  close  the  woods.  Captain  Pelham,  always 
at  the  right  place  at  the  right  time,  unlimbered  his  battery  and  soon 
dispersed  that  portion  in  the  woods.  Major  Patrick  was  attacked  later, 
but  he  repulsed  the  enemy  with  considerable^loss,  though  not  withonl 
loss  to  us,  for  the  gallant  Major,  himself  setting  the  example  to  hia 
men,  was  mortally  wounded.  He  lived  long  enough  to  witness  the 
triumph  of  our  arms,  and  expired  thus  in  the  arms  of  victory.  The 
sacrifice  was  noble,  but  the  loss  to  us  irreparable.  I  met  with  th3 
head  of  General  Longstreet's  column  between  llaymarket  and  Gaines- 
*ville,  and  there  communicated  to  the  commanding  General,  General! 
Jackson's  position  and  the  enemy's.  I  then  passed  the  cavalry 
through  the  column  so  as  to  place  it  on  Lougstreet'a  right  flank,  and' 
advanced  directly  towards  Manassas,  whilij  the  column  kept  directly 
down  the  pike  to  join  General  Jackson's  right.  I  selected  a  fine 
position  for  a  battery  on  the  right,  and  one  having  been  sept  to  me,  I 
fired  a  few  shots  at  the  enemy's  supposed  position,  which  induced; 
him  to  shift  his  position.  General  Robertson,  who,  with  his  com- 
mand, was  sent  to  reconnoitre  further  down  the  road  towards  Manas- 
sas, reported  the  enemy  in  his  front.  Upon  repairing  to  that  front,  I; 
found  that  Rosser's  regiment  was  engaged  with  the  enemy  to  the  left 
of  the  road,  and  Robertson's  videttes  had  found  the  enemy  approach- 
ing from  the  direction  of  Bristoe  Station  towards  Sudley.  The  pro- 
longation of  his  line  of  march  would  have  passed  through  my  position, 
which  was  a  very  fine  one  for  artillery  as  well  as  observation,  anfi 
Struck  Longstreet  in  flank.  T  waited  his  approach  long  enough  to 
ascertain  that  there  was  at  least  an  army  corps,  at  the  same  time 
keeping  detachments  of  cavalry  dragging  brush  down  the  road  fronf 
the  direction  of  Gainesville,  so  as  to  deceive  the  enemy,  (a  ruse  which 
Porter's  report  shows  was  successful,)  and  notified  the  commanding 
General,  then  opposite  me  on  the  turnpike,  that  Longstreet's  flank 
and  rear  were  seriously  threatened,  and  of  the  importance  to  us  of 
the  ridge  I  then  held.  Imnlediately  upon  the  receipt  of  that  intelli- 
gence, Jenkins',  Kemper's  and  and  D.  R.  Jones'  brigades,  and  seversd 
pieces  of  artillery  were  ordered  to  me  by  General  Longstreet,  and, 
being  phiced  in  position  fronting  Bristoe,  awaited  the  enemy's  ad- 
vance. After  exchanging  a  few  shots  with  rifle  pieces,  this  corps 
withdrew  towards  Manassas,  leaving  artillery  and  supports  to  hold  the 
position  till  night.  Brigadier  General  Fitz  Lee  returned  to  the  vicinity 
of  Sudley,  after  a  very  successful  expedition,  of  which  his  officiaa 
report  has  not  been  received,  and  was  instructed  to  co-operate  with 
Jackson's  left.  Late  in  the  afternoon  the  artillery  on  this  command- 
ing ridge  was,  to  an  important  degree,  auxilliary  to  the  attack  upoD 
the  enemy,  and  Jenkins'  brigade  repulsed  the  enemy  in  handsome 
style,  at  one  volley,  as  they  advanced  across  the  corn-field.  Thus  the 
day  ended,  our  lines  having  considerably  advanced.  Captain  Pelham^s 
battery  was  still  with  the  left  wing.  [See  his  interesting  report  of  it^ 
action,  on  the  28th  and  29th*,  herewith.]  Next  morning,  (30th,)  h 
10  4 


146 

itccame  evident  that  the  enemy  bad  mateiially  retired  his  left  wing. 
Wj  cavalry  reconnoitered  to  the  front,  gaining,  at  the  next  house,  an 
inj|.ortant  point  of  obf«ervation.  A  large  walnut  tree  being  used  as 
an  observatory,  the  enemy  was  discovered  gradually  massing  his 
troops  in  three  lines  ofposite  Jackt-on,  and  his  left  wing  seemed  to 
La\e  entirely  shifted.  The  commanding  General  was  informed  of 
these  changed.  Captain  'ihrotkmorton,  sixth  Virginia  cavalry,  com- 
manding sharpshooters,  took  position  along  a  stone  fence,  and  stoutly 
defended  cur  observation  against  the  attacks  of  the  enemy's  dismounted 
cAvalry. 

About  three,  P.  M.,  the  enemy  having  disclosed  his  movement  on 
Jaikson,  our  right  wing  advanced  to  the  attack.  1  directed  Robert- 
«<>n's  biigade  and  Rosser's  regiment  to  push  forward  on  the  extreme 
right,  and,  at  the  same  time,  all  the  batteries  that  I  could  get  hold  of 
*ere  advanced  at  a  galUp,  to  take  position  to  enfilade  the  enemy  in 
ficnt  of  our  lines.  Thib'vvas  done  with  splendid  eflect ;  Colonel  Ros- 
ier, a  fine  artillerist,  as  well    as  bold  cavalier,  ha^ing  the  immediate 


direction  of  the  batteries.  The  enemy's  lines  were  distinctly  visible, 
and  every  shot  told  upon  them  fearfully,  Robertson's  brigade  was 
late  coming  forward,  and  consequently  our  right  flank  wus  at  one 
time  Fomewhat  threatened  by  the  eneiuy'a  cavalry;  but  the  artillery  of 
Captain  Rogers,  with  a  few  well-directed  shots,  relieved  ua  on  that 
ecore.  AVhen  our  cavalry  arrived  on  the  field,  no  time  was  lost  in 
crowding  the  enemy,  the  artillery  being  kept  always  far  in  advance 
of  the  infantry  lines.  The  fight  was  of  renaikably  short  duration. 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  was  plainly  fighting  on  our  side,  and  the  solid 
Wflls  of  Federal  infantry  melted  away  before  the  straggling,  but  nev- 
ertheless di termined,  ontets  of  our  infantry  columns.  The  head  of 
Robertson's  cavalry  was  now  on  the  ridge  overlooking  Bull  Run,  and 
•Laving  seen  no  enemy  in  that  direction,  I  was  returning  to  the  posi- 
tion of  the  artillery  enfilading  the  Groveton  road,  when  1  received 
intelligence  from  General  Rolertson,  at  the  point  I  had  just  left,  that 
the  enemy  was  there  in  forte,  and  asking  reinforcements.  I  isidered 
the  two  reserve  regiments,  seventh  and  twelfth,  rapidly  forward,  and 
also  a  section  of  artillery;  but  before  the  latter  could  reach  the  point, 
our  ca\alry,  by  ret-olute  biavery,  had  put  the  enemy,  under  Ruford, 
to  ignominious  flight  across  Bull  Run,  and  were  in  full  pursuit,  till 
bur  own  artillery  fiie  at  the  fugitives  rendered  it  dangerous  to  pro- 
'ceed  further.  In  this  brilliant  affair  over  three  hundred  of  the  en- 
emy's cavalry  were  put  /wrs  de  ccmbnt;  they,  together  with  horses  and 
equipments,  falling  into  our  hands.  Colonel  Broadhcad,  first  Michi- 
gan, died  fiom  his  wounds  next  day.  lie  was  <ut  down  by  Adju- 
tant Haiman,  twelfih  Yiiginia  cavalry.  Msijor  Atwood  and  a  number 
of  captains  and  lieutei.ants  were  among  the  prii^oners.  The  further 
details  of  this  fight  will  be  found  in  the  accompanying  reports  of 
Brigadier  General  Robertson  and  Colonel  T.  T.  Munford.  The  latter, 
08  veil  as  his  1  ieuteiiant  Ct'lonel,  J.  W.  Watts,  Major  Breckenridge, 
aLd  Lieutenants  Kelso  and  Walton,  were  wounded  in  the  action,  con- 
epicuously  ditpl«ying  great  gallantry  and  heroism.  Q'he  second  Vir- 
ginia tavalry  sufltitd  most.     Nothing  could  have  equalled  the  splen- 


147 

dor  with  which  Robertson's  regiments  swept  down  upon  a  force  greatly 
outnumbering  thera,  thus  saccessfuUy  vindicating  a  claim  for  courage 
and  discipline  equal  to  any  cavalry  in  the  world.  Night  soon  ensued, 
and,  as  the  enemy's  misses  of  infantry  had  not  retreated  across  Bull 
Run,  1  was  auxioas  to  cut  off  their  retreat.  Upon  the  enemy's  posi- 
tion, after  dark,  however,  infantry  only  could  move,  and  I  was  anx- 
ious for -Brigadier  General  Armistea<l  to  attack  from  a  position  he 
took  after  dark,  on  the  enemy's  flank,  and  urged  it.  He,  however, 
doubted  the  policy  of  night  attack,  with  his  commrand,  especially  as 
there  was  danger  of  collision  with  our  own  infantry,  and  I  did  not 
feel  authorised  to  order  it,  particularly  as  there  was  time  to  commu- 
nicate with  the  commanding  General,  which  was  promptly  done.  The 
attack  was  not  male. 

Before  daylight,  next  morning,  the   cavalry  was  in  the  saddle  and 
after  the  enemy;   but  itiet  with  nothing  but  stragglers  until  we  came 
within  range  of  the  guns  at  Centreville,  where  his  forces  appeared  to 
be   in   position.     Twenty   or  thirty   ambulinces   were    captured  and 
sent  back  with  orders  to  go  to  work  removing  our  wounded  from  the 
battle  field.     I   have   never  heard   of  those  ambulances,  except  thaS 
they  were  seized  as  fresh  captures  by   the  Texas   brigade.     I  think: 
this  not  impiobahle,  as  a  large  number  of  prisoners  I  sent  to  the  rear- 
were  fired  upon  by  our  infantry  near  the  stone  bridge.      At  this  time,- 
Colonel  T    L.  Ro.sscr  was   sent,  with  one  hundred  men  and  a  section 
of  artillery,  back  to  recapture  Manassas,  in  which  he  succeeded.    His  > 
report  of  his  operations  those  fcAV  days  will  be  found  of  interest.    At 
one  time,  on  the  3iith,  I  noticed  our  front  lines,  near  Chinn's  house,., 
giving  way,  and,  looking  back,  I  saw  the   reserve  line  stationary.     I. 
sent  word  to  the  General   commanding   (whose  name  I  did  not  learn) 
to    move    up,    as    he    was'    much     neeled    to    support    the    attack. 
That  order  was  carried  by  Captain  W.    D    Farley,  volunteer  aid,  un- 
der circumstances  of  great   personal   danger,  in  which  his  horse  was 
f<hot.     Generals  Jenkins  and  Kemper  came   under  my  observation  as 
exhibiting  good   conduct,  bravery    and   coolness.      Brigadier  General ' 
D.  R.  Jones  was  wirh  me  part  of  the  time,  on  the  extreme  r»ght,  dur- 
ing the  battle,  in  which  several  batteries  of  his  divijiion  took  part,  and 
I    think    he    left    mo   to   bring   his   inlantry    into    action.      My    di- 
vision   surgeon,    Talcott   Eliason,    besides   being   an  adept    in    his 
profession,  exhiSitcd  on  this,  as  on  former  occasions,  the  attributes  of 
a  cavalry  commander.      Firrtt   Li -n tenant    R    Channing    Price  -.vas  of 
invaluable  assi.^tance  as  aid-de-camp       Major  Von  Borcke,  A,  A.  G., , 
and  J.  W.  T.   H.  lliirston,  0.  S,  A     and    liieucenanc   Chiswell  Dab- 
ney,  A.  D.  C,  rendered  important  service  throughout  the  period  em- 
braced   in    this    report.      My    divi.sion   quartermaster,  Maj  )r  Samuel 
Hardin  llairstan,  in  coming  on  to  join  me,  was  put  in  command  of  &. 
detach. nerit  of  cavalry   at   Salem   by  .  the    commanding   General,  and' 
sent  on  an  important  reconnoissance  towards  ^Varrenton,  of  which  hi3> 
report  is  appended.     Captain  W.  W.   Blackford,  corps  of  engineers,. 
-    was  quick  and  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  to   detect  the  designs  of  the- 
enemy,,  and  improve  the  positions  within  our  reach.     Priv^e  String- 
fellov?  displayed  gieat  daring  and  enterprise  as  a  scout,     i  append  &< 


•    148 

map  of  the  country  embraced  in  the  foregoing  operations,  drawn  by 
Captain  W.  W.  Blackford,  corps  of  engineers.  I  have  to  mourn  the 
loss  of  Captain  J.  Hardeman  Stuart,  signal  officer,  the  particulars  of 
whose  death  are  given  below. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  most  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.   B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding  Cavalry. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

3 

39 

0 

6 

0 

2 

2 

1 

1 

0 

•  CASUALTIES. 

Number  cf  Men  Killed  and  Wounded  in  the  bat{le  of  Grovsf-yn  Heights, 

August  30,  1862: 


Second  Virginia  cavalry. 

Twelfth  Virginia  cavalry. 

Captain  Brown's  Maryland  cavalry. 

Regiment  unknown, 

Capt.  J.  Hardeman  Stuart,  sig.  officer, 

6  48 

Names  of  Officers  Killed  : 
Captain  J.  Hardeman  Stuart,  signal  corps,  cavalry  divi^tOQ. 

List  of  Officers  Severely  Wounded : 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Watts,  second  Virginia  cavalry. 
Major  Breckenridge,  do  do  do 

Lieutenant  Kelso,  do  do  do 

Lieutenant  Walton,  do  do  do 

List  of  the  Killed^  Wounded  and  Missing  of  the  Stuart   Horse  Artillery 
in  the  engagements  preceding  the  battle  of  Groveton  Heights  : 

■    Killed.  Wounded. 

28tli  August,  1862,  0  4 

29th  August,  1862,  1  1 

Total,  1  5 

Seven  horses  killed. 

The  list  of  casualties  in  the  division  ia  defective,  in  that  n.o  reports 
have  been  received  from  the  first,  third,  fourth  and  ninth  regiments 
Virginia  cavalry,  General  Fitz.  Lee's  brigade.  Captain  J.  Harde- 
man Stuart,  who  was  sent  to  capture  the  enemy's  signal  party,  was 
deterred  by  the  number  of  the  guard;  but  the  man  who  had  his  horse 


149 

left  without  him,  and  he  marched  afoot  with  Longstreet's  column  to 
Groveton,  in  which  memoVable  battle  he  shouldered  a  musket  and 
fought  as  a  private.  He  was  killed  at  the  storming  of  Groveton 
Heights,  among  the  foremost.  No  young  man  was  so  universally  be- 
loved, or  will  be  more  universally  mourned.  He  was,  moreover,  a 
voung  man  of  fine  attainments  and  bright  promise. 

J.  E.  B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding. 


REPLY  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL    STUART  TO    MAJOR  GEN- 
EBAL  TRIMBLE'S  STATEMENT    OF  THE    CAPTURE    OF 

MANASSAS. 

Headquarters  Cavalky  Divisison,  A.  N.  Va.,  ) 

April  25,   1863.  5 

General  R.  H.  Chilton,  A.  A.  G.  : 

,  General:  My  attention  has  been  recently  called  to  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral J.  R.  Trimble's  report  of  the  capture  of  Manassas  on  the  night 
of  the  2nth  and  2Tth  of  August,  1863. 

As  affecting  my  own  official  report  of  the  matter,  it  is  proper;  I 
phould  state  the  following  as  addindvm  to  my  report  and  request  that 
it  be  so  filed,  together  with  the  corroborating  statements  of  Surgeon 
Eliaeon,  with  me  at  the  time,  and  Colonel  "Uickham,  "who  show 
wherein  GenerE?)  Trimble  is  in  error  in  his  report. 

Human  memory  is  frail,  I  know,  and  while,  in  what  I  have  said  or 
may  eay  on  this  subject,  my  recollection  is  as  vivid  as  upon  any  other 
contemporaneous  cvent^  about  which  tnere  is  no  difference,  I  lay  no 
claim  to  infallibility,  and  I  am  very  far  from  imputing  to  the  veteran 
General  Tiimble  any  improper  intention  or  motive  in  what  he  has 
said.  Wishing  to  be  brief,  I  hope  the  accompanying  papers,  (A  and 
B,)  referred  to  above,  and  also  General  Trimble's  papers  of  the  6th 
of  January  and  KUh  of  April,  and  my  own  official  report  may  be  at- 
tentively read;  what  follows  will  theii  be  better  understood. 

The  idea  which,  strange  to  say,  never  entered  General  Trimble's 
head,  never  for  one  moment  left  mine — that  he  was  under  my  com- 
mand on  that  occasion.  It  is  hard  to  account  for,  and  yet  I  remember 
that  he  sent  me  no  message  upon  the  capture  of  Manassas,  but  sent  it 
direct  to  General  Jackson  ;  and  besides,  he  failed  to  submit  to  me  his 
official  report,  which  he  should  have  done.  I  attributed  these  omis- 
Bions  to  a  certain  jealousy  of  authority  which  officers  older  in  years 
are  apt  to  feel  towards  a  young  superior  in  rank,  and  never  suspected 
that  the  question  of  my  being  in  command  was  involved  in  any  kind 
of  doubt  in  his  mind.  I  received  instructions  from  General  Jackson, 
and  was  told  by  him  that  Trimble's  brigade  would  be  sent  to  me.  I 
pushed  on  with  the  cavalry  to  surprise,  the  place  ;  but  the  train  which 
ran  the  gauntlet  at  Bristoe,  put  the  garrisou  on  the  alert.  I  awaited 
Trimble's  arrival  to  make  the  attack,  as  well  as  to  give  Wickham 
more  time,  with  his  regiment,  to  seize  the  avenues  in  rear  of  Ma- 
nasfcas,  which  he  did,  in  a  very  creditable,  manner,  as  shown 
in  his  report.  Now,  as  to  the  interview  when  General  Trim- 
ble came  up:  He  says:  "It  was  arranged  between  General* 
Stuart  and  myself  that  I  should  form  line,"  &c.  How  arranged  ?  I 
was  a  major  general,  he  a  brigadier;  I  assigned  especially  to  this 
duty,  and  notified  that  General  Trimble  would  report'to  me,  It  la 
true  that  I  am  not  in  the  habit  of  giving  orders,  particularly  to  my 
seniors  in  years,  in  a  dictatorial  and  authoritative  manner,  and  my 


151 

manner,  very  likely,  on  this  occasion  was  more  guggestive  than  im- 
perious. Indeed,  1  miy  have  beoa  conteat  to  satisfy  myself  that  the 
d-ispositiou  which  he  himself  propose^i  accorded  with  my  own  ideas, 
without  any  blustering  show  of  "orders"  to  do  this  or  do  that.  My 
recollection  is  clear  that  I  indicated  that  the  centre  should  rest  on 
the  railroad.  Thtj  cavalry  under  Wickhara  had  already  heen  sent  long 
.  before  Trimble's  arrival  to  seize  the  avenues  of  escape  and  await 
events.  Wickham,  Eliason  and  mycelf  have  corresponding  impres- 
sions, loithoat  conference,  as  to  the  events  of  the  night,  Wicktiam  says 
he  carried  out  his  instructions  to  the  letter,  and  reported  to  General 
Trimble  as  soon  as  the  place  was  taken.  lie  says  the  first  fire  oc- 
curred about  twelve,  and  that  it  was  about  two,  A.  INI.,  before  any 
further  firing  was  heard,  and  then  the  place  was  taken.  General 
Trimble  says  the  place  vf^  taken  at  half  past  twelve,  A.  M.  Eliason 
thinks  it  was  even  later  than  two.  So  do  I.  All  accounts  agree, 
Gen.  Trimble's,  too,  thjitthe  place  was  taken  without  difficulty.  Oen. 
Trimble  remarks  that  he  admits  that  it  was  taken  without  difficulty,  so 
far  as  my  execution  contributed  to  its  capture.  I  certainly  could  not 
have  participated  more  than  I  did  without  officiously  interposing  to 
assist  Brigadier  General  Trimble  to  command  two  regiments  of  his 
brigad«\  in  an  enterprise  attended  with  so  little  difficulty.  I  com- 
maniled  in  the  capture  of  JNIanassas  quite  as  much  as  either  General 
Jackson  or  General  Lee  would  have  done  had  either  been  present. 
That  Colonel  Klourpoy  did  not  enter  the  place  till  two  or  two  and 
a  half  hours  after  its  capture;  he  may  have  been  ordered  .elsewhere 
previously.  In  fact,  other  rciriraents  did  not  get  in  till  late  the  next 
day.  Does  ,that  signify  that  Wickham,  with  his  regiment,  was  not  in 
the  right  place  and  performed  the  important  part  assigneil  him-,  as 
stated  so  circumstantially  by  him.  General  Tiimble  says  I  did  not 
reach  the  place  till  seven  or  eight  o'clock.  I  was  in  plain  view  alj 
the  time,  and  rode  through,  around,  and  all  about  the  place  soon  after 
its  capture.  [See  Dr.  Eliason's  statement.]  General  T.  is  mistaken. 
I  can  account  for  it,  however,  by  the  fact  that  I  did  not  find  him  til! 
probably  that  hour,  for  I  looked  and  inquired  for  him,  but  could  not 
find  him.  I  took  direction  of  alFairs.  I  gave  orders  I  know  they  were 
obeyed,  by  infantry  as  well  as  by  cavalry,  I  ordered  details  to  man 
the  enemy's  guns;  put  Major  Terrell,  of  General  Robertson's  stafT, 
in  charge  of  the  guns  ;  ho  ext^porised  lanyards  ;  fired  upon  the 
enemy  in  accordance  with  my  orders,  I  led  a  regiment  or  battalion 
myself,  during  the  morning,  top.n  exposed  redoubt  on  the  right,  which 
the  enemy  was  threatening  to  seize  so  as  to  fiink  and  enfilide  the 
place.  1  did  innumerable  acts,  which,*  if  not  in  command,  1  never 
would  have  drcame'l  of  doing,  and  as  long  as  my  authority  was  un> 
questioned,  I  deemed  it  entirely  unnecessary  to  notify  General  Trim- 
ble and  others,  whom  I  supposed  already  cognizant  of  the  fact,  that  I 
was  in  command,  and  even  if  General  Jackson  had  not  specially  en- 
trusted me  with  this  command,  as  a  major  general  on  <Ae  spot,  I  was  en- 
titled to  it,  and  would  have  assumed  it  as  a  matter  of  course,  in  ac> 
cordance  with  the  Articles  of  War,  and  never  till  a  few  days  ago  JiJ 
I  conceive  that  any  one  claimed  to  bo  in  command  but  myself. 


152 

Geneial  Trimble  lays  stress  on  my  idea  of  the  distance  of  the 
enemy's  works  from  where  he  overtook  me.  A  dark  night,  what  is 
more  natural  than  to  mistake  tlie  degree  of  proximity  of  lights  in  tUe 
distance.  They  were  the  lights  of  Manassas.  According  to  Dr. 
Eliason,  the  aitillery  h;id  r.euched  us  before  General  Trimble's  arrival, 
and  the  report,  as  well  as  other  noises,  gave  strength  to  the  convic- 
tion that  we  were  very  near  the  place.  We  had  captured  a  picket 
much  further  out,  and  I  desired  to  convey  the  idea  that  we  were  very 
Lear  the  main  body — whether  it  was  posted  as  grand  guard,  reserved 
or  entrenched  garrison,  is  not  so  materi-al  in  that  statement. 

Id  the  face  of  General  Trimble's  positive  denial  of  sending  me  such 
a  message  referred  to,  "  that  he  would  prefer  waiting  till  daylight  or 
any  thing  like  it,''''  while  ray  recollection  is  clear  that  I  did  receive  such 
a  message,  and  received  it  as  coming  from  General  Trimble,  yet  as  he 
t^-as  positive  to  not  having  sent  it,  or  any  thing  like  it,  I  feel  bound  to 
believe  that  either  the  message  was  misrepresented  or  made  up  by  the 
messenger,  or  ihat  it  was  a  message  received  from  General  Robertson, 
whose  sharpshooters  had  been  previously  deployed.  When  matters 
follow  each  other  so  closely  it  is  difficult,  in  a  report  written  some 
cime  after,  to  fix  the  order  of  time  ;  but  General  Trimble  does  the  cav- 
alry injustice  in  his  report.  There  seems  to  be  a  growing  tendency 
;o  abuse  and  underrate  the  services  of  that  arm  of  service  by  a  few 
officers  of  infantry,  among  whom  I  regret  to  find  General  Trimble. 
Troops  should  be  taught  to  take  pride  in  other  branches  of  service 
than  their  own.  Officers,  particularly  general  officers,  should  be  the 
last,  by  word  or  example,  to  inculcate  in  the  troops  of  their  command 
a  spirt  of  jealousy  an<i  unjust  detraction  towards  other  arms  of  service, 
where  all  are  mutually  dependent  and  mutually  interested,  Avith  lunc- 
;:ons  differing  in  character  but  not  in  importance.  ■  So  far  as  my  own 
xnd  the  conduct  of  my  cavalry  are  concerned,  I  am  content  to  rest 
rheir  vindication  and  their  defence  with  the  generals  under  whom  it 
has  been  my  honor  and  pleasure  to  serve  since  the  first  gun  of  the 
■*ar. 

Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  B.  STUART, 

Major  General. 


STATEMENT  OF  SURGEON  ELIASON. 

Ca'mp  Pelham,  April  17,  1863. 

General:  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  give  you  an  account 
ot  the  events  of  the  night  of  August  26,  1862,  as  I  remember  them. 
After  General  Jackson  had  taken  complete  possession  of  Bristoe  Sta- 
tion, you  started  for  Manassas.  Moving  slowly  at  the  head  of  the 
column  in  order  that  the  infantry  might  have  time  to  come  up.  When 
the  advanced  guard  got  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Manassas,  they 
captured  a  sentinel  standing  on  the  railroad  track,  and,  directly  after, 


153 

encountered  the  picket  of  infantry  and  cavalry  to  which  he  belonged. 
After  a  few  shots  they  were  driven  in,  and  pursued  until  a  shell,  fired 
by  the  enemy,  struck  just  to  our  right.  We  then  halted  and  waited  to 
ascertain  the  positio_n  of  our  infantry.  Just  about  day,  we  heard  a 
few  shots,  and,  the  command  being  mounted  in  haste,  we  rode  into 
Manassas,  almost  simultaneously  with  the  infantry,  who  had  not  full 
possession  of  the  place,  as  the  enemy  were  in  full  view  of  its  eastern 
side.     This  was  just  after  full  daylight. 

Most  respectfully, 

T.  ELIASON. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  TRIMBLE  OB'  THE  CAP 
TURE  OF  "MANASSAS. 

Headquarters  Trimble's  Division,  ) 
April  10,  1863.      5 

Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  : 

Colonel:  I  have  received  your  communication,  dated  yesterday. 
calling  my  attention  to  a  seeming  discrepancy  between  your  (my) 
report  of  the  capture  of  Manassas  Junction,  on  the  night.of  the  26th 
August  last,  and  that  of  Major  General  Stuart,  together  with  an  ex- 
tract from  his  report.  It  is  not  difficult  to  account  for  partial  or 
serious  discrepancy  in  repDrts  of  two  officers,  when  one  was  present 
on  the  spot,  with  all  the  circumstances  passing  under  his  immediate 
notice,  and  the  other  was  at  the  time  a  mile  or  two  distant,  and  in  the 
night.  I  have  carefully  read  over  my  original  report,  dated  Char- 
loUesville,  January  6th,  1833,  [the  clerk,  in  copying  it,  must  have 
made  an  error  in  writing  1862,  which  please  correct,]  and  have  to- 
day had  a  conference,  through  my  staff,  with  numerous  officers  who 
took  part  in  the  transaction,  and  have  not  a  woi;d..to  alter,  that  report 
stating  correctly  the.  main  facts,  but  not  all  the  circumstances,  which 
I  shall  now  briefly  relate:  '">., 

I  was  not  aware,  on  marching  on  Manassas  Jifcction,  that  General 
Stuart  had  gone  in  ahead,  as  the  staff  officers  did  not  notify  me  of 
that  fact,  nor  that  I  was  to  act  under  General  Stuart.  Hence,  when 
1  heard  the  discharge  of  musketry  in  our  front,  as  stated  in  my  re- 
port, I  was  quite  ignorant  of  the  cause,  and,  but  for  the  prudence  of 
my  aid-de  camp.  Lieutenant  McKira,  might  have  fired  into  our  own 
cavalry.  We  were  then  marching  by  the  flank.  It  was  arranged  be- 
tween General  Stuart  and  myself  that  I  should  form  line  of  battle 
and  advance,  and  as  soon  as  this  was  done,  to  inform  him  of  the  fact, 
He  informed  me  that  we  were  but  a  short  half  mile  from  Manassas. 
I  estimated  the  distance  afterwards  at  cne  and  a  half  to  two  miles, 
being  disappointed,  as  we  advanced,  by  his  estimate.  The  distance 
can  easily  be  known  to  any  one  by  ftie  fact  that  when  I  met  General 
Stuart,  he  was  opposite  the  centre  of  woods  on  the  north  of  the  Al- 
exindria  and  Orange  railroad,  where  the  extensive  hospitals  had  been 
erected.  Therefore,  the  pickets  which  he  refers  to  were  not  the  en- 
emy's interior,  but  their  exterior  pickets.  The  encounter  with  these 
pickets  was  by  musketry  alone,  and  by  a  single  discharge  of  artillery, 
as  our  troops  were  not  over  four  hundred  yards  from  the  spot,  and 
could  easily  distinguish  the  irregularity  of  the  fire  as  that  of  the' 
fikiimishers,  to  which  General  Stuart  does  not  allude  in  his  report, 
rl  received  no  orders  from  General  Stuart  as  to  the  disposition  of  my 
force  in  its  advance,  and  it  was  not  until  we  received  the  fire  of  the 
enemy's  batteries  a  half  mile  distant  from  Manassas,  that  I  disposed 
the  regiments  each  on  either  sido  of  the  railroad.     General  Stuart  is 


155 

entirely  mistaken  in  tis  statement  that  I  soon  sent  him  word  it  was? 
so  dark  I  preferred  waiting  till  morning.  I  sent  no  such  message, 
nor  anything  like  it,  and  General  Jackson  can  himself  judge  of  the 
likelihood  of  my  doing  so  by  recalling  to  his  mind  the  fact  that  1 
wrote  him  a  note  previous  to  our  reaching  Bristoe,  suggesting  n. night 
attack  with  one  brigade  (not  mine)  as  the  only  means  of  securing  the 
immense  stores  -VThich  I  had  heard  were  there,  and  saving  them 
from  conflagration.  The  only  message  I  sent  to  General  Stuart  was 
by  my  aid  de-camp,  Lieutenant  McKim,  tha't  I  was  ready  to  advance, 
should  do  so  at  once,  and  that  he  could  assist  with  his  cavalry  in 
any  way  he  judged  proper. 

I  saw  no  cavalry  that  night  U7ii;l  tioo  or  two  and  a  half  hours  after 
the  capture  had  taken  place,  when  a  regiment  arrived  unmolested 
from  the  north  side  of  the  railroad,  commanded  by  Colonel  Flournoy, 
I  think.  The  time  of  their  arrival  I  can  fix,  with  tolerable  precision, 
as  my  note  to  General  Jackson  was  written  at  three  A.  M.,  [which 
please  correct]  and  I  sought  Colonel  Flournoy,  who  had  come  in  » 
short  time  before  to  obtain  a  courier  to  bear  the  note. 

As  to  the  statement  of  General  Stuart  that  "the  place  was  taken 
without  difficulty,"  I  am  embarrassed  by  a  difficulty  in  applying  the 
compliment  to  myself  or  to  him  ;  but  will  generously  give  him  the 
benefit  of  the  doubt  and  admit  that  it  was  taken  without  difficulty  so 
far  as  his  executions  contributed  to  its  capture. 

The  statements  of  officers  hereto  appended,  are  sent,  not  to  rectify 
anything  I  h;ive  stated  in  ray  report,  but  only  to  throw  light  on  the 
position  und  opei^tiotre  of  the  cavalry.  It  is  worth  notice  that  Cap- 
tain Shepperd  states  he  met  the  cavalry,  on  his  return  for  ambulances, 
almost  one  mile  and  a  half  in  the  rear  of  Manassas  Station,  (the  rail- 
road junction  is  three-fourths  of  a  mile  from  Manassas  Station,)  com- 
monl\  called  the  Junction,  probably  on  the  exact  spot  where  we  left 
them,  and  that  they  asked  him  if  we  had  captured  Manassas. 

I  beg  that  you  will  report  that  the  capture  took  place  about  half- 
past  twelve,  A.  M.,the  night  of  the  26th  and  27th  August,  and  I 
further  request  that  the  foregoing  explanations  maybe  appended  to 
my  report  and  accompany  it  as  official. 

Having  had  access  to  my  notes,  I  subjoin  a  list  of  part  of  the 
stores  taken  by  the  capture : 

Schedule  of  paut  of  Public  Property  captured  at  Manassas 

Junction. 

Fifty  thousand  pounds  bacon. 
One  thousand  barrels  corned  beef. 
Two  thousand  barrels  salt  pork. 
Two  thousand  barrels  flour. 

Two  trains  loaded  with  piomiscuous  stores,  clothing,  etc. 
Large  stores  of  oats,  and  corn,  and  whisky. 
'Eight  brass  pieces  light  artillery,  caissons  and  ammunition. 
Seventy-two  artillery  horses  and  harness. 
One  hundred  and  seventy- five  horses,  (draft.) 


156 

Forty-two  wagons  and  ambulances. 

Four  sutlers'  stores  and  contents. 

Two  hundred  to  three  hundred  new  tents. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  reppectfuUv,  vour  obedient  serv't, 

J.  R.  TRIMBLE, 

Major  General. 


Headquarters  Trimble's  Division,  ) 
April  11,  1863.  J 

Major  General  J.  R.  Trimble  : 

General  :  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  make  the  following  * 
jta'ement : 

On  the  night  of  the  26th  August,  1862,  as  your  command  was 
moving  by  the  flank  upon  Manassas,  it  "was  halted,  when  about  a  mile 
and  a  half  from  ihe  Junction,  in  consequence  of  the  report  of  a  few 
musket  shots  in  front,  occasioned,  as  was  soon  ascertained,  by  the 
fire  of  the  enemy's  pickets  upon  our  cavalry,  under  the  command  of 
Major  General  Stuart.  After  a  short  interview  with  General  Stuart, 
your  command  was  formed  in  line  of  battle,  and  I  was  sent  to  notify 
General  Stuart  of  your  readiness  to  advance,  I  found  him  asleep 
under  a  tree;  he  was  awakened  by  one  of  his  staff,  and  I  delivered 
your  message.  The  firing  which  occasioned  our  halt  was  from  the 
enemy's  pickets  alone.  No  gun  was  fired  by  the  enemy  until  we 
were  within  half  a  mile  of  Manassas.  1  saw  nothing  m<fre  of  the 
cavalry  after  delivering  to  General  Stuart  your  message,  and  it  has 
always  been  my  impression  that  they  did  not  participate  in  the  attack 
upon  Manassas. 

I  remain,  sir,  very  respectfully,  yours, 

W.  DUNCAN  McKIM. 


Camp  Twenty-First  North  Carolina,  > 

April  10,  1863.  }    • 

Major  General  Trimble  : 

In  answer  to  yoxxt  note  requesting  us  to  state  what  we  knew  of  the 
capture  of  Manassas  Junction  by  our  forces  last  summer,  and  the 
part  our  regiment  enacted  in  that  affair,  we  respectfully  send  the  fol- 
lowing statement : 

Our  regiment  and  the  twenty-first  Georgia,  started  from  Bristoe 
Station  about  nine,  P.  M.,  and  marched  toward  the  Junction,  passing 
by  the  cavalry  about  one  mile  from  that  place.  Our  regiment  was 
drawn  up  in  line  on  the  right  of  the  railroad  and  the  Georgia  regi- 
ment on  the  left.  When  we  reached  the  first  redoubt,  which  had  been 
thrown  up  by  our  forces  whilst  the  place  was  in  our  possession  last 
year,  I86l-"6i,  we  were  fired  upon  by  musketry  and  artillery  with 
canister.     The  order  was  immediately   given   to   charge  the   place, 


157 

which  We  did,  receiving  several  volleys  of  canister  before  we  reached 
it.  The  enemy  left  their  guns,  which  we  took,  and  the  regiment  was 
employed  for  several  hours  after  in  gathering  up  prisoners  and 
searching  through  the  various  buildings  of  the  place.  This  was  about 
half-past  one  o'clock,  A.  M.  The  cavalry  did  not  enter  the  place 
until  some  two  hours  after,  by  which  time  we  had  secured  a  large 
number  of  prisoners,  besides  many  negroes.  Our  regiment  was  kept 
in  the  place  all  night.  Several- companies  were  detailed  to  guard  the 
prisoners  and  perform  picket  duty.  The  cavalry  had  nothing  to  do 
at  all  with  the  capture  of  the  place,  and,  if  General  Stuart's  cavalry 
were  under  fire,  they  must  have  taken  the  grape  which  passed  over 
us  as  intended  for  themselves. 

W.  S.  RANKIN, 
Major  Ticcnty-Jirst  North  Carolina  Regiment. 
BYkD  SNOW, 

t       Captain  Company  C. 
JOHN  W.  MILLER, 
First  Lieutenant  Company  D, 

W.  K.  MARTIN, 
First  Lieutenant   Company  H. 

A.  ALtPAUGH, 
Third  Lieutenant   Company  D. 

J.  P.  OAKES, 
Second  Liruienant  Company  A. 

TWIST  SNOW, 
Second  Lieutenant  Company  C. 

L.  C.  JAMES, 
First  Lieutenant   Compiny  L. 

J.  A.  COBBS, 
Third  Lieutenant   Company  K. 
A.  M.  JOHNSON, 
Second  Brevet  Lieutenant  Company  H. 
W.   L.  TFOHL, 

Captain   Company  Lj. 
J.  MILLER,  • 

First  Lieutenant  Company  A. 

M.   C.   MOORE, 
First  Lieutenant  Company  I. 
D.  J.  COCKESHAW, 
Second  Lieutenant   Company  H. 

C.  T.  CLAYTON, 
Second  Lieutenant  Compiny  L. 
J.   L.  PRATT, 
First  Lieutenant  Company  K. 

CALVIN  CREWS. 
Third  Lieutenant   Company  K. 

J.   S.  DISK, 
First  Lieutenant   Company  L. 
S.   F.  STQART, 
Second  Lieutenant  Company  M, 


153 


Camp  of   Twenty-first  Georgia  Regiment,  ) 
April   10,   1863.  } 

The  undersigned,  officers  of  the  twenty-first  Georgia  regiment, 
were  present  and  participated  in  the  capture  of  Manassas  Junction 
on  the  night  of  the  26th  August  last.  After  a  fatiguing  march,  ar- 
rived at  Bristoe  Station  about  night,  and  then  reconunenced  the 
inarch  to  Manassas  Junction  with  the  twenty-fir^t  North  Carolina 
regimeiit,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Trimble.  We  attacked 
and  captured  Manassas  Junction  about  twelve  o'clock,  this  regiment 
charging  and  capturing  a  battery  of  artillery,  four  pieces,  and  about 
aeventy  prisoners,  including  a  lieutenant  colonel  and  several  com- 
missioned officers.  We  were  firecl  into  with  shell,  canister  and  mus- 
ketry, which  we  returned,  and  then  chiirged.  We  placed  pickets  out 
and  guarded  the  approaches  of  the  Junction  on  the  left  side,  which 
were  maintained  until  after  day.  About  sunrise.  Stuart's  cavalry 
arrived  in  the  town.  We  had  not  previously  seen  them,  nor  any 
other  troops,  except  those  of  our  brigade. 

THOMAS  G.  GLOVER,. 
Major  ccmmandhg  Tweniy-jirst   Georgia  on  Av^vst  2Qth. 

WESLEY  KE^'NAN, 

Captain   ('ovipa?ty   G. 
A.   C.  WATKI]NS: 

Captoiii    Ccmpany  A. 
W\  J.  WARREN, 
First  Li/utenant  cowmandmg    ConipG7)y  I. 

K.  R.  FOSTER, 
First  Lieutenant  commanding  Company  H. 

J.  W.  PATRICK, 
Second  Lievtenant  commiinding   Company  K. 
J.   H.  TUCKER, 
First  lAcutennti  romn>andws:  Com  pan  ij  B. 
E.  M.  IlEJSbERSuN. 
•  '  Company  F, 


General  Trimble:  As  a  question  hap  been  raised  :;s  to  whom  is 
due  the  honor  of  capturing  Manassas.  J  do,  with  pb  asurc,  Uineial, 
state  that  I  was  present  with  your  brigj.de,  in  whicli  n.y  Kguimt, 
the  twenty  first  North  Carolina,  was.  on  the  nigh't  of  ihc  capiuie  of 
Manassas  Junction,  which  took  place,  1  think,  on  the  26th  ol  August 
last.  About  ten  or  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M..  1  .went,  wiih  my  rt^iait-nt, 
bejond  the  railroad  junction  proper,  till  they  reached  the  first  itdoubt 
on  the  railroad,  which  our  forces  had  thrown  up  in  I8GI,  and  there 
remained.  The  regiments  marched  on,  on  either  side  of  the  railroad, 
and  had  not  proceeded  more  than  a  few  hundred  yards,  when  the  ene- 
my opened  fire  upon  the  brigade.     Shortly  after  this,  1  started   back 


159 

io  Bristoe  Station  to  bring  forward  the  ambulancea,  which'  had  been 
left  behind.  I  had  gone  back  fully  half  a  mile  this  side,  west  of  the 
junction  proper,  and  at  least  a  mile  and  a  quarter  in  rear  of  where  I 
.left  your  brigade,  when  I  was  halted  by  a  cavalry  picket,  which  was 
composed  of  members  of  the  sixth  Virginia  cavalry.  In  conversa- 
tion with  them,  they  asked  me  whether  the  Junction  liad  been  cap- 
cured,  etc.,  and  told  me  their  regiment  was  stationed  near  there, 
which  I  approached  and  saw.  This  was  the  nearest  point  to  the 
Junction  at  which  I  saw  any  gavalry. 

Yours,  very  respectfully, 

'  H.  SHEPPERD, 
Captain  and  A,  A.   G.,  Twenty  first  North  Carolina  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  xMAJOR  GENERAL  McLAWS  OF  OPERATIONS 
BELOW  RICHMOND,  SUBSEQUENT  TO  BATTLES  OF 
RICHMOND. 

Headquarters  Division,  ) 
August  9,  18G2.      \ 

Colonel  R.  H.  Chilton, 

Adjutant  General  to  General  Lee  : 

Sir  :  In  compliance  with  orders  from  tiepartment  headquarters,  re- 
ceived after  six,  A.  M.,  on  6th  instant,  to  march,  with  my  command, 
to  the  junction  of  the  Charles  City  and  Long  Bridge  roads,  I  moved 
with  the  brigades  of  Colonel  Barksdale  and  General  Semmes,  and 
two  regiments  of  the  South  Carolina  brigades,  (all  with  me.)  Not 
long  after  reaching  the  Charles  City  road  the  head  of  my  column  was 
halted,  by  coming  up  with  that  of  General  Ripley,  moving  in  the  same 
direction.  I  had  not  been  informed  of  General  Ripley's  orders,  nor, 
indeed,  that  he  would  move  in  that  direction.  The  day  was  excessively 
■warm,  and  the  troops  were  marched  slowly.  Finding  that  General 
Ripley's  column  had  halted  about  nine  miles  from  here,  a  very  con- 
siderable time,  I  rode  forward  and  found  General  Ripley  at  Fisher's. 
He  informed  that  he  was  constructing  V-xo  rifle  pits  to  strengthen  his 
posifion.  Shortly  after  my  arrival,  one  of  General  Ripley's  brigades 
was  ordered  forward  to  the  junction,  and  the  cavalry  advanced.  It 
was  the  general  impression  that  the  enemy  had  a  very  considerable 
force  of  cavalry  on  the  left,  and  a  large  body  of  infantry  in  front.  It 
was  not  until  late  in  the  day,  that  I  discovered  there  was  a  regiment 
of  two  or  three  hundred  or  more  of  our  own  cavalry  about  the  junc- 
tion and  Fisher's.  The  junction  was  occupied  without  opposition, 
nothing  of  the  enemy  being  seen  beyond  their  mounted  pickets,  which 
retired  as  our  own  advanced.  The  whole  of  Ripley's  command  was 
advanced,  forming  line  of  battle  across  the  road  at  the  junction,  and 
having  brigades  supporting  each  other,  at  Fisher's  house,  where  my 
whole  division  was  in  reserve.  As  night  came  on  the  troops  bivouacked 
in  the  woods  in  advance  of  the  junction,  and  in  position  elsewhere  to 
meet  any  emergency.  On  the  7th  instant,  there  was  some  delay 
owing  to  a  portion  of  Ripley's  troops  not  being  suppRed  with  rations. 
The  advance  was,  however,  commenced  by  ia  brigade  being  thrown 
forward  and  occupying  the  vicinity  of  the  creek,  between  the  parson- 
age and  Willis'  church — videttes  and  skirmishers  occupying  the  par- 
sonage and  overlooking  the  battle-ground  of  July  1st.  The  other 
brigade  of  Ripley's  and  the  whole  command  was  ordered  to  marcli  in 
easy  supporting  distance.  A  brigade  also  occupied  Gatewood's  to 
guard  against  any  movement  from  the  left.  I  then  wrote  to  General 
Longstreet,  and  informing  him  of  my  movements,  suggested  that 
General  Jones'  command  or  a  brigade  be  advanced  from  that  side, 
taking  its  artillery.  I  did  this  because  the  road  at  the  crossing  of  the 
creek,  beyond  Willis'  church,  had  been  blockaded  by  the  enemy, 


161 

making  it  impassable  for  artillery.  Shortly  afterwards,  it  was  reported 
that  the  enemy  had  abandoned  Malvern  Hill,  and  our  cavalry  occupied 
it.     General  Longstreet  coraping  up,  I  rode  forward  with  him  to  the 
*•  heights,"  and  the  brigades  of  Generals  Rodes,  Toombs  and  Jonea 
coming  forward,  occupied  them,  at  Dew's  house  and  to  the  right  and 
left.     During  the  6th  and  7th,  between   thirty  and  forty  stragglers 
were  brought  in  from  the  enemy.     All  that  were  questioned  spoke  of 
a  very  large  force  of  infantry  occupying  Malvern  heights  and  the  ad- 
jacent country,  and  of  from  three  to  six  regiments  of  cavalry.    Mora 
confidence  was  given  to  the  reports  of  prisoners  than  otherwise  would 
have  been  done,  because  it  was  believed  they  had  purposely  thrown 
themselves  in  the  way  of  our  pickets,  wishing  to  be  captured.    Many- 
stated  that  General   Heintzolman  was  in  command  on  Malvern  Hill, 
etc.,  etc      I  saw  nothing  to  indicate  an  intention  of  the  enemy  to  oc- 
cupy Malvern  Hill  permanently,  or  if  such  was  their  purpose,  they 
had  neglected  the  usual  precaution  of  fortifications.   I  returned  to  my 
old  camp  on  yesterday,     I  saw  several  men   on   the  way  prostrated 
with  s^in-stroke,  and  have  understood  that  some  of  the  cases  proved 
fatal.     The  march  would  have  been  made  during  the  night  previous, 
but  my  commissary  had  estimated   for  subsistence  stores,  and  they 
had  been  sent  down  to  Fisher's  and  unloaded  in  the  field  during  his 
absence,  the  wagons  in  which  they  came  returning  to  town. 
Very  respectfully, 

L.  McLAWS, 
Major  General. 


11 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  McLAWS  OF  OPERATIONS 
_  ABOUT  HARPER'S  FERRY. 

Headquarters  Division,  October  18,  1862. 

Colonel  R.  H.  Chilton, 

AdjutaiU  General: 

Sir:  On  the  lOth  ultiroo,  in  compliance  with  special  order,  No. 
191,  of  Septtmber  9th,  lfeC2,  frcm  jc«r  headquarters,  I  proceeded 
with  my  own  and  General  Anderson's  division,  via  Buckettsville,  to 
Pleasant  Valley  to  take  possession  of  Maryland  Heights  and  endeavor 
to  capture  the  enemy  at  Harper's  Ferry  and  vicinity.  I  reached  the 
ralley  on  the  1 1th. 

Pleasant  Valley  runs  north  and  south,  and  is  bounded  on  the  east  by 
tI  e  Blue  Ridge,  on  the  \vest  by  Elk  Ridge,  the  southern  portion  of 
viiich  ridge  being  more  specially  designated  as  Maryland  Heights.' 
The  distance  across,  in  an  air  line,  between  the  summits  of  the  two 
ridges,  being  about  two  and  a  half  or  three  miles.  The  valley  itself 
ie  lolling  and  irregular,  having  one  main  road  along  or  near  the  foot 
of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  there  is  another  along  the  base  of  Elk  Ridge; 
but  it  is  very  much  out  of  repair,  and  not  much  used. 

The  Potomac  river  runs  along  the  south  ends  of  both  ridges,  Har- 
per's Ferry  town  being  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  but  entirely 
commanded  by  Maryland  Heights,  frtm  which  a  plunging  fire,  from 
musketry  even,  can  be  made  into  the  place.  The  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railroad,  the  turnpike  to  Frederick,  Maryland,  through  Middle- 
town,  and  the  canal  to  Washington  city,  pass  along  the  south  end  of 
the  Blue  Ridge,  there  being  just  enough  space  for  them  between 
the  mountains  and  the  river.  They  also  pass  under  the  south 
€nd  of  Maryland  Heights,  v^here  a  crowded  space  has  been 
made  by  blasting  the  rocks  for  a  very  considerable  distance.  The 
railroad  bridge  crosses  the  river  just  under  the  precipice  of  I\larjland 
Heights,  and  about  fifty  yards  above  it  the  Yankees  had  a  pontoon 
bridge  for  wagons,  etc.  The  railroad  bridge  was  defended  by  cannon 
placed  on  the  further  end;  the  narrow  causeway  along  the  river  un- 
der Elk  Ridge,  by  cannon  placed  under  the  precipice  and  on  the 
road.  The  river  there  is  near  four  hundred  yards  wide.  On  the  west 
elope  of  Elk  Ridge,  the  enemy  had  their  heavy  guns  placed  so  as  to 
command  the  approaches  along  the  road  and  the  town  on  the  opposite 
side,  and  I^believe  the  road  coming  from  the  west;  and  they  also  swept 
Boliver  Heights,  which  defended  the  approaches  to  the  town  from  the 
side  between  the  Shenandoah  and  the  Potomac  west  and  south. 

So  long  as  Maryland  Heights  was  occupied  by  the  enemy.  Harper's 
Ferry  could  never  be  occupied  by  us.  If  we  gained  possession  of  the 
beights,  the  town  was»no  longer  tenable  to  them. 

Pleasant  Valley  was  approached  from  the  east,  first  by  the  railroad, 
turnpike  and  canal,  at  the  south  end  of  Blue  Ridge.  Second,  By  a 
road  over  the  ridge,  passing  Buckettsville,  a  small  town,  about  a 
mile  or  less  from  the  foot  of  the  Blue  Ridge  over  Brownsville  Gap, 


163 

and  by  another  through  a  gap  to  the  north  of  the  last  named  road, 
known  as  Crampton's  Gap.  The  two  last  were  about  one  mile  apart. 
The  second  road  was  distant  from  the  one  along  the  south  end  of  the 
ridge  four  miles.  Thus  Crampton's  Gap  was  five  miles  from  the  first 
road  along  the  Potomac, 

Passing  from  the  valley,  going  west,  were  two  roads,  one  along  the 
south  end  of  Maryland  Heights,  already  mentioned,  and  another 
through  Solomon's  Gap,  a  slight  depression  in  Elk  Ridge,  about  five 
miles  north  of  the  first  At  the  south  end  of  Blue  Ridge,  and  just 
at  the  commencement  of  the  pass,  coming  from  the  east,  is  the  small 
town  of  Wevcrton.  About  half-way  between  that  place  and  Harper's 
Ferry,  along  the  turnpike,  is  another  small  place  called  S;indy  Hook. 
The  road  from  Sandy  Hook  ran  about  the  middle  of  the  valley,  and 
joined  the  main  road  along  the  foot  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  two  miles  from 
the  Potomac.  Understanding  that  there  was  a  road  running  from  the 
top  of  Solomon's  Gap  along  the  ridge,  to  the  heights  commanding 
Harper's  Ferry,  I  directed  General  Kershaw,  with  his  brigide  and 
that  of  General  Barksdale,  to  proceed  along  that  road  and  carry  the 
heights,  using  infantry  alone,  as  the  character  of  the  country  forbade 
the  use  of  any  other  arm.  On  the  12th,  he  proceeded  to  carry  out 
the  order.  1  then  directed  a  brigade  of  General  Anderson's  divis- 
ion— Gcmeral  Wright's — to  ascend  the  Blue  Ridge  with  tvo  pieces  of 
artillery,  and,  proceeding  down  to  the  point  overlooking  Weverton,  to 
command  the  approach  to  the  pass  there,  along  the  turnpike,  railroad 
and  canal.  General  Semmes  was  left  opposite  the  gap  ;  the  troopg 
had  passed  over  into  the  valley  (the  one  next  south  of  Crampton's 
<Tap)  with  his  own  and  General  Mahone's  brigade,  commanded  by 
Colonel  Parham,  with  orders  to  send  a  brigade  to  the  top  of  Solomon's 
Gap,  to  protect  the  rear  of  General  Kershaw,  and  also  to  take  pre- 
cautions to  guard  the  pass  over  the  Blue  Ridge.  General  Cobb's 
brigade  was  directed  to  cross  the  valley,  and,  marching  along  its  base, 
to  keep  in  communication  with  General  Kershaw  above  and  up  to  his 
advance,  so  as  to  give  support  if  possible,  if  it  was  needcil,  and  to 
serve  as  a  rallying  force  should  any  disaster  render  such  necessary. 

I  then  moved  down  the  valley  towards  the  river,  with  the  rest  of 
the  command,  the  inhabitants  generally  impressing  it  upon  me  that 
Maryland  Heights  was  lined  with  cannon  for  a  mile  and  a  half.  The 
main  force  was  kept  with  the  advance  of  General  Kershaw,  of  which  ; 
I  was  constantly  informed  by  signal  parties,  stationed  on  the  heights, 
moving  with  General  K-rshaw,  General  Kershaw  soon  encountered 
the  skirmishers  of  the  enemy,  and  drove  them  before  him  until  dark- 
ness put  an  end  to  the  conflict.  General  Wright  gained  his  position 
without  opposition,  and  at  sundown  General  Anderson  pushed  forward 
a  brigade,  (General  Pryor's,)  as  I  directed  and,  took  possession  of 
Weverton,  and  disposed  the  troops  to  efi"ectually  defend  the  pass. 

The  brigades  of  Generals  Armistead  and  Cobb  were  moved  up, 
forming  a  line  across  the  valley  from  the  right,  commanding  the  road 
from  Sandy  Hook. 

On  the  13th,  Gen.  Kershaw,  after  a  very  sharp  and  spirited  engage- 
ment, through  the  dense  woods,  and  over  a  very  broken  surface,  (there 


164 

being  no  road  from  the  point  where  he  had  ceased  operations  the  night 
previous,)  and  across  two  abattis.  (the  last  quite  a  formidable  work,  the 
east  and  west  side  being  precipices  of  thirty  or  forty  feet,  and  across 
the  ridge  vr^re  breastworks  of  heavy  logs  and  large  rock.)  succeeded 
in  carrying  the  main  ridge,  where  the  enemy  had  a  telegraph  station, 
and  by  four  and  a  half,  I*.  M.,  we  had  possession  of  the  entire  heights, 
the  enemy  going  down  a  road  which  they  had  constructed  on  the  side 
opposite  the  feny,  invisible  to  our  troops  from  the  valley,  and  were 
fired  on  by  our  skirmishers  as  they  crossed  the  pontoon  bridge  to 
Harper's  Ferry  town.  The  report  concerning  cannon  along  the 
heights,  proved  to  be  false,  as  the  enemy  used  but  one  battery  on  the 
heights,  and  that  was  placed  on  the  road  towards  Harper's  Ferry, 
and  was  withdrawn  so  soon  as  the  main  ridge  was  carried.  The  bat- 
tery of  heavy  guns  placed  on  the  west  slope  of  the  mountains,  which, 
during  the  Hay  fired  frc(|uently  on  the  storming  party  and  dropped 
ehells  into  Pleasant  Valky,  was  spiked  and  abandoned  at  the  same 
time. 

The  troops  in  the  valley  were  then  advanced,  and  General  Cobb's 
brigade  occupied  Sandy  Hook,  with  but  little  resistance,  the  enemy 
having  abandoned  the  place,  with  their  main  force  of  fifteen  hundred 
men,  on  the  night  previous,  leaving  several  hundred  new  muskets  and 
other  ptrjres.  The  road  then  from  Harper's  Ferry,  which  prevented 
egress  from  the  place  coming  east,  was  now  completely   commanded. 

Up  to  this  time,  I  had  received  no  notice  of  the  advance  of  either 
General  Jackson  or  General  Walker,  except  that  a  courier  from  Gen- 
eral Jackson  brought  a  despatch  from  him  to  the  effect  that  he  hoped 
his  leading  division  would  be  near  Harper's  Ferry  about  two  o'clock 
on  this  day,  and  some  firing  in  that  direction  led  to  the  belief  that 
he  was  advancing. 

During  the  day,  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  to  the  east  and 
north  east,  and  the  cavalry  scouts  were  constantly  reporting  the  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  from  various  directions  ;  but  the  truth  of  these, 
reports  was  questionable,  as  the  look-out  from  the  mountains  saw 
nothing  to  confirm  them. 

The  morning  of  the  14th  was  employed  in  cutting  a  road  to  the 
top  of  Maryland  Heights,  practicable  for  artillery.  Major  McLaws, 
of  my  staff,  had  examined  the  ground,  and,  reporting  a  road  practi- 
cable,  was  directed  to  make  one,  and  by  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Captain 
Read  and  Captain  Carleton,  under  the  direction  of  Major  Hamilton, 
chief  of  artillery,  had  two  pieces  from  each  of  their  batteries  in  po- 
sition, overlooking  Bolivar  Heights  and  the  town.  Fire  was  opened 
at  once,  driving  the  enemy  from  their  works  on  the  right  of  Bolivar 
Heights,  and  throwing  shells  into  the  town. 

In  the  meanwhile,  General  Walker,  who  had  informed  me  of  his 
arrival,  after  dark,  on  the  13th  instant,  had  opened  fire  from  Loudon 
Heights,  and  General  Jackson's  batteries  were  playing  from  several 
points. 

Hearing  of  an  advance  of  the  enemy  towards  the  gap,  over  which 
the  command  had  passed  into  Pleasant  Valley,  I  had,  about  twelve 
o'clock,  ordered  General  Cobb  to  return    with    his  brigade  to  the 


165 

camp,  near  the  point  where  the  road  came  into  the  valley,  and  di- 
rected General  Semmes  to  withdraw  the  brigade  from  Solomon's  Gap, 
leaving  a  mere  guard,  and  to  tell  General  Cobb,  on  his  arrival  in  the 
vicinity,  to  take  command  of  Crarapton's  Gap.  The  gap  was  over 
five  miles  from  the  positions  of  my  main  force.  I  was  on  Maryland 
Heights  directing  and  observing  the  fire  of  our  guns,  when  I  heard 
cannonading  in  the  direction  of  Orampton's  Gap;  but  I  felt  no  partic- 
ular concern  about  it,  as  there  were  three 'brigades  of  infantry  in  the 
vicinity,  besides  the  cavalry  of  Colonel  Munford;  and  General  Stuart, 
who  was  with  me  on  the  heights,  and  had  just  come  in  from  above, 
told  me  he  did  not  believe  there  was  more  than  a  brigade  of  the  en- 
emy. I  however  sent  my  adjutant  general  to  General  Cobb,  as  also 
Major  Goggin,  of  my  stafi",  with  directions  to  hold  the  gap  if  he  lost 
his  last  man  in  doing  it,  and  shortly  afterwards  went  down  the  moun- 
tain and  started  towards  the  gap.  On  my  way,  with  General  Stuart, 
I  met  my  adjutant  general  returning,  who  informed  me  that  the  en- 
emy had  forced  the  gap,  and  that  reinforcements  were  needed  by 
General  Cobb.  I  at  once  ordered  up  WUco.k's  brigade,  commanded 
by  Colonel  Alfred  Cumming,  of  the  tenth  Georgia  regiment,  who  had 
been  detached  from  General  Semmes'  brigade  ^r  that  purpose,  and 
rod«  towards  the  gap.  Fortunately,  night  came -on,  and  allowed  a 
new  arrangement  of  the  troops  to  be  made  to  meet  the  changed  aspect 
of  affairs. 

The  brigades  of  Generals  Kershaw  and  Barksdale,  excepting  one 
regiment  of  the  latter  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  were  withdrawn 
from  the  heights,  leaving  the  regiment  and  two  riile  pieces  on  the 
main  heights  overlooking  the  town,  and  formed  line  of  battle  across 
the  valley,  about  one  and  a  half  miles  below  Crampton's  Gap,  with 
the  remnant  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Cobb,  Semmes  and  Mahoae, 
and  that  of  Wilcox,  Kershaw  and  Barksdale,  which  was  placed  spe- 
cially under  command  of  General  Anderson.  Generals  Wright  and 
Pryor  were  kept  in  position  guarding  the  Weverton  Pass,  and  Gen- 
erals Armistead  and  Featherston,  that  from  Harper's  Ferry.  That 
place  was  not  yet  taken,  and  I  had  but  to  wait  and  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy. 

It  was  necessary  to  guard  their  positions — ^first,  to  present  a  front 
against  the  enemy  advancing  down  the  valley  ;  sp.cond,  to  prevent 
them  from  escaping  from  Harper's  Ferry,  and  acting  in  conjunction 
with  their  troops  in  front ;  tfiird,  to  prevent  an  entrance  at  Wever- 
ton P.iss. 

The  force  of  the  enemy  engaged  and  in  reserve  at  Crampton's 
Gap  was  estimated  to  be  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  thousand  and- 
upwards. 

The  loss  in  those  brigades  engaged  was,  in  killed,  wounded  an^- 
missing,  very  large,  and  the  renfnant  collected  to  make  front  across, 
the  valley,  was  very  small. 

I  had  despatched  Lieutenant  Tucker,  my  aiil-de-camp,  with  a 
courier  and  guide,  to  report  to  General  Lee  the  condition  of  affiirs; 
but,  on  getting  beyond  our  forces,  he  rode  suddienly  on  a  strong  picket 
of  the  enemy,  was  halted  and  fired  on  by   them  ad  he  turned   and. 


166 

dashed  back.  The  courier  was  killed;  but  Lieutenant  Tucker  and 
the  guide  escaped.  General  Stuart  had,  however,  started  couriers 
before  that,  and  sent  others  from  time  to  time  during  the  night,  and 
I,  therefore,  -was  satisfied  that  General  Lee  would  be  informed  before 
morning.  The  loth,  the  enemy  did  not  advance,  nor  did  they  oflfer 
any  opposition  to  the  troops  taking  position  across  the  valley.  The 
line  to  oppose  them  from  that  direction  was  therefore  formed,  and  the 
artillery  posted  to  the  best  advantage.  Our  artillery  on  Maryland 
Heights  fired  on  the  enemy  below  so  soon  as  light  permitted.  About 
ten  o'clock,  A.  i\I.,  it  was  telegraphed  to  me  from  Maryland  Heights 
that  the  enemy  at  Harper's  Ferry  had  hoisted  a  white  flag  and  had 
ceased  firing.  I  at  once  ordered  the  troops  which  were  defending  the 
pass  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  advance  their  skirmishers  along  the 
road  to  the  bridge,  or  until  they  were  fired  on,  and  directed  all  the' 
trains  to  be  sent  towards  the  Ferry,  still  keeping  the  line  of  battle 
opposed  to  that  of  the  enemy  above.  They,  in  the  meantime,  were 
planting  batteries  on  the  Blue  Ridge  to  operate  against  the  artillery 
on  the  left  of  the  valley,  looking  north,  which  had  been  advantage- 
ously placed  in  position  by  my  chief  of  artillery,  Major  Hamilton, 
along  the  line  formed  ^across  the  valley. 

My  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  Tucker,  had  been  sent  to  communicate 
■with  General  Jackson,  in  Harper's  Ferry,  and  he^ returning,  re- 
ported that  General  Jackson  wished  to  see  me  The  enemy  showing 
no  disposition  to  advance,  I  left  the  command  to  General  Andersen^ 
with  directions  to  push  the  trains  across  the  river  as  far  as  possible, 
and  follow  with  the  infantry  when  the  trains  were  well  over.  I  then 
rode  over,  and  received  orders  to  proceed  to  Sharpsburg,  with  all  pos- 
sible dispatch.  I  returned  to  Pleasant  Valley,  and,  as  the  troops 
had  been  gradually  withdrawn.  I  formed  a  new  line  across  at  the  foot 
of  the  valley,  still  holding  Maryland  Heights  and  Weverton  Pass, 
and  waited  until  near  two  o'clock,  when  the  trains  having  passed 
over  the  river,  the  troops  were  withdrawn  to  the  right  bank,  and, 
marching  through  Harper's  Ferry,  camped  near  Halltown,  four  miles 
distant,  about  eight  o'clock  on  the  16th  instant.  The  troops  that 
were  engaged  in  the  attack  and  capture  of  Maryland  Heights  are  en- 
titled to  especial  commendation,  as  they  were  laboriously  employed 
for  two  days  and  one  night  along  the  summit  of  Elk  Ridge,  con- 
stantly working  their  way  under  fire  during  the  day,  and  at  night 
resting  in  position,  all  this  time  without  water,  as  none  could  be  ob- 
tained but  from  the  valley  beneath,  one  mile  down  the  mountain, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  contest  there  was  not  a  straggler  from  the 
two  brigades. 

General  Kershaw,  who  had  special  command  of  this  force,  acted  in 
this  instance,  as  he  Las  in  all  others  when  under  my  command,  with 
great  skill,  coolness  and  daring,  and  is  deserving  of  special  praise. 
I  refer  you  to  his  report  for  other  particulars  of  the  engagement,  and 
for  the  operations  of  the  brigade  of  General  Barksdale,  which  accom- 
panied him  and  materially  assisted  in  the  capture  of  the  place. 

Seeing  that  the  canal  was  full  of  water  about  Weverton,  I  directed 
General  Pryor,  if  tools  could  be  obtained,  to  cut  the  canal  just  above 


167 

a  culvert  near  the  place,  which  he  did,  and  thinks  the  canal  was  ma- 
terially damaged.     He  also  broke  the  canal  lock. 

The  enemy  having  forced  Crampton's  Gap,  thereby  completely 
cutting  off  iny  route  up  the  valley  to  join  the  forces  with  General 
Lee — as  Solomon's  Gap,  the  only  road  over  Elk  Ridge,  wa-i  just  in 
front  of  the  one  over  the  Blue  Ridge,  occupied  by  the  enemy,  I  had 
nothing  to  do  but  to  defend  my  position.  I  could  not  retire  under 
the  bluffs  along  the  river,  with  the  enemy  pressing  my  rear  and  the 
forces  at  llarper's^i  Ferry  operating  in  conjunction,  unless  under  a 
combination  of  circumstances  I  could  not  rely  on  to  happen  at  the 
exact  time  needed.  I  could  not  pass  over  the  mountain,  except  in  h 
scattered  and  disorganized  condition.  Nor  could  I  have  gone  through 
the  Weverton  Pass  into  the  open  country  beyond,  to  cross  a  doubtfai 
ford,  when  the  enemy  was  in  force  on  the  other  side  of  the  Blue 
Ridge  and  coming  down  in  my  rear.  There  was  no  outlet  in  any  di- 
rection for  anything  but  the  troops,  and  that  very  doubtful.  In  no 
contingency  could  1  have  saved  the  trains  and  artillery.  1  therefore 
determined' to  defend  myself  in  the  valley,  holding  the  two  heights 
and  the  two  lower  passes,  in  order  to  force  a  direct  advance  down  the 
valley,  to  prevent  co-operation  from  Harper's  Ferry,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  carry  out  my  orders  in  relation  to  the  capture  of  that  place. 
I  received  several  communications  from  your  headquarters  in  rela- 
tion to  my  position,  which  were  obeyed,  so  far  as  circumstances 
permitted,  and  I  acted,  in  departing  from  them,  as  I  believed  the 
commanding  General  would  have  ordered  had  he  known  the  circum- 
stances. The  force  in  Harper's  Ferry  was  nearly,  if  not  quite  equal 
to  my  own,  and  that  above  was  far  superior. 

No  attempt  was  made  to  co-operate  from  Harper's  Ferry  with  the 
force  above,  and  the  force  above  did  not  press  down  upon  me  because, 
I  believe.  General  Lee  offered  battle  at  Sharpsburg.  The  early  sur- 
render of  Harper's  Ferry  relieved  me  from  the  situation,  and  my 
command  joined  the  main  army  at  Sharpsburg  on  the  morning  of  the 
17th  September. 

My  special  thanks  are  due  to  General  Anderson,  whose  division 
was  under  my  command,  for  his  advice  and  assistance,  and  the  cor- 
dial co-operation  of  all  in  generally  performing  their  whole  duties. 
The  operations  at  Crampton's  Gap  I  give  in  a  separate  paper. 
To  the  members  of  my  staff.  Major  Mcintosh,  A.  A.  G.  ;  Major 
Goggin ;  Major  McLavys  ;  Major  Edwards,  A.  C.  S. ;  chief  surgeon 
of  division,  Surgeon  Gihuore  ;  Captain  King,  who  accompanied  Gen- 
eral Kershnw  during  the  whole  of  his  operations  on  the  heights  ; 
Capt.  Costin  ;  Lieut.  Tucker,  A.  D.  C.  ;  Capt.  Taliaferro  and  Lieut. 
Edwards,  ordnance  officers,  I  am  indebted  for  their  aid  and  active 
assistance.  Captain  Manning,  who  had  charge  of  the  signal  corps, 
being  unable  to  attend  to  his  duties,  from  a  sudden  attack  of  ery~ 
sipelas'in  the  head.  Captain  Costin  took  charge  of  the  party,  and  it 
rendered  very  great  service  during  the  three  days  it  was  required. 
Lieutenant  Campbell,  of  the  engineers,  also  distinguished  himself  for 
his  activity  in  reconnoitering  the  position  of  the  enemy. 

Very  respectfully, 

L.    McLAWS,  Major  General. 


168 


Headquarters  Division,  October  21,  1862. 

Colonel  R.  H.    Chilton,  A.  A.  G.: 

I  enclose  herewith  a  report  of  the  operations  of  my  command  in 
Pleasant  Valley,  Maryland.  There  are  particular  reasons  why  I 
should  make  a  special  report  of  the  engagement  at  Crampton's  Gap, 
to  do  which,  however,  it  is  necessary  to  obtain  reports  from  Colonel 
Munford,  who  was  first  in  command,  and  from  Colonel  Parham, 
Mahone's  brigade,  who  came  next  after  and  made  the  dispositions  pre- 
vious to  the  arrival  of  General  Cobb. 

Very  respectfully, 

L.  McLAWS,  Major  Gemral 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL    McLAWS  OF  BATTLE  OF. 

SIIARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Division,  October  20,  1662. 

To  the  Adjutant   General, 

Headquarters  of  General  Longstrect  : 

Sir:  On  the  morning  of  the  16th  of  September,  ultimo,  my  com- 
mand, consisting  of  my  own  division  and  that  of  General  Anderson, 
marched  through  Harper's  Ferry  from  Pleasant  Valley,  and  halted 
near  Hailtown,  a  short  distance  from  the  road,  which  turned  to  the 
right  towards  Shepherdstown,  which  was  on  the  way  to  Sharp=!burg, 
to  which  place  I  had  been  directed  to  march,  by  orders  direct  from 
General  Lee  and  afterwards  from  General  Jackson. 

The  entire  command  was  very  much  fatigued.  The  brigades  of 
Generals  Kershaw  and  Barksdile  had  been  engaged  on  Maryland 
Heights  on  the  12th,  13th  and  14th,  and  on  the  15th  had  been 
marched  from  the  heights  to  the  line  of  battle  up  the  valley,  formed 
to  oppose  that  of  the  enemy  below  Crampton's  (rap.  Those  of  Gen- 
erals Cobb  and  Semmes  and  Mahone,  (Colonel  Parham,)  had  been  en- 
gaged and  badly  crippled  at  Crampton's  Gap,  and  all  the  others  had 
been  guarding  important  points  under  very  trying  circumstances.  A 
large  number  had  no  provisions,  and  a  great  portion  had  not  had 
time  or  opportunity  to  cook  what  they  had.  All  the  troops  had  been 
without  sleep  during  the  night  previous,  except  while  waiting  in  line 
for  the  wagon  trains  to  pass  over  the  pontoon  bridge  at  Harper's 
Ferry. 

I  had  ridden  on  to  Charlestown  to  look  after  the  sick  and  wounded 
from  Pleasant  Valley,  when  notice  was  sent  me  to  hasten  the  troops 
to  Sharpsburg.  I  returned  to  camp  and  started  the  command  at  three, 
P.  M,  ;  halted  after  dark,  (and  the  night  was  very  dark,)  within  two 
miles  of  Shepherdstown,  where,  receiving  orders  to  hasten  forward, 
again  commenced  the  march  at  twelve  o'clock  that  night,  many  of  the 
regiments  still  without  provisions.  I  may  here  state  that  the  crossing 
at  Harper's  Ferry  was  very  much  impeded  by  the  paroled  prisoners, 
passing  over  the  bridge,  whenever  there  was  an  opportunity  offered 
by  any  accident  to  the  bridire,  caut'ing.  temporary  halt  in  the  trains 
or  batteries,  which  was  of  frequent  occurrence,  and  the  streets  of 
Harper's  Ferry  town  were  crowded  with  prisoners  and  wagons,  all  of 
which  prevented  me  from  halting  even  for  a  moment  in  the  town  to 
obtain  provisions  there. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  about  sunrise,  the  head  of  my  column 
reached  the  vicinity  of  General  Lee's  headquarters,  near  Sharpsburg. 

1  rode  on  to  the  town  looking  for  General  Lee,  and  on  my  return, 
not  finding  him,  met  General  Longstreet,  who  directed  me  to  send 
General  Anderson's  division  direct  down  the  road  to  the  hill  beyond 
Sharpsburg,  where  he  would  receive  orders.  I  learned  from  him  where 
General  Lee's  camp  was  and  reported  to  General  Lee  for  orders.     He 


170 

directed  me  ta  halt  my  division  near  to  his  headquarters,  which  wa? 
done,  and  I  then  rode  back  to  hasten  up  General  Anderson,  whose  di- 
vision was  in  the  rear.  About  an  hour  after  this,  my  division  was 
ordered  to  the  front  by  an  aid-de-cainp  of  General  Lee's — Major  Tay- 
lor. In  about  one  mile,  we  came  in  rear  of  the  position,  which  was 
pointed  out  by  Mi^jor  Ratchford,  of  General  D,  H.  Hill's  staff,  as  the 
one  the  division  was  to  occupy.  I  was,  of  course,  entirely  ignorant 
of  the  ground  and  of  the  location  of  the  troops.  General  Hood, 
however,  who  was  present,  pointed  out  the  direction  for  the  advance, 
and  my  line  of  battle  was  rapidly  formed — General  Cobb's  brigade  on 
the  right,  next  General  Kershaw's,  General  Barksdale  and  General 
Semmes  on  the  left.  Just  in  front  of  the  line  was  a  large  body  of 
woods,  from  which  piirties  of  our  troops,  of  whose  command  I  do  not 
know,  were  seen  retiring,  and  the  enemy,  I  could  see,  were  advancing 
rapidly,  occupying  tlie  place.  My  advance  was  ordered  before  the  entire 
line  of  (Jeneral  Kershaw  could  be  formed.  As  the  enemy  were  fill- 
ing the  woods  so  rapidly,  I  wished  my  troops  to  cross  the  open  space 
between  us  and  the  woods  before  they  were  entirely  occupied.  It  wa? 
made  steadily  and  in  perfect  order  and  the  troops  were  immediately  en- 
gaged, driving  the  enemy  before  them  in  magnificent  style,  at  all 
points,  sweeping  the  woods  with  perfect  case,  and  inflicting  great  Iosp 
on  the  enemy.  They  were  driven  not  only  through  the  woods,  but 
over  a  field  in  front  of  the  woods,  and  over  two  high  fences  beyond 
and  into  another  body  of  woods  over  a  half  a  mile  distant  from  the 
commencement  of  the  fight. 

The  men  were  scattered  by  the  engagement  through  the  woods. 
where  the  enemy  made  their  only  stand,  and  there  being  no  immcijiate 
support,  the  several  brigades  fell  back  into  the  woods,  and  the  line, 
to  maintain  the  position,  was  formed  by  the  brigades  of  General  Ran- 
som, Walker's  division,  and  of  General  Armiatead,  General  Ander- 
son's division,  which  had  been  sent  i^  my  support,  of  General  Early. 
which  was  already  in  position,  and  th)e  brigades  of  Generals  Barks- 
dale  and  Kershaw.  Captain  Read's  battery  had  been  placed  in  posi- 
tion on  the  right  of  the  Avoods,  which  \^e  had  entered,  and  did  most 
excellent  service;  but  it  was  exposed  to  such  a  severe  fire,  General 
Kershaw  ordered  it  back,  after  losing  fourteen  officers  and  men  and 
sixteen  horses.  Another  battery,  Capt.  Carleton's,  which  I  had  ordered 
into  position  in  the  woods,  in  front  of  General  Ransom's  brigade,  was 
80  severely  cut  up  in  a  short  time  by  the  direct  and  cross  fires  of 
numerous  batteries,  that  I  ordered  it  to  retire.  The  enemy  did  not 
make  an  attempt  to  retake  the  woods  after  they  were  driven  from 
them,  as  I  have  mentioned,  but  kept  up  a  terrific  fire  of  artillery. 
There  was  an  incessant  storm  of  shot  and  shell,  grape  and  canister  ; 
but  the  loss  inflicted  by  the  artillery  was  comparatively  very  small. 
Fortunately,  the  woods  were  en  the  side  of  a  hill,  the  main  slope  of 
which  was  towards  us,  with  numerous  ledges  of  rock  all  along  it. 
Thus  it  was  our  men,  although  under  this  fire  for  hours,  suffered 
80  little  from  it. 

I  could  do  nothing  but  defend  the  position  my  division  uccupied. 
The  line  was  too  weak  to  attempt  an  advancs.     There  were  not  men 


171 

enough  to  make  a  continuous  single  line.  In  some  places,  for  a  con- 
siderable distance,  there  vrere  no  men  at  nil  ;  while  just  bejond  us. 
across  an  open  field,  about  four  or  five  hundred  yards  distant,  were 
the  lines  of  the  enemy,  apparently  double  and  treble,  supporting  nu- 
merous batteries,  which  crossed  fire  over  everyportion  rf  tlie  ground. 
Tiie  artillery  of  the  enemy  was  so  far  superior  to  ours  in  weight  of 
metal,*  character  of  gun  and  numbers,  and  in  quality  of  ammunition, 
that  there  was  but  very  little  to  be  gained  by  opposing  ours  to  it, 
and  I  therefore  did  not  renew  the  attempt   after  the  first  experiment. 

The  ground  over  which  the  Mississippi  brigade.  General  Barksdale. 
advanced,  and  to  his  right,  was  thickly  strewn  with  the  dead  and 
w^ounded  of  the  enemy,  far  eceeding  our  own,  and  their  dead  wero 
rlTfrch  more  numerous  than  their  wounded.  The  close  proximity  of 
the  combatants  to  each  other  may  account  for  the  disproportion 

General  Cobb's  brigade  going  in,  extended  itself  further  to  th^ 
right  than  I  intended,  but  the  Colonel  commanding.  Colonel  Sanders, 
twentj^-fourth  Georgia,  did  not  learn  my  orders  to  correct  the  error, 
so  it  is  reported,  and  the  engagement  commencing  immediately,  the 
brigade  went  on  to  a  position  several  hundred  yards  to  the  right  of 
the  woods  and  defended  it. 

General  Semmes  was  sent  to  the  left,  just  after  his  brigade  cnme  on 
the  ground,  by  direction  of  General  Jackson,  to  give  support  to  Gen- 
eral Stuart.  His  brigade  drove  the  enemy  through  the  woods  and  be- 
yond them  for  a  considerable  distance. 

General  Kershaw's  brigade  was  more  exposed  in  its  first  advance 
than  any  other,  as  it  had  to  move  over  a  large  open  space,  before 
reaching  the  woods,  which  there  afforded  less  protection  ;  but  the 
command  went  in  with  enthusiasm,  and  drove  the  enemy  up  to  their 
batteries  and  reserves,  and  then  retired  to  the  woods  from  which  they 
had  first  driven  the  enemy,  as  did  the  other  brigades  of  Cobb,  Semmes 
and  Barksdale,  because  of  the  weakness  of  their  own  lines,  the  want  of 
immediate  support,  the  want  of  ammunition,  and  the  fatigue  of  the 
men.  I  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  Colonel  Nance,  commanding 
the  third  South  Carolina  regiment,  of  General  Kershaw's  brigade, 
brought  his  regiment  from  the  ground  in  perfect  order,  and  formed  it 
in  the  rear,  to  be  supplied  with  ammunition,  with  the  precision  of  a 
parade.  This  perfect  control  of  his  men  is  owing  to  the  high  state 
of  discipline  and  good  drill  for   which   his   regiment  is  distinguished. 

General  Barksdale  reformed  on  the  ground  he  went  over;  General 
Semmes  was  placed  in  reserve  in  his  rear  ;  General  Cobb's  brigade  on 
the  left  of  General  Kershaw,  who  had  previously  moved  to  the  left  of 
the  line. 

The  enemy  having  abandoned  their  attempt  to  advance,  I  had  an 
opportunity  to  examine  the  relative  positions  of  our  troops  and  those 
of  the  enemy,  and  soon  became  convinced  that  we  had  nothing  to 
gain  by  an  advance  of  our  troops.  The  strong  position  of  the  en- 
euty  was  along  the  Antietam,  the  right  bank  of  which  (the  side  to- 
wards our  army)  was  swept  by  numerous  batteries  of  artillery,  posted 
along  the  left  banks,  which  commanded  the  right.  Their  position 
along  the  left  bank  was  a  very  strong  one,  having  ^the  Antietam  in 


172 


their  front  and  Maryland  Heights  in  their  rear.  For  us  to  force  them 
back  on  the  Antietam  was  to  force  them  to  concentration  in  their  re- 
serves, of  which  we  had  none,  to  weaken  our  lines  and  scatter  our 
troops,  so  that  in  the  event  of  a  reverse,  no  rally  of  any  considerable 
body  could  be  made,  and  the  final  result  would  not  probably  have 
been  such  as  to  have  entitled  us  to  claim  as  we  now  can,  the  battle  of 
Sharpsburg  as  one  of  the  greatest  successes,  if  not  the  greates't  suc- 
cess of  the  war,  when  the  enormous  disparity  between  our  forces  and 
those  of  the  Yankees  are  considered. 

Brigadier  Generals  Kershaw,  Semmes  and  Barksdale  deserve  high 
praise  for  their  heroic  conduct  in  the  fight,  and  for  the  skillful  man- 
ner their  brigades  were  handled. 

Colonel  Sanders,  of  twenty-fourth  Georgia,  who  commanded  CoWs 
brigade  during  the  first  part  of  the  engagement,  carried  it  forward  in 
good  order,  and  the  brigade  maintained  its  position  and  drove  the  en- 
emy for  some  distance,  retiring,  after  losing  forty-three  per  cent  of 
its  strentb.  Lieutenant  Colonel  McRao,  of  the  fifteenth  North  Caro- 
lioa  regiment,  commanded  the  brigade  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
fight. 

The  losses  in  the  different  brigades,  including  the  different  batte- 
ries, were  as  follows  : 


Carbied 

into  action. 

KlLLKB     AND 

WOUNDED. 

<V 

o 

COiMMANDS. 

o 

o     . 

^  B 

1 

General 
avkuage. 

Bfit^adicT  General  Kershaw,,.. 
Britjadier  General  Semmes, . . . 
Brigiidior  General   Barksdale, 

Brigadier  General  Cobb, < 

112 

63 
89 
not 
known 

824 
646 
802 

357 

44 

27 
32 

11 

305 
281 
258 

135 

6 
6 
4 

10 

88 
44 
33 

43 

C   39-5 

Total 

264 

2,629 

114 

979 

26 

which,  taken  in  concction  with  the  small  number  of  missing,  shows 
how  dearly,  yet  how  gloriously,  this  success  was  obtained. 

It  is  with  sincere  regret,  that  I  have  to  state  my  Adjutant  General, 
Major  T.  S.  Mcintosh,  was  killed  dead,  shot  through  the  heart,  while 
carrying  out  one  of  my  orders.  The  country  has  lost  in  him  as  brave 
and  gallant  an  officer  and  gentleman  as  any  that  survives  him. 

My  Inspector  General,  Major  Goggin,  was  with  me  during  the  day, 
carrying  orders  and  superintending  their  execution,  in  the  perform- 
ance of  which  duties  he  exhibited  great  daring,  and  cool,  sound  judg- 
ment. 

To  Captain  King  and  Lieutenant  Tucker,  aids-de-camp  and  Captain 
Costin,  signal  officer;  Lieutenant  Campbell,  of  the  engineers,  and 
Lieutenant  Edwards,  ordnance  officer,  I  am  indebted  for  their  Xeal 
and  activity.  Their  gallantry  was  conspicuous  in  the  performance  of 
their  duties. 

Colonel  Henry  Coulter  Cabell,  chief  of  artillery,  who  had  been  ab- 


173 

sent  sick,  joined  me  on  the  field,  and  remained  during  the  rest  of  the 
engagement. 

I  enclose  reports  of  brigade  commanders,  and  call  attention  to  their 
notices  of  individual  merit. 

Very  respectfully, 

L.  McLAWS, 

Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  EARLY,  COMMAND- 
lN(i  DIVISION,  OF  OPERATIONS  FROM  AUGUST  IGth  TO 
SEPTEMBER  27th,  1862. 

Headquarters  Ewell's  Division, 


IS  EwELL  s  Division,  ) 
January  12,  \'^(ii.       5 


Captain  A.  S.  Pendleton, 

A.  A.  Gincral,  Stxond  Corps: 

Cai'Tain  :  In  accordance  with  instructions  from  the  headquarters 
of  the  corps,  I  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  thig 
division  since  the  movement  from  the  neighborhood  of  (lordonsville, 
northward,  in  the  month  of  August  last,  until  it  reached  Bunker 
Hill,  in  September: 

This  report,  however,  is  necessarily  defective  in  regard  to  all  the 
other  brigades  of  the  division  except  my  own,  as  there  Avere  other 
tlivision  commanders  until  after  the  commencement  of  the  battle  of 
Sharpsburg,  on  the  17th  of  September,  Major  General  Ewell  having 
commanded  until  the  night  of  the  28th  of  August,  when  he  was 
wounded  in  the  action  near  Groveton,  and  Brigadier  General  Lawton 
havin<r  command  from  that  time  until  he  was  wounded  at  the  battle 
of  Sharpsburg.  It  is  impossible  to  supply  the  necessary  information 
in  regard  to  the  particular  parts  taken  by  Lawton's  and  Trimble's 
brigades  in  the  several  actions  commencing  with  the  aff'airs  of  Hazel 
river,  on  the  22d,  and  Bri.stoe  and  Manassas  Junction,  on  the  27th 
of  August,  and  ending  with  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg,  except  as  to 
the  part  taken  by  Trimble's  brigade  at  Sharpsburg,  as  General  Law- 
ton,  who  commanded  his  brigade  until  the  29th  of  August,  is  absent 
in  Georgia,  wounded,  and  Colonel  Douglas,  who  commanded  the  brig- 
ade from  the  2.Jth  of  August  to  the  17th  of  September,  was  killeil  at 
Sliarp^l)urg  on  that  day,  and  General  Trimble,  who  commanded  his 
brigade  until  the  2L)th  August,  is  absent,  wounded,  and  Oajitaia 
Brown,  of  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment,  who  succeeded  him  in  the 
command,  was  killed  at  Ox  Hill,  near  (^hantilly,  on  the  1st  ot  Sep- 
tembei-.  There  is  the  same  difficulty  in  regard  to  Hays'  brigade  as 
to  the  part  taken  by  it  on  the  30th  cf  August,  at  Mauassas,  and  at 
Ox  Ilill,  on  the  1st  ot  September,  as  Ooloiud  Strong,  who  coiain...udcd 
on  these  occasiont,  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg. 

This  report,  therefore,  will  not  contain  particular  di-taiU  of  the 
operations  of  any  brigade  but  my  own,  in  most  of  the  actions  in 
which  the  divi^^ion  was  engaged  during  the  time  covered  by  it. 

March  fisom  vicinity  of  Gordonsville  to  the  Rappahannock. 

On  the  IGth  of  August,  the  division  moved  from  Liberty  Mills,  in 
Orange  county,  to  Mountain  Run,  in  the  same  county,  nea  larke's 
Mountain,  below  llapidan  Station,  where  it  remained  until  th^  2i)th, 
when  it  crossed  the  llapidan  at  Cunningham's  ford  and   bivouacked 


175 

near  Stevensburg,  in  Culpepe^  On  the  next  day  it  moved  past 
Brandy  Station  and  bivouacked  near  St.  James'  church,  on  tho  road 
towards  a  ford  on  the  Rappahannock,  above  the  railroad  station  and 
below  the  mouth  of  Hazel  river. 

The  next  day  it  moved  in  the  direction  of  that  ford,  and,  on  arriv- 
ing there,  the  enemy  being  in  position  on  the  opposite  bank  to  dis- 
pute the  passage,  the  division  was  moved  to  the  left,  Lawton'a  brig- 
gade  leading,  crossing  Hazel  river  at  a  mill  and  then  moving  in  the 
direction  of  a  ford  on  the  Rappahannock,  above  the  mouth  of  Hazel 
river,  where  the  enemy  was  also  found  in  force,  and  the  division  was 
then  again  moved  to  the  left  in  the  direction  of  the  ford  at  Warren- 
ton  Springs,  by  a  route  through  fields  and  woods,  so  as  not  to  be  ex- 
posed to  view.  At  the  two  fords  above  mentioned,  and  in  moving 
therefrom,  the  division  was  exposed  to  shells  fired  from  the  enemy's 
batteries,  and  sustained  slight  loss. 

In  moving  to  the  left  across  Hazel  river.  General  Trimble,  with  his 
brigade,  was  left  behind  to  observe  the  enemy,  and  had  a  fight  with  a 
body  of  the  enemy  which  had  crossed  from  the  north  bank  of  the  Rap- 
pahannock and  was  threatening  the  trains,  and  succeeded  in  driving 
it  back  across  the  river  ;  but  I  am  unable  to  give  the  particulars  of 
this  affair. 

Crossing  of  the  Rappahannock  and  Affair  at  Warrenton  Springs, 

August  23d. 

The  remainder  of  the  division  proceeded  to  the  vicinity  of  the  War- 
renton Springs,  on  the  southern  bank,  and  late  in  the  afternoon,  tho 
thirteenth  Georgia  regiment,  of  Lawton's  brigade,  under  Colonel 
Douglas,  was  crossed  at  the  Springs,  capturing  a  few  cavalrymen  on 
picket  at  that  place.  Brown's  and  Dement's  batteries,  of  four  guns 
each,  were  also  crossed  over  at  this  point.  My  own  brigade,  under 
the  superintondance  of  General  Ewell,  who  was  acting  under  General 
Jackson's  orders,  was  crossed  over  about  a  mile  below  the  Springs,  on 
an  old  dilapidated  dam,  formerly  built  for  purposes  of  navigation, 
and  Hays'  brigade,  under  Colonel  Forno,  was  ordered  to  follow  ;  but 
as  my  origade  did  not  succeed  in  crossing  until  it  was  nearl'j^  dark, 
and  the  crossing  was  exceedinly  difficult,  Hays'  brigade  was  left  on 
the  Houth  bank  for  the  night. 

Mv  orders  were  to  occupy  a  wood  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river, 
immediately  in  front  of  the  place  at  which  I  crossed,  and  to  estab- 
lish couimunications  with  General  Lawton,  the  whole  of  whose  brig- 
ade, I  was  informed,  would  cross  over  at  the  Springs.  Before  I  was 
ordered  to  cross  over,  there  had  been  quite  a  heavy  shower  of  rain, 
which  had  somewhat  swollen  tho  river,  and  it  was  raining  when  I 
crossed.  I  moved  the  brigade  into  the  woods  indicated.  General 
Ewell  having  recrossed  after  seeing  the  whole  of  my  brigade  over. 
In  extending  the  left  into  the  woods  on  a  line  parallel  with  the  river, 
a  road  was  found  running  from  the  Springs  through  this  body  of 
woods,  towards  the  fords  and  Rappahannock  Station  below.  My  left 
was  posted  near  this  road,  the  right  extending  to  an  old  field  just  be- 


low  where  I  had  crossed.  Pickets  were  put  out  in  front  and  on  the 
flanks,  and  Major  A.  L.  Pitzer,  my  volunteer  aid,  was  despatched  to 
find  his  way  to  the  Springs  and  communicate  with  General  Lawton. 
It  had  become  exceedingly  dark  by  this  time,  and  Major  Pitzer,  in 
endeavoring  to  get  to  the  Springs,  rode  upon  a  party  of  six  of  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  who  had  passed  up  the  road  a  few  moments  before 
we  had  reached  it. 

He  was  made  a  prisoner  by  this  party,  who  were  endeavoring  to 
make  their  way  to  the  Springs,  but,  finding  some  difficulty  in  the 
way,  had  halted.  After  he  had  been  compelled  to  surrender  his  arms, 
the  party  started  with  him  back  on  the  road  they  had  come,  and  the 
Major,  with  great  presence  of  mind,  informed  them  that  they  were 
all  his  prisoners  ;  that  if  they  attempted  to  pass  out  in  any  direction 
they  would  be  fired  upon  by  some  of  our  pickets,  as  they  were  com- 
pletely surrounded ;  but,  if  they  submitted  to  his  direction,  he  would 
take  them  in  safe,  which  they  concluded  to  do,  and  the  Major  did 
actually  bring  them  in  as  prisoners  after  they  had  captured  him. 
After  this  attempt,  I  did  not  deem  it  prudent  to  make  another  effort 
to  establish  communication  with  the  Springs  that  night,  as  it  was 
very  dark  and  threatening  rain,  and  there  was  no  one  in  the  command 
who  had  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  localities  to  find  the  way. 

During  the  night  there  was  a  very  heavy  rain,  and  in  the  morning 
I  found  that  the  river  had  become  very  much  swollen  and  was  so  high 
as  to  defy  all  attempts  at  crossing,  and  a  messenger  sent  to  the 
Spri.igs  returned  with  the  information  that  only  the  thirteenth  Georgia 
regiment,  of  Lawton's  brigade,  had  crossed  over  the  night  before. 
As  soon  as  I  ascertained  the  condition  of  things,  I  despatched  a  note 
for  General  Ewell  or  General  Jackson,  v/hichever  should  be  first  met 
with,  informing  them  of  my  condition  and  that,  if  the  enemy  should 
come  upon  me  with  heavy  force,  my  whole  command  must  be  cap- 
tured, and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  my  attempting  to  extricate  my 
force,  with  that  at  the  Springs,  by  moving  up  the  river  towards 
Waterloo  bridge  ;  this  was  sent  by  a  messenger,  with  direction  to 
Bwim  the  river  with  it,  if  possible.  Before  this  note  could  be  deliv- 
ered, I  received  a  verbal  message  from  General  Jackson,  which  had 
been  delivered  across  the  river  at  the  Springs  aud  was  brought  to  me 
by  a  sergeant  of  one  of  the  batteries  at  that  place,  diiecting  me  to 
move  up  towards  the  Springs  and  take  command  of  all  the  force  there, 
and  post  my  command,  with  the  left  flank  resting  on  the  river  and 
the  right  on  a  creek,  to  the  north  of  the  Springs,  which  emptied  into 
the  river  below  and  was  past  fording  also,  there  being  no  enemy  in 
the  fork,  and  stating  that  he  was  having  the  bridge  repaired  across 
the  river,  which  would  f-oon  be  in  a  condition  for  infantry  to  pass 
over.  ]n  a  short  time  afterwards,  1  received  a  note  from  General 
Jackson,  in  response  to  mine,  containing  similar  instructions  and  di- 
recting me,  in  addition,  to  move  up  towards  Waterloo  bridge  if  the 
enemy  appeared  in  too  heavy  force,  keeping  close  to  the  river,vaQd 
infoiming  me  that  he  would  follow  along  the  opposite  bank,  with  his 
whole  force,  to  cover  my  movement.  1  accordingly  moved  up  towards 
the  Springs,  posting  Colonel  Walker,  with  his  regiments,  the  thir- 


177 

teenth  Virginia  and  the  thirty-first  Virc^inia,  on  the  roaJ,  so  as  to 
protect  my  rear.  On  getting  near  the  Springs,  I  found  that  Colonel 
Douglas  had  moved  his  regiment  and  the  artillery  to  a  hill  just  below 
the  Springs,  which  runs  across  from  the  river  to  the  creek  mentioned, 
and  along  this  I  posted  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment,  the  twenty- 
fifth,  forty-fourth,  forty  hinth,  fifty- second  and  fifty- eighth  Virgin!* 
regiments,  with  the  thirteenth  G>3orgia  on  the  left,  all  being  so  dis- 
posed as  to  present  a  front  to  the  northwest,  the  rear  being  guarded 
by  Colonel  Walker  with  the  thirteenth  and  thirty-first  Virginia  regi- 
ments, and  the  right  flank,  which  was  the  only  one  exposed,  being 
secure  for  a  short  time  on  account  of  the  condition  of  the  creek, 
which  is  called  Great  Run.  Compmies  were  thrown  out  on  this  flink 
to  prevent  any  attempt  to  cross  the  creek,  and  a  bridge,  which  was 
partially  flooded,  was  destroyed.  A  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  was 
discovered  early  in  the  morning  by  Colonel  Douglas  on  th3  north  of 
the  creek,  and  they  were  hovering  around  ray  right  flank  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  creek  all  the  morning  Daring  the  morning 
General  Jackson  !?ent  over  an  officer  to  pilot,  one  of  my  staff  oflicers 
over  the  route  to  Waterloo  bridge,  which  it  might  bo  neoess:iry  to 
pass  over  in  case  of  emergency,  and  ray  adjutant  general,  Major 
lliile,  was  sent  with  him  to  ascertain  the  route. 

In  the  meantime,  the  creek  begin  to  fall  rapidly,  and  in  the  after- 
noon it  was  in  a  condition  to  be  crossed. 

It  also  began  to  be  evident  that  the  enemy  was  moving  up  from 
below  in  heavy  force,  and  that  my  command  was  in  a  critical  condi- 
tion. It  was  entirely  concealed  from  the  enemy's  view  by  being 
posted  in  the  Avoods,  and  this  fact  no  doubt  saved  it,  for  it  was  evident 
the  enemy  was  aware  of  the  f.ict  that  a  force  was  across  the  river, 
and,  from  the  caution  with  which  he  moved,  he  thought  it  was  much 
larger  than  it  really  was. 

jyiite  in  the  afternoon  a  heavy  column  of  infantry,  with  artillery, 
made  its  appearance  opposite  to  my  right  fl  ink,  and  I  then  changed 
my  front  so  as  to  present  it  towards  the  enemy,  without,  however, 
his  being  aware  of  it,  as  my  whole  movement  was  concealed  from  his 
view  by  the  woods.  The  artillery  was  also  so  posted  as  not  to  be 
observed  by  him.  About  this  time  Colonel  Robertson,  with  two  or 
three  regiments  of  cavalry  and  tAvo  pieces  of  artillery,  came  from  the 
direction  of  Warrenton,  and,  after  consulting  with  me,  posted  two 
pieces  of  artillery  on  the  hill  to  the  north  of  the  Springs,  which  com- 
manded a  view  of  the  enemy,  and  opened  fire  upon  him.  This  waa 
responded  to  by  a  tattery  of  the  enemy's  in  a  few  moments,  and  I 
sent  two  I'arrott  guns  from  Brown's  battery  to  the  assistance  of  Ro- 
bertson's pieces,  which  were  of  short  range,  and  a  brisk  cannonading 
was  kept  up  until  near  sundown,  with  no  damage,  however,  to  '^y 
infantry  or  artillery,  the  oiuy  persons  killed  or  k^'T"^  -'"vionging  to 
*i  1  u-   I   u  1.     I  .      ..«fe  61  the    am    cry    (1,-^ 

the  cavalry,  which  happenea.W«Hhe  cessation  of  the  artillcrv  fira    ' 
and  in  rear  of  our^y^  was  observed  to   advance,   it   bein.r  then    np',^ 


column  of.  ■mist  rcti.lering  ol.jects  quite  in.ljst.nct      fnf,n,r„ 
^osoon^ruovngoff  to.helcf,,,.ud  L  a  few   mom'nls  the'^u™^ 


178 

delivered  a  volley  into  the  -woods,  where  my  infantry  was  posted,  and 
then  gave  three  cheers,  followed  by  a  tiger,*  in  regular  style.  I  had 
two  of  Captain  Dement's  Napoleon  guns  run  to  the  left  of  ray  line, 
and  infantry,  to  a  point  from  which  they  could  fire  upon  the  eneray, 
and  caused  them  to  opca  with  canister.  This  fire  was  so  well  directed, 
ilthough  objects  could  not  be  distinguished,  that  the  enemy  was 
thrown  into  confusion  and  driven  back,  as  was  manifest  from  the 
cries  and  groans  of  his  men,  which  were  plainly  heard  by  ours. 
There  was  no  further  attack  on  me;  but  it  was  evident,  from  the 
noises  heard  and  the  reports  of  one  or  two  persons  who  had  seen 
columns  of  the  enemy  passing  from  below,  that  a  heavy  force  was 
near  at  hand,  and  that  preparations  were  being  made  to  surround  my 
force,  and  ]  sent  a  messenger  to  General  Jackson  with  information  as 
to  the  state  of  things,  and  by  his  directions  the  remainder  of  Gene- 
ral Lawtoif's  brigade  was  crossed  over  on  the  temporary  bridge  which 
had  been  constructed — the  sixtieth  regiment,  under  Major  Berry, 
iaving  been  crossed  over  just  before  night. 

General  I  awton  got  over  about  one  o'clock  and  informed  me  that 
he  had  seen  written  instructions  to  General  Ewell,  directing  him  to 
cross  over  himself  at  daylight,  and  if  it  was  evident  the  enemy  was 
in  heavy  force,  to  recross  the  troops,  as  it  was  not  desired  to  have 
A  general  engagement  at  that  place.  I  immediately  despatched  a 
messenger  to  Geneial  Ewell  to. inform  him  that  there  was  no  doubt  of 
the  enemy's  being  in  heavy  force,  and  if  I  was  to  be  recrossed  it  had 
better  be  done  at  once  without  waiting  for  daylight,  as  the  enemy,  by 
moving  to  the  left,  could  place  artillery  so  as  to  command  the  bridge 
and  ford  at  the  Springs,  and  from  the  sounds  of  carriages  moving  in 
that  direction,  I  was  satisfied  such  was  his  purpose  and  that  it  would 
bo  accomplished  before  I  could  recross,  if  it  was  postponed  until  day- 
light. In  response  to  this,  General  Ewell  came  over  a  little  before 
three  o'clock,  and,  after  consultation  with  me,  gave  the  order  for  re- 
crossing,  which  was  accomplished,  Lawton's  brigade  going  first  and 
carrying  over  the  artillery  by  hand,  an<l  then  my  brigade  following, 
the  whole  being  completed  very  shortly  after  daylight.  My  command 
was  thus  rescued  from  almost  certain  capture,  as  it  has  since  appeared 
from  General  Pope's  report  that  he  had  brought  up  his  whole  force  to 
attack  what  he  supposed  to  be  General  Jackson's  whole  force.  1  lost 
EO  men  killed  or  wounded,  though  a  severe  punishment  must  have 
been  inflicted  on  the  enemy  by  the  canister  from  our  artillery. 

Our  situation  was  felt  by  every  officer  and  man  to  be  of  the  moat 
critical  nature,  and  I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  dej.iort- 
laent  of  the  whole  command.  The  men  had  had  nothing  to  eat  since 
the  day  they  had  crossed  over,  and  for  two  nights  and  a  day  they  lay 
-'con  their  arms,  yet  they  did  not  murmur,  but  exhibited  the  utmost 
resoluiiu*-  -'\^uUe  the  enemy  at  all  hazards  should  he  come.  When 
the  enemy  hrca  bis  >'^'-^    •    r     ,  ,      ,  ,  j 

they  did  not  throw  away  ammun'i^foS',ood9  where  the  men  were  posted 
Jntil  the  enemy  should  get  to  close  quarters,  liiv  rcserve^^  tl)^e^ir  fire 

^'This'coTmendation  is  equally  due  to  Colonel  Douglas  anThit '.  '^ 


179 

cers  and  men,  and  tbe  officers  and  mei^of  tTie  two  batteries  mentioned, 
«s  to  my  own  brigade.  After  recrossing,  my  brigade,  as  well  as  that 
of  General  Lawton,  was  moved  back  to  the  vicinity  of  JeEFersontoa 
(o  rest  and  cook  rations. 

MoVCr.'EXT    UPON    THE    EnEMf's    LiNE  OF  CoMMUXICATION  TO  THE  REAR, 

AND  Affairs  at  Bristoe  Station    and  Manassas  Junction. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  the  division  moved,  under  orders 
from  General  Jackson,  to  Hinson's  mill,  above  Waterloo  bridge, 
where  it  crossed  the  Rappahannock,  and  then  proceeded  by  Orlean 
and  camped  at  night  near  Salem,  in  Fauquier  county.  Very  early 
next  morning  it  marched  by  Salem  and  through  Thoroughfare  Gap, 
in  the  direction  of  Gainesville,  at  which  latter  place  it  took  the  road 
to  Bristoe  Station,  on  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad.  The  di- 
vision which  on  this  day,  as  well  as  on  the  day  before,  was  in  the 
advance,  moved  as  follows:  First,  Hays'  brigade,  under  Colonel 
Forno;  second,  Trimble's  brigade  ;  third,  Lawton's  brigade;  fourth,, 
my  own  brigade. 

Hays'  brigade  reached  the  station  a  short  time  before  sunset,  justaa 
!=overal  trains  were  approaching  from  the  direction  of  Warrenton 
Junction.  There  being  no  force  at  this  place  except  a  small  detach- 
ment of  cavalry,  which  was  soon  dispersed.  Colonel  Forno  succeeded 
in  arresting  and  capturing  two  trains  of  empty  cars,  the  first  which 
approached  making  good  its  escape  by  forcing  its  way  over  the  ob- 
structions placed  on  the  road  towards  Manassas  Junction.  General 
Trimble,  as  soon  as  he  arrived,  was  detached  with  two  regiments  of 
his  brigade  to  Manassas  Junction,  and  the  other  brigades  a*  they  ar- 
rived, and  Hays'  brigade,  were  placed  in  position  by  Major  General 
Ewell,  so  as  to  prevent  surprise  and  any  approach  on  the  railroad.  As 
soon  as  it  was  light  next  morning,  the  three  brigades  of  the  division 
left  at  Bristoe  were  placed  in  po!«ition  as  follows  :  Lawton's  brigade 
was  posted  on  the  left  of  the  railroad.  Hays'  brigade  on  the  right  of 
it,  and  my  own  brigade  to  the  right  of  Hays'  in  a  pine  wood,  our 
line  of  battle  being  fronted  towards  Warrenton  Junction  and  occu- 
pying a  ridge  a  short  distance  from  Bristoe  in  the  direction  of  that 
junction.  Colonel  Forno,  with  four  regiments  of  Hiiys"  brigade  and 
one  oi  Lawton's,  and  one  piece  of  artillery  froin.  D'Aquiu's  battery,, 
was  then  ordered  to  the  front  to  reconnoitre  and  destroy  the  bridge 
over  Kettle  run  and  tear  up  the  track  of  the  railroad.  He  found  the 
enemy  had  brought  up  on  a  train  of  cars  a  body  of  infantry  sufficient 
to  fill  nine  cars  ;  but,  having  doubtless  discovered  our  force  to  be 
l.'irger  than  was  thought,  was  re-erabarking  it.  A  few  shots  from  the 
piece  of  artillery  were  fired  at  the  train  and  it  made  its  wa}?  back 
again  after  receiving  some  damage.  The  sixth  Louisiana,  under  Col. 
Strong,  was  left  on  picket  two  miles  in  front  on  the  railroiid,  and 
the  eighth  Louisiana  was  put  to  work  /'^stroying  the  railroad  bridge 
and  tearing  up  the  track,  and  Colonel  Forno  returned  with  the  rest 
of  the  force.  In  the  meantime,  the  fifteenth  Alabama,  of  Trimble's 
brigade/ and  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment,  cf  my  own  brigade,  were 


180 

Bcnt  to  join  General  Trimble  at  Manassas  Junction,  an  order  Laving 
been  received  lor  the  transfer  of  the  latter  regiment.  Under  orders 
from  General  Ewell,  later  in  the  day,  the  forty-ninth  Virginia,  of  my 
brigade,  was  moved  to  the  riglit,  on  a  road  leading  to  Greenwich 
across  a  ridge  that  was  to  the  right  of  our  position.  Brown's  battery, 
from  the  artillery  battalion,  was  posted  on  a  hill  in  rear  of  the  posi- 
tion of  my  brigade,  and  several  pieces  from  two  other  batteries  were 
posted  further  to  the  rij>ht  on  a  ridge  over  which  the  road  from 
Gainesville  runs,  supported  by  two  regiments  from  Lawton's  brig- 
ade, the  whole  being  so  po?tcd  as  to  command  the  open  ground  in 
front  of  the  right  of  our  position.  A  regiment  from  Lawton's  brig- 
ade, (the  sixtieth  Georgia,)  with  one  piece  of  artillery,  was  advanced 
on  the  left  of  the  railroad  so  as  to  f-upport  Colonel  Forno's  two  regi- 
menis  that  were  in  front,  and  Johnson's  battery,  of  my  brigade,  was 
posted  on  the  ridge  between  the  position  of  llays'  brigade  and  my 
own  and  the  rest  of  the  batteries  Avere  posted  on  the  left  of  the  sta- 
tion. In  the  afternoon,  indications  wfre  seen  of  the  approach  of 
heavy  columns  of  the  enemy  from  the  direction  of  Warrenton  Junc- 
tion, and  all  the  baggage  wagons  were  ordered  to  move  towar(]s  Ma- 
nassas Junction.  In  a  phort  time  the  enemy  was  seen  approaching 
on  the  right  of  the  railroad  and  in  front  of  Hays'  brigade,  the  sixth 
and  eighth  Louisiana  regiments  falling  back  and  taking  position  in  a 
wood  three  hundred  or  four  hundred  yards  in  front  ot  tlie  brigade. 
The  enemy's  force  consisted  of  heavy  columns  of  infantry,  with 
artillery. 

As  8t)on  as  the  enemy  came  in  range,  our  artillery,  from  its  several 
positions,  opened  on  him,  as  did  the  sixth  and  eighth  Louisiana  and 
sixtieth  Georgia  regiments.  By  this  combined  fire,  t^vo  cidumns  of 
the  enemy,  of  not  less  than  a  brigade  each,  were  driven  back,  and 
the  fifth  Louisiana  regiment  was  sent  forward  to  reinforce  the  sixth 
and  <Mghth.  Fresh  columns  of  the  enemy  were,  however,  seen  ad- 
vancing, and  it  became  apparent  that  his  force  was  much  larger  than 
ours,  and  the  nature  of  tlie  ground  was  such  that  by  a  raovetnent  to 
our  right,  which  he  was  evidently  making,  he  could  obtain  a  position 
which  commanded  the  rear  of  our  line  and  the  crossing  of  Broad 
Run.  General  Ewell  then  inform^'d  me  that  he  had  received  orders 
from  General  Jackson  to  retire  towards  Manassas  Junction  if  the  en- 
emy CHiue  in  large  force  ;  and  he  gave  the  orders  for  the  withdrawal 
of  our  force  across  Broad  Run,  At  this  time  the  liOuisiana  regi- 
ments were  actively  engaged,  and  a  largo  body  of  the  enemy  was 
moving  up,  and  the  experiment  had  to  be  tried  whether  our  troops 
could  be  withdrawn  in  good  order.  General  Ewell  directed  me  to 
cover  the  retiring  of  the  troops  with  ray  brigade. 

Lawton's  brigade  was  first  withdrawn  across  the  ford  at  the  rail- 
road bridge,  and  then  Hays'  brigade  followed,  the  regiments  engaged 
in  front  having  fallen  back  in  good  order.  My  own  brigatle  was 
■withdrawn  from  the  pine  woods  in  which  it  was,  and  formed  in  suc- 
cessive lines  of  battle  so  as  to  cover  the  ford  at  the  bridge.  All  of 
the  artillery  was  successfully  crossed  over,  a  part  having  crossed  at 


181 

r 

Millforil,  several  hundred  yards  above  the  bridge,  at  which  also  the 
forty-ninth  Virginia  regiment  crossed. 

In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  advanced  in  line  of  battle  on  both 
sides  of  the  railroad,  preceded  by  skirmishers,  and  keeping  up  a  con- 
stant artillery  fire.  L^iwton's  brigile  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  on 
the  north  bank  of  Broad  Run,  and  some  batteries  were  placed  in  po- 
sition, and  Hays'  brigade  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Manassas.  After 
all  the  other  brigades  and  the  artillery  had  crossed,  my  own  brigade 
was  crossed  over  by  regiments  successively,  the  thirtucnth  Virginia, 
under  Colonel  Walker,  being  retained  until  the  last,  and  skirmishers 
pent  out  from  it  to  keep  the  enemy's  skirmishers  in  check.  I  then 
crossed  over  the  thirteenth  regiment,  and  moved  back  about 
three  fourths  of  a  mil?  from  the  run,  and  formed  my  brigade  in  line 
of  battle  on  a  high  hill  on  the  road  towards  Manassas,  and  in  full 
view  of  the  enemy,  who  had  halted  on  the  ridges  near  Bristoe  Sta- 
tion. In  a  short  time  afterwards.  General  Ewell,  with  Lawton's  brig- 
ade, moved  back  through  my  line,  which  ran  across  the  road,  and 
directed  me  to  remain  in  my  position  until  orders  should  be  sent  back 
to  me,  directing  me  at  the  same  time  to  move  one  or  two  regiments 
by  flauk,  with  colors  elevated,  so  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  the 
arrival  of  reinforcements.  This  was  done,  and  the  enemy  did  not 
jidvance  further. 

Shortly  after  dusk,  under  orders  from  General  Ewell,  I  moved  to 
Manassas  J  uncticn. 

Our  los'^  was  comparatively  slight  in  this  affair,  and  the  men  be- 
haved admirably,  withdrawing  from  under  fire  and  moving  back  in 
excellent  order.  General  Trimble  having  been  detached  from  the  divis- 
ion the  night  previous,  his  movements  were  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  General  Jackson,  and  I  am  unable  to  furnish  any  account 
of  them. 

The  Three  Days'  Fighting  near  Manassas. 

As  soon  as  the  troops  of  the  division  were  supplied  with  provis- 
ions at  Manassas,  of  which  they  stood  in  great  need,  they  wero 
moved  in  the  direction  of  Centreville,-  towards  Bull  Run.  and  the 
several  brigades  bivouacked  separately  between  Manassas  and  Ball  Run. 

At  dawn  next  morning,  my  brigade,  by  direction  of  General  E^vell, 
moved  to  the  bridge  at  Blackburn's  ford,  where  it  crossed  and  nro- 
ceedcd  np  to  stone  bridge  th:ough  the  fields  on  the  north  side  of  Bull 
Run,  folh>wed  by  Trimble's  brigade.  Again  crossing  there,  and  pro- 
ceeding along  the  Warrenton  turnpike  for  a  short  distance,  and  then 
turning  to  the  right  through  the  fields  near  the  old  drier  house, 
and  Matthew's  house,  close  to  which  the  first  battle  of  Mina-'sid  be- 
gan, my  brigade  was  marched  across  the  road  running  from  tiie  stono 
house,  on  the  turnpjke,  to  Sudley  church,  and  formed  in  line  in  the 
woods  north  of  the  road.  The  other  brigades  were  halted  in  the 
woods,  north  of  that  road,  Lawton's  and  II  tys'  brigades  having  missed 
their  way  and  gone  in  the  direction  of  Centreville,  but  having  turaed. 
back  on  the  Warrenton  turnpike  and  come  up  with  the  others. 


182 

After  remaining  in  this  position  for  ?ome  time,  the  division  -vras  or- 
dered to  move,  under  cover  of  the  woods,  in  the  direction  of  Gaines- 
ville, follovring  Jackson's  division,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General 
Taliaferro.  Mj  own  brigade  was  the  leading  one  of  the  division  in 
this  movement,  and  followed  Jackson's  division,  moving  through  the 
woods  until  we  reached  the  track  graded  for  a  railroad,  and  thence 
along  that  to  the  point  where  it  leaves  the  woods  not  far  from  Grove- 
ton.  We  here  turned  to  the  right,  and  were  formed  in  line  on  the 
edge  of  a  piece  of  woods,  with  the  left  resting  on  the  railroad  track, 
and  the  right  a  short  distance  in  rear  of  Starke's  brigade,  of  Jack- 
son's division.  Hays'  brigade  was  formed  just  behind  my  own,  and 
Lawton's  and  Trimble's  brigades  were  moved  further  to  the  right  by. 
General  Ewell,  who  accompanied  them,  and  directed  me  to  take  com- 
mand of  my  own  and  Hays'  brigade. 

I  saw  no  more  of  General  Ewell  subsequent  to  this,  until  after 
night,  when  I  saw  him  wounded.  I  am  unable  to  give  the  particu- 
lars of  the  operation  of  Lawton's  and  Trimble's  brigades;  but  I  am 
informed  that  they  were  placed  in  line  by  General  Ewell,  on  the  right 
of  Staike's  brigade,  and  when  the  advance  was  made  on  the  enemy  as 
he  moved  down  the  turnpike  late  in  the  afternoon,  these  two  brigades 
were  ordered  forward  by  General  Ewell,  and  participated  in  the  at- 
tack on  the  enemy,  constituting  the  left  of  our  line  of  attack,  and 
crossing  the  railroad  and  advancing  to  close  quarters  with  the  enemy. 

These  two  brigades  suffered  very  severely,  Lawton's  loss  being 
quite  heavy.  General  Ewell  himself  received  a  very  serious  wound 
in  the  knee  while  leading  one  of  the  regiments,  near  the  close  of  the 
fight.  Just  before^dark,  I  received  an  order  from  General  Jackson, 
through  one  of  his  staff  officers,  to  advance  to  the  front  and  immedi- 
ately put  my  brigade  in  motion,  followed  by  Hay's  brigade  ;  and 
while  advancing,  I  received  another  order -to  send  two  regiments  to 
the  right  to  General  Jackson,  and  detached  the  forty-fourth  Vir- 
ginia, under  Colonel  Wm.  Smith  for  that  purpose.  On  arriving  at 
the  railroad  cut,  I  found  it  so  deep  that  I  could  not  pass  over  it,  and 
I  moved  by  the  right  flank  until  1  reached  a  ravine  with  high  em- 
banktof  nts  on  both  sides  and  an  interval  between,  through  which  I 
moved  by  flank,  forming  by  file  into  line  in  front  of  it. 

This  movement  brought  me  near  the  left  of  the  position  to  which 
Trimble's  brigade  had  advanced,  and  during  it  the  brigade  was  ex- 
posed to  a  galling  fire  of  shells  and  canister.  By  the  time  I  had  suc- 
ceeded in  forming  my  line  in  front  of  the  railroad,  the  enemy  was 
retiring,  and  it  having  become  dark  and  impossible  to  tell  whether  1 
Bhould  encounter  enemies  or  friends,  I  advanced  no  further,  and 
Hays'  brigade  was  halted  on  the  railroad. 

In  this  position,  the  two  brigades  lay  on  their  arms  during  the 
night.  A  short  distance  in  front  of  me  General  Ewell  was  lying 
wounded,  and  I  had  him  carried  to  the  hospi.tal.  Lawton's  and 
Trimble's  brigades  lay  on  their  arms  a  short  distance  to  my  right, 
near  the  points  where  they  were  at  the  close  of  the  fight. 

Early  next  morning  the  division,  then  under  command  of  Briga- 
dier General  Lawton,  was  formed  in  line  on  a  ridge  perpendicularly  to 


183  ,        • 

tlie  railroad  track,  with  the  right  resting  on  the  Warrenton  turnpike 
and  facing  towards  Groveton.  In  a  short  timo  thereaftor,  I  received 
an  order  from  General  Jackson  to  move,  with  my  own  and  Hays'  bri- 
gade, to  a  ridge  west  of  the  turnpike  and  the  railroad  track,  so  as  to 
prevent  the  enemy  from  flanking  our  forces  on  the  right,  a  raoveraent 
from  the  'direction  of  Manassas  indicating  that  purpose  having  been 
observed.  In  making  this  movement,  two  of  my  regiments,  the  thir- 
teenth and  thirty-first  A^irginia,  were  detached  by  General  Jackson 
and  placed  in  a  piece  of  woods  on  the  east  of  the  turnpike,  to  observe 
the  movements  of  a  body  of* the  enemy  that  was  moving  towards  our 
right.  I  formed  my  own  and  Hays'  brigade  in  line  on  the  ridge  indi- 
cated, placing  them  under  cover  in  the  woods,  and  advanced  skirm- 
ishers to  the  railroad  track,  and  posted  a  detachment  on  my  right 
flank,  so  as  to  prevent  any  surprise  from  that  direction.  Johnson's 
battery  was  also  placed  in  position  so  as  to  command  my  front.  In 
the  meantime  our  whole  line  of  battle  had  been  so  modified  as  to 
place  it  along  the  railroad  track,  and  Lawton's  and  Trimble's  brigades 
were  moved  so  as  to  conform  to  this  new  disposition.  My  own  and 
Hays'  brigades  thus  constituted  the  extreme  right,  being  thrown  back 
a  little  in  rear  of  the  direction  of  the  main  line.  The  thirteenth 
Virginia  regiment,  under  Colonel  Walker,  and  the  thirty-first,  under 
Colonel  Hoffman,  by  skirmishing,  kept  the  body  of  the  enemy's 
infantry,  which  has  been  mentioned,  in  check  until  the  head  of  Gen- 
eral Loagstreet's  corps  made  its  appearance  on  tlie  Warrenton  turn- 
turnpike,  from  the  direction  of  Gainesville.  When  this  corps  had 
advanced  suihciently  far  to  render  it  unnecessary  for  me  to  remain 
longer  in  my  position,  or  for  the  thirteenth  and  thirly-first  regiments 
to  remain  where  they  were,  I  recalled  them  and  moved  to  the  left  for 
the  purpose  of  rejoining  the  rest  of  the  division.  I  found  General 
Lav;ton,  with  his  brigade,  in  the  woods,  not  fxr  from  the  position  at 
which  I  had  been  the  evening  before,  but  formed  in  line  so  as  to  ba 
parallel  to  the  railroad,  Trimble's  brigade  being  posted  on  the  rail- 
road cut,  on  the  right  of  our  line  as  thus  contracted  I  was  ordered, 
by  General  Lawton  to  form  my  brigade  in  line  in  rear  of  his  brigade, 
and  Colonel  Forno  was  directed  to  form  on  ray  right. 

Shortly  after  this,  the  enemy  began  his  attempts  to  drive  our  troops 
from  the  line  of  the  railroad,  and  about  half-past  three,  P.  M.,  Colo- 
nel Forno  was  ordered  to  advance  to  the  front  by  General  Jackson  to 
the  support  of  one  of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  brigades,  and  he  advanced 
to  the  railroad  and  drove  the  enemy  from  it,  and  took  position  on  it 
with  his  brigade.  After  this  affair.  Colonel  Forno  was  wounded  by 
one  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  so  seriously  as  to  require  his 
removal  from  the  field. 

Subsequent  to  this  advance  by  Colonel  Forno,  a  messenger  came 
to  me  from  General  A.  P.  Hill,  stating  that  the  enemy  were  pressing 
one  of  his  brigades  on  the  railroad,  whose  ammunition  was  nearly 
exhausted,  and  requesting  m?  to  advance  to  its  support,  I  imme- 
diately did  so,  and,  as  I  passed  General  Lawton's  brigade,  I  found 
him  preparing  to  send  forward  the  thirteenth  Georgia  regiment.  I 
continued  to  advance  to  the  front,  accompanied   by  the    eighth  Lou- 


184 

isiana  regiment,  under  Major  Lewis,  wliich  had  not  been  with  its  own 
brigade,  having  been  sent  off  to  replenish  its  ainmunition  the  day 
before,  and  having  returned  just  in  time  to  join  my  brigade. 

On  reaching  the  railroad,  I  found  the  enemy  had  possession  of  it 
Hnd  a  piece  of  woods  in  front,  there  beir.g  at  this  point  a  deep  cut, 
*hich  furnished  a  strong  defence.  General  Gregg's  and  Colonel 
Thomas'  brigades.of  A.  V.  Hill's  division,  having  nearly  exhausted 
their  ammuniiioQ,  had  fallen  back  a  short  distance,  but  were  still  pre- 
senting front  to  the  enemy.  My  brigade  and  the  eighth  Louisiana 
regiment  advanced  upon  the  enemy  through  a  field  and  drove  him 
from  the  woods  and  out  of  the  railroad  cut,  crossing  the  latter  and 
following  in  pursuit  several  hundred  yards  beyond.  In  this  charge, 
which  was  made  with  great  gallantry,  heavy  loss  was  inflicted  on  the 
enemy,  with  comparatively  slight  loss  to  my  own  brigade,  though, 
among  others,  two  valuable  officers.  Colonel  Smith  and  Msijor  Higgin- 
botham,  of  the  twenty-fifth  Virginia  regiment,  were  severely 
wounded.  The  thirteenth  Georgia,  regiment  also  advanced  to  tho 
rr.ilroad  and  crossed  it  to  my  right  The  mepsenger  from  General 
Hill  had  stated  that  it  was  not  desirable  that  1  should  go  beyon(i  tho 
railroad,  and,  as  soon  as  I  could  arreot  the  advance  of  my  brigade,  I 
moved  it  hack  to  the  railroad  and  occupied  it.  This  was  the  last 
iitterapt  made  by  the.enemy  on  the  afternoon  of  Friday,  the  29th,  to 
g^t  possession  of  the  line  of  the  railroad.  On  the  afternoon  of  this 
day,  General  Trimble  was  wounded  by  a  shot  from  one  of  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters,  though  I  believe  his  brigade  was  not  engiiged  during 
the  day. 

General  Trimble's  wound  was  a  very  oerious  one,  and  the  command 
of  the  brigade  devolved  on  Captain  Brown,  of  the  twelfth  Georgia 
regiment,  as  the  ranking  officer  present.  During  the  night  of  the 
2yth,  my  brigade  and  the  eighth  Louisiana  and  thirteenth  Georgia 
regiments  lay  on  their  arms  on  the  part  of  the  line  they  were  at. 
Early  next  morning  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  commenced  firing  on 
my  left  flank  along  the  railroad,  killing  a  very  valuable  young  ofiicer 
iu  the  thirteenth  Virginia  regiment,  Lieutenant  Wilroy,  and  1  be- 
came then  aware,  for  the  first  time  that  my  flank  was  expose<l,  as  I 
liad  been  informed  that  one  or  more  of  General  Hill's  brigades  were 
to  the  left  of  me,  but,  for  some  purpose,  wha lever  force  was  there 
had  been  withdrawfl^,  and  I  thus  found  myself  in  this  position.  I 
soon  discovered  that  tho  enemy's  skirmii-hers  were  crossing  the  rail- 
road to  my  left,  and  advancing  through  a  corn-field,  and  I  immedi- 
ately sent  word  to  General  Hill  of  the  state  of  things,  and,  after  some 
delay,  some  brigades  were  sent  to  occupy  positions  to  my  left. 

During  the  course  of  the  morning  the  skirmishers  from  my  brigade, 
which  were  under  command  of  Captiin  Lilly,  of  the  tv/enty-fifth 
Virginia  regiment,  repulsed  a  column  of  the  enemy  which  commenced 
to  advance,  and  a  short  time  afterwards  an  arrangement  was  made  so 
as  to  place  General  HilTs  troops  on  the  left,  this  division  in  the 
centre,  and  Jackson's  division  on  the  right.  In  making  this  arrange- 
ment there  was  room  left  in  the  front  line  for  only  three  of  the  regi- 
caents  of  my  brigade,  and  1   left    the    forty  fourth,  forty-ninth    and 


185 

fifty-second  in  position,  under  Colonel  Smith,  of  the  forty-ninth,  and 
withdrew  the  thirteenth,  twenty-fifth,  thirty-first  and  fifty-eighth  Vir- 
ginia regiments  a  short  distance  to  the  rear. 

The  position  of  the  brigades  ,of  the  division  under  this  disposition 
was  as  follows  :  On  the  right  was  Trimble's  brigade,  under  Captain 
Brown  ;  on  the  left  of  Trimble's  was  Lawton's  brigade,  under  Colonel 
Douglas,  and,  on  his  left,  the  three  regiments  of  my  brigade,  under 
Colonel  Smith,  the  whole  occupying  the  line  of  the  railroad;  Iliys' 
brigade  had  gone  to  the  rear  to  get  aramanition  and  did  not  return. 
In  the  afternoon,  when  the  enemy  made  his  determined  attack  on  the 
line  of  the  railroad,  beginning  on  the  right,  Trimble's  brigade,  by  a 
cross  fire,  aided  in  repulsing  the  column  that  advanced  against  Starke's 
brigade.  Another  column  advanced  in  front  of  the  three  regiments 
of  my  brigade,  and  was  repulsed  by  their  fire  and  that  from  Lawton's 
brigade.  The  attack  seemed  to  be  general  along  the  whole  line,  and  , 
ihe  fire  ran  from  right  to  left.  As  the  enemy  retired,  the  three  regi- 
ments of  my  brigade  dashed  across  the  road  in  pursuit,  very  unex- 
pectedly to  mo,  as  1  had  given  express  orders  f>r  them  not  to 
advance  until  ordered  to  do  so,  and  I  immediately  moved  up  the  regi- 
ments that  were  in  rear,  to  fill  up  the  g«p  that  was  thus  left. 

The  oth(  r  regiments  we»"e,  however,  soon  brovght  back  by  Col- 
onel Smith.  Late  in  the  afternoon,  after  General  Longstreet 
had  made  his  advance,  and  but  a  short  time  before  night,  General 
Lawton  received  an  order  to  advance  to  the  front,  and  Trimble's,  his 
own  and  my  brigades,  were  ordered  forward,  and  commenced  advanc- 
ing. My  own  brigade  advanced  through  the  woods  until  it  reached 
a  field  in  front  nnd  I  halted  here  a  moment  for  General  Lawton  and 
the  rest  cf  the  division  to  come  up,  as  I  was  a  little  in  advance,  but 
General  Jackson  soon  rode  up  and  ordered  me  to  move  by  the  left 
llauk,  as  it  was  reported  that  a  body  of  the  enemy  was  moving 
to  our  left.  I  immediately  did  so,  sending  in  front  skirmishers,  un- 
der Colonel  Terrell,  of  the  thirteenth  Virginia  regiment,  and  contin- 
ued to  move  on  until  I  came  to  the  railroad  and  then  along  that 
until  I  came  to  a  field.  It  was  then  getting  dark,  and  as  soon 
as  my  skirmishers  entered  the  field  they  wore  fired  upon  from  a 
hill  to  my  left.  This  was  very  unexpecte<l,  and  I  immediately 
sent  back  to  General  Jackson  to  let  him  know  the  fact,  as  it  would 
have  been  folly  for  rao  to  advance,  if  this  fire  was  from  the  enemy,  in 
the  direction  1  was  going  A  message  was  soon  received  directing  me 
to  send  and  ascertain  from  whom  the  fire  came,  and  statin,;;  that  it  was 
probably  from  some  of  General  Hill's  troops.  It  was  impos-ible  to 
distinguish  uniforms  or  colors  at  a  distance,  when  this  firing  took 
place,  and  the  only  chance  of  ascertaining  from  whence  it  came,  being 
to  8i;nd  a  messenger,  with  the  certainty  of  his  being  captured  if  it 
was  the  enemy  A  young  man,  from  the  forty-fourth  Virginia  regi- 
ment, who  V'diinteered  for  the  purpose,  was  sent,  and  he  soon  returned 
with  the  information  that  the  firing  was  from  the  skirmishers  fiom 
Branch's  and  Greggs's  brigades,  who  mistook  us  for  the  enemy  Fortu- 
nately, however,  no  damage  was  done.  1  was  then  onlered  toadvinc© 
to  the  front,  and  in  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  I  was  ordered  to  move 


186 

back  by  the  rif^ht  flank,  the  reports  of  the  movement  of  the  enemy  aroun  1 
©ur  left  Hank  havincr  provod  unfounded.  I  found  that  the  other  brigades 
had  already  bivouacked  near  where  I  had  left  them,  and  my  own  did  the 
same.  Most  of  the  batteries  of  the  division  were  engaged  at  different 
foints  and  times,  during  the  fighting  on  these  days,  but  as  they  were 
separated  from  their  brigades  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  follow- 
ing them  in  the  woods,  I  am  unable  to  give  a  sufficiently  accurate  ac- 
count of  their  operations,  and  shall  therefore  not  attempt  it. 

Affair  at  Ox  Hill  nkar  Chantfllv,  and  March  into   Maryland. 

.On  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  the  31st,  the  division  was  ordered  to 
move,  following  Jackson's  division,  and  it  did  so,  crossing  Bull  Run  at  a 
ford  below  Sudley,  and  then  turning  to  the  left  and  pursuing  a  coun- 
try road  until  we  reached  the  Little  River  turnpike,  which  was  fol- 
lowed in  the  direction  of  Germantown  until  we  were  ordered  to  biv- 
ouar-k  late  at'night. 

Early,  next  morning,  (the  Istof  September,)  we  were  again  put  in 
motion,  following  Jackson's  division,  and  moving  in  single  column, 
until  we  reached  Chantilly,  where  the  division  was  placed  in  two  col- 
umns, ono  being  on  each  side  of  the  road,  with  the  artillery  in  the 
road.  In  this  arrangement,  Trimble's  and  Hays'  were  on  the  right, 
and  Lawton's  and  my  own  brigades  on  the  left  of  the  road,  my  own 
following  Lawton's  brigade. 

On  reaching  Ox  Hill,  in  the  afternoon,  where  the  Ox  road  crosses 
the  turnpike,  indications  of  the  approach  of  i]^e  enemy  on  the  turn- 
pike from  Centreville  having  been  observed,  Trimble's  and  Hays' 
brigades  were  moved  to  the  right,  and  placed  in  line  of  battle  on  the 
right  of  Jackson's  division,  and  occupying  positions  on  the  edge  of  a 
field  beyond  a  piece  of  woods,  through  which  the  Ox  road  here  runs. 
Lawton's  brig.ide  and  my  own  were  moved  across  the  turnpike  and 
placed  in  line  in  the  woods  in  rear  of  Trimble's  and  Hays'  brigades, 
Lawton's  being  placed  in  rear  of  Trimble's  brigade,  and  my  o^vn  in 
rear  of  Hays'  brigade.  As  we  moved  into  position,  the  enemy  opened 
with  artillery^  firing  into  the  woods  where  we  were  posted,  and,  in  a 
short  time  afterwards,  infantry  firing  commenced  in  front.  After  we 
had  been  in  position  for  some  time.  General  Starke,  who  was 
comman  iing  Jackson's  division,  came  to  me  and  represented  that 
the  enemy  were  approaching  on  his  left,  in  considerable  force,  and 
that  there  was  an  interval  on  his  left,  between  his  left  flank  and  the 
turnpike,  his  line  being  in  the  form  of  an  arc  of  a  circle,  and  he  re- 
que.'ited  me  to  move  my  brigade  so  as  to  occupy  this  interval,  in  the 
direction  of  which,  he  represented  the  enemy  to  be  moving.  I  had 
some  hesitation  about  moving  my  brigade  ;  but  as  I  had  received  no 
orders,  and  had  merely  followed  the  movement  of  the  brigade  pre- 
ceding me,  which  brought  me  in  the  position  I  have  indicated,  and  as 
General  Starke  was  very  urgent,  representing  his  condition  to  be 
critical,  which  it  in  fact  was,  if  the  infurmation  he  received  was  true, 
I  determined  to  move  my  brigade  to  his  left,  which  was  but  a  short 
distance,  owing  to  the  form  of  the  line,  and  gave  the  order  accord- 
ingly to  move  by  flank,  putting  myself  upon  the  leading  flank.     Dur- 


187 

ing  tills  movement  I  heard  a  very  considerable  rau-^ketry  fire  ;  but  as 
the  woods  were  very  thick,  and  it  was  raining  very  hard  i\t  the  time, 
I  could  see  a  very  short  distance;  and  took  it  for  granted  that  the  fir- 
ing proceeded  from  the  troops  in  front  of  me.  On  reaching  the  posi- 
tion General  Starke  wished  me  to  occupy,  I  found  that  three  of  my 
regiments,  the  thirteenth,  twenty-fifth  and  thirty-first  Virginia  regi- 
ments, had  not  follo-wed  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  and  I  immediately 
sent  ray  aid,  Lieutenant  Early,  to  see  what  was  the  cause  of  it.  He 
found  these  regiments  engaged  with  the  enemy  \y\  their  front,  Ilaya' 
brigade,  under  Colonel  Strong  of  the  sixth  Louisiana  regiment,  hav--* 
ing  fallen  back  in  confusion,  and  passed  through  these  regiments,  fol- 
lowed by  the  enemy,  just  as  my  orders  were  being  earned  out.  This 
affair  could  not  be  seen  by  me  from  the  flank  on  which  I  was,  and  the 
regiments  engaged  in  it  were  very  properly  detained  by  the  command- 
ing officers.  I  immediately  marched  back  the  rest  of  the  brigade  and 
found  that  the  enemy  had  been  successfully  repulsed  by  my  three 
regiments.  It  is  due  to  Hays'  brigade  to  state  that  the  confusion  into 
which  it  was  thrown,  was  caused  by  an  attempt  of  the  officer  in  com- 
mand. Colonel  Strong,  to  change  its  position  when  the  enemy  were 
advancing,  and  that  his  want  of  sufficient  skill  in  the  command  of  a 
brigade,  caused  him  to  get  it  confused  so  that  it  couM  present  no 
front,  and  it  had,  therefore  tc  fall  back  The  eighth  Louisiana  regi- 
ment,  commanded  by  Miij.  Lewis,  fell  back  in  better  order  than  the  rest 
of  the  brigade  and  formed  in  Hue  immediately  in  rear  of  my  regiments. 
The  rest  of  the  brigade  was  soon  rallied  and  brought  back,  and  hav- 
ing been  placed  under  my  command  by  General  Lawton,  it  was  placed 
in  line  on  the  left  of  my  brigade.  General  Jackson's  division,  unjder 
Gen.  Starke,  having  been  withdrawn  a  short  time  after  the  above  named 
affair,  and  moved  to  the  rear.  Hays'  brigade  and  my  own  thus  cov- 
ered the  same  front  that  had  been  covered  by  Jackson's  division  and 
that  brigade,  with,  however,  a  contracted  line. 

About  the  time  Hay's  brigade  fell  back.  Captain  Brown,  of  the 
twelfth  Georgia,  commanding  Trimble's  brigade,  was  killed  and  one 
or  two  regiments  of  it  were  thrown  into  some  confusion ;  but  the  brig- 
ade held  its  position.  Lawton's  brigade  was  not  engaged,  and  I  am 
unable  to  give  the  particulars  of  the  part  taken  by  Trimble's  brigade. 
After  the  enemy  had  retired,  Trimble's  brigade  having  been  withdrawn 
back  to  the  line  occupied  by  the  division,  the  whole  lay  on  their  arms 
during  the  night  in  the  wet  woods  without  fires.  The  next  day  my 
brigade  was  advanced  to  the  front  and  formed  in  line  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  in  front  of  its  position  of  the  day  before — Hays  being  posted  on 
the  left  flank,  at  right  angles  to  it.  The  rest  of  the  division  remained 
in  its  former  position,  and  Colonel  Walker,  of  the  thirteenth  Virginia 
regiment,  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  Trimble's  brigade. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3rd,  the  division,  with  the  rest  of  the  troops, 
•was  moved  to  the  left,  crossing  the  Loudon  and  Hampshire  railroad  at 
a  station  above  Vienna,  and  then  passing  through  Dranesville  in  the 
direction  of  Leesburg,  and  encamped  on  a  creek  not  far  from  Dranes- 
ville. On  the  next  day  it  passed  through  Leesburg  and  camped  near 
a  large  spring.  ^ 


188 

On  the  next  day,  (the  5th,^  it  took  up  the  lino  of  march  to  White's 
ford  on  the  rotomac,  at  which  place  it  crossed  into  Maryland,  camping 
tjorae  three  or  four  miles  from  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  and 
on  the  morning  of  the  6th,  it  marchc<l  to  the  railroad  hri  ige  over  the 
Monoccacy,  nt  the  junction  of  the  railroad  to  Frederick  city  with  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  and  took  up  a  position  so  as  to  command 
the  approaches  on  and  adjacent  to  the  railroad,  from  the  direction  of 
Washington  city.  In  this  position  it  remained  until  the  morniug  of 
the  lUth  of  Septenjber. 

March  fkom  Fruderick  City  to  Harper's  Ferry  and  Capture  of 

that  place. 

On  the  morninfr  of  the  lOtb,  the  division,  with  the  rest  of  the  troops, 
moved  from  the  vicinity  of  Frederick  city  westward,  passing  through 
Middlctown,  and  bivouacked  about  ten  miles  from  Frederick.  On  the 
r^xt  day  we  moved  through  Boonesborough  and  took  the  direction  of 
Williamsport,  at  which  point  we  rccrosscd  the  Potomac  and  proceeded 
to  the  North  Mountain  depot  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  near 
which  we  bivouacked.  On  the  next  d:iy  we  proceeded  to  M:irMnsburg, 
and  passed  through  the  town  in  the  direction  of  Harper's  Ferry,  and 
bivouacked  on  the  banks  of  the  Opequan. 

On  the  following  morning,  (the  13th,)  we  marched  towards  Harper's 
Ferry,  and  proceeded  to  the  turnpike  road  one  mile  above  llalltown, 
where  we  encamped. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  14th,  (Sunday,)  we  were  ordered  to  ad- 
vance tOAvards  Harper's  Ferry  in  three  columns  one  along  the  road 
and  another  on  each  side  of  it. 

After  passing  Halltown,  the  division  advanced  to  the  woods  on 
School-House  hill,  in  line  in  the  following  order :  Lawton  and  Trim- 
We's  brigiides  were  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  right  of  the  turn- 
pike. Hays'  brigade  on  the  left  of  it,  and  my  own  brigade  in  rear  of 
I^awton's,  and  in  this  manner  the  whole  advanced  to  the  woods  without 
opposition,  thus  getting  possession  of  this  hill,  which,  fronted  Bolivar 
Heights,  and  was  in  ea'^y .range  for  artillery.  ]My  brigade  was  then 
moved  across  the  road  by  flank  and  placed  immediately  in  rear  of 
Hays'  brigade,  which  General  Liwton  put  under  my  cominind  The 
several  brigades  lay  on  their  arms  in  this  wood  during  the  night,  it 
having  become  dark  by  the  time  they  reached  it.  During  the  night, 
Brown's  and  Dement's  batteries,  which  had  been  attached  to  rri^;  brig- 
ade at  Frederick  in  lieu  of  Johnson's,  which  wai'  trai»s<ferr((l  to  Trim- 
ble's, were  carried  across  the  Shenandoah,  under  direction  of  Colonel 
Crutchficld,  to  some  heights  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  which  com- 
manded Harper's  Ferry  and  Bolivar  Heights,  and  placed  in  position. 

The  rest  of  the  batteries  belonging  to  the  division  were  placed  in 
position  on  the  crest  of  School- House  hill,  on  each  sitle  of  the  road. 
At  dawn,  the  brigades  were  advanced  to  the  front  of  the  woods,  and 
the  batteries,  including  Brown's  and  Dement's,  opened  fire  which  was 
kept  up  until  the  enemy  surrendered.  Our  artillery  fire  was  but 
feebly  responded  to.,  Lawton's  brigade,  under  the  command  of  Colo- 


189 

nel  Douglas,  was  moved  by  flank,  under  cover,  to  the  bottom,  on  tbe 
right  of  the  turnpike  between  School-House  hill  and  Bolivar  Heights, 
for  the  purpose  of  supporting  General  A.  P.  Hill's  contemplated  ad- 
vance from  the  right;  but  the  white  flag  was  displayed  in  a  short  time, 
and  no  further  movement  was  made  by  this  brigade  or  the  rest  of  the 
division.  .  ' 

Battle  of  Siiarpsburg. 

Late  in, the  afternoon  of  the  15th,  (the  day  of  the  surrender,)  Gen- 
eral  Lawton  received  an  order  to  move  the  division  on  the  road  to 
Boteler's  foid  be'ow  Shepherdstown,  and  he  immediately  put  his  own 
and  Trimitle's  lirigade  in  motion  and  gave  me  an  order  to  follow  with 
Hays'  and  my  own  brigades  as  soon  as  they  could  be  supplied  with 
rations,  which  had  to  be  obtained  fr  jm  Harper's  Ferry,  '^is  detained 
me  until  after  night  when  I  followed  General  Lawton,  and  found  him 
in  camp  about  four  miles  from  the  ford.  The  division  moved  at  dawn 
next  morning,  crossing  the  Potomac  at  Boteler's  ford  and  proceeding 
on  the  road  to  Sharpsburg,  and  w.is  halted  and  stacked  rrms  in  a  vv'ood 
on  the  left  of  the  road  about  a  mile  from  Sharpsburg,  It  remaine*! 
in  thi*  position  for  several  hours,  and  late  in  the  afternoon,  (jlenoral 
Lawton  was  oidcred  to  move  the  division  to  the  right  to  cover  a  bridge 
over  the  Antiotiirn,  This  movement  was  *  commenced,  but  was  soon 
counterniandod  and  he  was  directed  to  follow  Jackson's  division  to  the 
left.  Following  this  division,  we  moved  through  fields  to  the  left  of 
Sharpsburg  until  we  reached  the  turnpike  from  Sharpsburg  towards 
Hagetstown  and  ihen  turned  to  the  left  on  that  road  until  we  reached 
a  wood  in  which  there  was  a  Dunkard  church, 

Jackson's  division  having  been  pliiced  in  position,  General  Jackson 
in  person,  directed  me  to  place  my  l)rigado  on  the  left  of  his  division 
then  oommanded  by  Brigadier  Geneml  Jones,  so  as  to  prevent  its 
being  fl mkt  <1,  and  to  communicate  with  General  Jones.  It  was  then 
getting  dark,  some  of  our  troops  were  engaged  in  front,  and  the  shells 
from  t«)e  ei'Ciny's  guns  were  flying  t()leral)ly  thick,  and  it  was  some- 
time hefoie  1  could  ascertain  where  General  Jones  was.  I  found  him, 
however,  finally,  not  far  from  where  1  was,  and  having  ascertained 
that  General  Starke's  brigade  was  on  his  left,  I  moved  to  the  left  of 
that  and  placed  my  brigade  in  line  along  a  road  on  which  General 
Starko's  lel't  rested.  In  a  short  time  Brigadier  General  Hays,  wjio 
had  joined  his  brigade  the  day  before,  reported  to  rae,  ami  his  brigade 
was  foinied  in  rear  of  mine,  it  being  too  dark  to  understand  enough 
of  thi'.  pdsi'ion  to  make  very  good  dispo^jitions.  Lawton's  and  Trim- 
ble's brigades  were  halted  in  the  woods  near  the  church,  and  between 
ten  and  cdeven  o'clock,  at  night,  were  ordered  to  relieve  some  brigades 
of  General  Hood's  division  which  had  been  engaged  during  tlie  even- 
ing. Those  two  brigades  were  posted  in  the  positions  occupied  by 
General  Hood's  brigHde,  Trimble's  brigade,  under  Colonel  Walker, 
being  on  the  right,  next  to  General  1>.  H.  Hill's  division  and  Lawton's 
brigade  on  (lie  left  of  it.  In  this  position  they  lay  on  their  arms 
during  the  night  with  occasional  skiimishing  in  front  between  the 
pickets. 


190 

Shortly  after  dawn,  next  raorninf».  ILiys'  brigade  was  ordered,  by 
General  Lawton,  to  more  to  the  position  at  which  his  own  and  Trim- 
ble's brigades  were  in  line,  and  was  posted  in  the  open  field  in  rear  of 
Lawton's  biigade.  At  the  same  time  Hays  was  ordered  to  make  his 
movement.  General  Jackson,  in  person,  ordered  me  to  move  my  brig- 
ade to  the  left,  along  a  route  which  he  pointed  out,' to  support  some 
pieces  of  artillery  which  M  \jor  General  Stuart  had  in  position  to  the 
left  of  our  line.  I  immediately  commenced  this  movement,  and  was 
thus  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  division,  and  cannot,  therefore, 
speak  of  it«  subsequent  operations  from  my  own  observation,  but 
gathf-r  the  following  facts  from  the   reports  of  brigade  commanders: 

At  light,  skirmiLhing  commenced  in  front  of  Lawton's  and  Trim- 
ble's brigades,  in  a  piece  of  woods  occupied  by  the  enemy,  and  in  a 
very  short  tWne  the  enemy's  batteries,  which  were  posted  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  Antietam  river,  so  as  to  enfilade  the  line  of  these  two 
brigaiies,  opened  a  destructive  fire.  About  sunrise,  the  enemy  ad- 
vanced in  line,  driving  in  our  skirmishers,  and  advancing  to  the  edge 
of  the  woods.  About  this  time,  batteries  opened  in  front  from  the 
woods  with  shell  and  canister,  and  these  brigades  were  thus  exposed 
ti  a  terrible  carnage.  After  a  short  time,  General  Hays  advanced, 
with  l:is  brigade,  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Douglas,  under  a  terrific 
fire,  and  passed  to  the  front.  About  this  time,  General  Lawton,  who 
had  been  superintending  the  operation,  received  a  very  severe  wound, 
and  was  borne  from  the  field.  Colonel  Walker,  by  moving  two  of  his 
regiments,  the  twenty-first  Georgia  and  twenty-first  North  Carolina, 
and  concentrating  their  fire,  and  that  of  the  twelfth  Get^rgia,  upon 
a  part  of  the  enemy's  line  in  front  of  the  latter,  succeeded  in  break- 
ing it,  and  as  a  brigade  of  fresh  troops  came  up  to  the  support  of 
Lawton's  and  Hays'  brigades  just  at  this  time,  AValker  ordered  an  ad- 
v\;nce,  but  the  brigade  which  came  up  having  fallen  back,  he  was 
cotcpelled  to  halt,  and  finally  to  fall  bark  to  his  first  position.  His 
brigade  (Trimble's)  had  suffered  terribly,  his  own  horse  was  killed 
under  him,  and  he  had  himself  been  struck  by  a  piece  of  shell.  Col- 
onel Douglas,  whose  brigade  had  been  hotly  engaged  during  the  whole 
time,  was  killed,  and  about  half  the  men  had  been  killed  and  wt.unded. 
Hays'  brigaile,  which  had  advanced  to  Colonel  Douglas'  support,  had 
also  suffered  terribly,  having  more  than  half  killed  and  wouiided, 
(b»th  0^"  oreucral  Hays' staff"  officers  being  disabled,)  and,  General  Hood 
having  come  up  to  their  relief,  these  three  brigades  which  were  re- 
duced to  mere  fragments,  their  ammunition  being  exhausted,  retired 
to  the  rsar. 

The  tert  ible  nature  of  the  conflict  in  which  these  brigades  had  been 
engaged,  and  the  steadiness  with  which  they  maintained  their  posi- 
tion, is  shown  by  the  losses  they  sustained.  They  did  not  retire 
from  the  field  until  General  Lawton  had  been  wounded  and  borne 
from  the  field ;  C  dcnel  Douglas,  commanding  Lawton's  brigade, 
had  been  killed,  and  the  brigade  had  sustained  a  loss  of  five 
hundred  and  fifty-four  killed  and  wounded  out  of  eleven  hun- 
dred and  filty,  losing  five  regimental  commanders,  out  of  six. 
Hays'  brigade  had  sustained  a  loss  ot  three  hundred  and  twenty-three 


191 

out  of  five  hundred  and  fifty,  including  every  regimental  commander 
Hud  all  of  his  staff;  and  Colonel  Walker  and  one  of  his  staff  had  been 
disabled,  and  the  brigade  he  was  commanding  had  sustained  a  loss  of 
two  hundred  and  twenty-eight  out  of  less  than  seven  hundred  pres- 
ent, including  three  out  of  four  regimental  commanders.  I  am  sorry 
that  I  am  not  able  to  do  justice  to  the  individual  cases  of  gallantry 
displayed  in  this  terrible  conflict,  and  must  content  myself  with  call- 
ing attention  to  the  reports  of  General  Hays  and  Colonel  Walker, 
brigade  commanders,  and  of  Major  Lowe  who  succeeded  to  the  com- 
mand of  Lawton's  brigade  after  the  death  of  Colonel  Douglas,  and 
the  disabling' of  all  the  other  ranking  officers.  In  the  death  of  Col- 
onel Douglas,  the  country  sustained  a  serious  loss.  He  was  talented, 
courageous,  and  devoted  to  his  duty. 

After  receiving  the  order  from  General  Jackson  to  gb  to  the  sup- 
port of  General  Stuart,  as  before  stated,  I  proceeded  to  do  so,  moving 
my  brigade  through  a  piece  of  wood  a  little  back  from  the  left  of  our 
line,  and  then  through  some  fields  ;  but,  as  I  was  passing  through 
these  fields  I  discovered  some  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers  moving 
around  our  left,  and  I  sent  some  from  my  own  brigade  to  hold  them  ia 
check  until  I  had  passed.  I  found  General  Stuart  about  a  mile  from 
the  position  I  had  moved  from,  with  several  pieces  of  artillery  in  po- 
sition on  a  hill,  and  engaged  with  some  of  the  enemy's  guns.  At  his 
suggestion,  1  formed  my  line  in  rear  of  this  hill  and  remained  here 
for  about  an  hour,  when  General  Stuart  having  discovered  a  body  of 
the  enemy's  troops  making  their  way  gradually  between  us  and  the 
left  of  our  main  line,  determined  to  shift  his  position  to  an  eminence 
nearer  our  line  and  a  little  to  the  rear.  He  gave  the  instructions  ac- 
cordingly, and  I  moved  back,  taking  a  route  in  rear  of  the  one  by 
which  1  had  moved  out,  and,  by  General  Stuart's  direction,  my  brig- 
ade was  moved  into  the  skirt  of  woods  through  which  I  had  marched 
in  going  out.  Just  as  I  was  getting  into  line  Gen.  Stuart  informed 
me  that  Gen.  Lawton  had  been  wounded,  andthat  Gen.  Jackson  had 
sent  for  me  to  carry  my  brigade  back  and  take  command  of  the  division. 

Leaving  the  thirteenth  Virginia  regimant,  numbering  less  than 
one  hundred  men,  with  General  Stuart,  at  his  request,  I  then  moved 
to  the  rear  of  this  wood  around  a  corn-field,  as^the  enemy  hail  got 
in^o  the  woods  to  my  right,  and  as  I  came  near  the  position  at  which 
my  brigade  had  been  posted  the  night  before,  I  found  Colonel  Grigsby 
and  Colonel  Stafford,  of  Jackson's  division,  rallying  some  two  or  three 
huhdre<l  men  of  that  division  at  the  point  at  which  Starke's  brigida 
had  been  in  position  the  night  bef -re.  A  body  of  the  enemy,  per- 
haps only  skirmishers,  had  got  into  the  woods  to  the  left,  and  was  firing 
upon  our  men,  being  held  in  check  by  a  scattering  fire.  This  was  the 
?ame  body  of  woods  at  which  the  Dunkard  Church,  before  mentioned, 
is  located.  This  wood  runs  along  the  ILigerstown  road  for  several 
hundred  yards  entirely  on  the  left  hand  side  as  you  proceed  from 
Sharpsburg  ;  then  there  is  a  field,  the  edge  of  which  runs  at  right  an- 
gles to  the  road  for  about  two  hundred  yards,  making  thus  an  elbow 
in  the  woods  and  then  turns  to  the  right  and  runs  along  the  woods 
parallel  lo  the  Hagorstown  road  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  the  woods 


192 

again  turns  pquare  to  the  left   and  extends  back  about  half  a  mild, 
makinfr  at  this  point  acrain  an  elbow  with  the  strip  of  woods  running 
along  the  road  from  the  church.     The  church  itself  is  at  the  end  next 
to  Sharpsburg  and  near  the  rond.     The  wood  is    about    four  hundred 
yards  through  where  it  runs  along  t}ie  road,  and  back  of  it  is  a  plan- 
tation road  running  by  a  house  and  a  barn  and  through  the  long  ellio\T 
in  the  woods  on  the  left.     The  field  between   the  woods  and  the  Ila- 
gerstown  road  forms  a  plateau  ne;irly  level  and  in  higher  ground  than 
the  woods  wliich  slopes  down   abruptly  from  the  edge  of  the  plateau. 
This  wood  is    full  of  le  Iges  of  limestone   and    small  ridges  affording 
excellent  cover  for  troops.     A  portion  of  the  enemy,  as  before  stated, 
bad  got  into  the  further  end  of  this  wood,  where  the  field  is  between 
it  and  the  road,  and  as  I  came  up.  Colonels  Grigsby  and  Stafford  cum- 
menced  to  advance  upon  this  body,  and  I  immediately  formed  my  brig- 
ade in  line  and  advanced  along  in  their   rear,   the   enemy  givinj:;  way 
as  the  advance  was   made.      I  halted    my   brigade   on    a  ridge  in  thia 
wood  and   Colonels    Grigsby  and    StaiToid,  at   my  suggestion,  fionied. 
their  men  on  my  left.      My  line  when  thus  formed  was  perpendicular 
to  tiie  llogerstown  road,  and  the  right   rested   near  the  edge   of  the 
plateau  above-mentioned,  but  was  concealed  and  protected  by  the  rise 
in  the  ground.     A  considerable  body  of  the  enemy's    troops  was  been 
in  the  fields  in  my  front,  as  thus  presented,  which  was   evidently  en- 
deavoring to  make  a   movement   on    our   flank   and    rear.      I  directed 
Colonel  8mith,  of  the  forty-ninth  Virginia  regiment,  to  take  con.niand 
of  the  brigade  and  to  resist  the  enemy  at  all   hazards,   and  then  rode 
in  the  direction  of  the  position  at   which  the   rest  of  the  brigade  had 
been  engaged  for  the  purpose  of  taking  command  of  them  aud  ascer- 
taining their  condition.      I  ascertained  that  these   brigades  had  fallen 
"back  some  distance  to  the  rear    for  the  purpose   of  reorganizing,  and 
that  they  were  probably  not  in  a  condition   to  go  into  the  fight  again. 
I  despatched  Major  J.  P.  Wilson,  a  volunteer  aid,  who  had  been  with 
General  Lawton,    to  find  out   where   the   brigades  were  and  to  order 
them  up.      While  looking    for    these    brigades,    1    observed   that  our 
troops  who  were  engaged  on  this  part  of  the  line  were  giving  way  be- 
fore   the   enemy,   and   as   soon  as   1  had  despatched   Major  Wii.-on,  I 
rtde  to  find  General  Jackson   and  having  done   so,   informed    him  of 
the  coridition  of  the   division  and    also   that  our   troops   were  giving 
wa-\  and  that  the  enemy   was  advancing  on  the  flank   on  which  1  had 
for'rotd  my  brigade,      lie  said   that  he  would    send  for  reinforcements 
and  directed  me  to  keep  the   enemy  in   check  until   they    arrived.      I 
then  returned   to  my  brigade  and    resumed    ccmmand   of  it      I   soon 
found  that  the  enemy  was  moving   up  in    consideral  le   force  towards 
the  woods  in  which  1  was,  and  1  sent  Major  Hale,  my  A.  A.  A   Gt  ne- 
ral,  to  let  General  Jackson   know  that  the  danger  \*as  imminent  i  nd 
he  soon  returned  with  the  assurance   that   the  reinforcements  should 
be  sent  immediately.     Just  as  Major  Hale  returned,  a  battery  opened 
at  the  corner  of  the  woods  on  the  Hagerstown    road,  where  the   field 
ppok^n  of  joins  the  woods.     This  was   not  more   than  two  hundred 
yards  from   my  right  flank  and    Avas  somewhat  in    roar  of  it.     When 
this  battery  opened  I  took  it  for  granted  that  it  was  one  of  ours,  but 


193 

Major  Hale's  "attention  was  called  to  it  by  a  soldier  who  happened  to 
be  standing  upon  the  edge  of  the  plateau  and  discovered  that  it  wa* 
one  of  the  enemy's  batteries.  I  was  immediately  informed  of  the 
fact  by  Major  Hale,  but  I  doubted  it  until  I  rode  to  the  edge  of  the 
woods,  and  saw,  beyond  all  dispute,  that  it  was  the  enemy's  battery 
and  was  firing  in  the  direction  of  the  road  towards  Sharpsburg,  and 
that  it  was  supported  by  a  very  heavy  column  of  infantry,  which  waa 
also  within  two  hundred  yards  of  my  right  flank.  This  made  me  awaro 
of  the  fact  that  our  troops,  which  1  had  seen  giving  way,  had  fallea 
back,  leaving  the  enemy  entire  possession  of  the  field  in  front.  It 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  direction  of  my  line  was  perpendicu- 
lar to  the  Hagerstown  road,  so  that  had  the  enemy  seen  it  his  battery 
could  have  raked  my  liank  and  rear.  Fortunately,  my  troops  were 
concealed  from  his  view.  My  condition,  however,  was  exceedingly 
critical,  as  another  column  was  advancing  in  my  front  and  had  reached 
the  woods  in  which  I  was.  I  saw  the  vast  importance  of  maintaining 
my  ground,  for  had  the  enemy  got  possession  of  this  woods,  the 
heights  immediately  in  rear,  which  commanded  the  rear  of  our 
whole  line,  would  have  fallen  into  his  hands.  1  determined 
to  wait  for  the  reinforcements  promised  by  General  Jackson,  hoping 
that  they  would  arrive  in  time  to  meet  the  column  on  my  right.  I, 
however,  threw  my  right  flank  back  quietly  under  cover  of  the  woods 
BO  as  not  to  have  ray  rear  exposed  in  the  event  of  being  discovered, 
I  kept  an  anxious  eye  on  the  column  on  my  right,  as  well  as  on  the 
one  moving  up  in  my  front,  and  very  soon  I  saw  the  column  on  my 
riirht  move  into  the  woods  in  the  direction  of  the  church.  I  looked 
to  the  rear  for  the  reinforcements  and  could  not  see  them  coming.  I 
was  thus  cut  off"  from  the  main  body  of  our  army  on  the  right  and  a 
column  was  moving  against  me  from  the  left  There  was  no  time  to 
be  lost  and  I  immediately  ordered  my  brigade  to  move  by  the  ri^jhfc 
flank  parallel  to  the  enemy  and  directed  Colonel  Grigsby,  who  com- 
manded the  body  of  troops  he  and  Colonel  Stafford  had  rallied,  to 
move  his  command  back  in  line  so  as  to  present  front  to  the  eneny, 
who  were  coming  up  on  the  flank  1  moved  back  along  the  rear  of 
the  woods,  until  1  caught  np  with  the  enemy  who  had  the  start  of  me. 
1  was,  however,  concealed  from  his  view  and  it  was  evident  that  my 
presence  where  I  was  was  not  suspected.  Passing  from  behind  a  ridgo 
that  concealed  my  brigade  from  the  enemy,  we  came  in  full  view  of 
his  flankers,  which,  however,  were  made  aware  of  my  presence  by  a 
fire  which  I  directed  the  leading  regiment  to  pour  into  them.  They 
immediately  ran  into  the  main  body,  which  halted,  and  I  continued  to 
move  by  the  flank  until  my  whole  force  was  disclosed  Just  at  this 
time  I  observed  the  promised  reinforcements  coming  up  towards  the 
woods  at  the  further  end.  I  ordered  the  brigade  to  f  ice  to  the  front 
and  open  fire,  which  was  done  in  handsome  sryle  an,d  responded  toby 
the  enemy.  I  did  not  intend  to  advance  to  the  front,  as  I  observed 
Bome  of  the  troops  which  had  come  up  to  reinfi^rce  me  preparing  to 
advance  into  the  woods  from  the  direction  of  my  right  flank  and  was 
afraid  of  exposing  my  brigade  to  their  fire,  and  that  the  two  move- 
ments would  throw  us  into  confusion  a3  they  would  have  been  at  right 
13 


194 

angles  ;  moreover,  the  other  column  wfts  a'lvancing  on  my  flank,  helJ 
hi  check,  ho^vever,  hy  roloncls  Grii:->Ky  anil  Stafford,  with  their  men, 
and  hy  the  thirty-first  Virginia  regiment,  which  was  on  my  left.  The 
enemy  in  front,  however,  Commenced  giving  way,  and  the  brigade, 
which  I  have  always  found  dilhcult  to  restrain,  commenced  pursuing, 
driving  the  enemy  in  front  entirely  out  of  the  woods.  Notwithstand- 
ing my  efforts  to  stop  the  men,  they  advanced  until  my  left  flank  and 
rear  became  exposed  to  a  fire  from  the  column  on  the  left,  which  had 
advanced  past  my  former  position,  I  also  discovered  another  body  of 
the  enemy  moving  across  the  plateau  on  my  lefc  flank  in  douMe-quick 
time  to  the  svme  position,  and  I  succeeded  in  arresting  my  command 
and  ordtred  it  to  retire  so  that  I  might  change  front  and  advance 
upon  this  force  Just  as  I  reformed  my  line,  JSemmes',  Anderson's, 
and  a  ptrt  of  ]>atksd:ile'3  brigades,  of  McLaws'  division,  came  np  and 
the  whole,  including  Grigsby's  command,  advanced  upon  this  body  of 
the  enemy,  driving  it  with  great  slaughter  entirely  from  and  beyond 
the  woods  and  leaving  us  in  possession  of  my  former  position.  Aa 
soon  as  this  was  accomplished,  I  caused  the  regiments  of  the  brigade 
to  be  reformed  and  placed  in  position  as  before.  I  take  great  plea- 
sure in  bearing  testimony  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Semmes',  Ander- 
son's, and  Barksdale's  commands,  whoso  timely  arrival  was  of  so 
much  service  to  me. 

1  can  also  bear  testimony  to  the  gallant  deportment  of  Colonels 
Grigsby  and  Stafford,  and  the  men  under  their  command.  Major 
General  Stuart,  with  the  pieces  of  artillery  under  his  charge,  con- 
tributed largely  to  the  repulse  of  the  enemy,  and  pursued  them  for 
some  distance  with  his  artillery  and  the  thirteenth  A'irginia  regiment, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Winston.  The  conduct  of  my  own 
brigade  was  all  that  I  could  have  desired,  and  I  feel  that  it  wouM  be 
invidious  to  mention  individual  acts  of  courage  where  all  behaved. so 
well.  My  acting  assistant  adjutant  general,  Major  Hale,  and  ray  aid, 
Lieutenant  Early,  were  very  active  in  bearing  my  orders  under  fire 
and  were  of  great  service  to  me.  The  loss  in  my  brigade,  in  this 
affair  and  under  the  shelling  to  which  it  was  exposed  while  supporting 
Ceneral  Stuart  early  in  the  morning,  was  eighteen  killed  and  one 
hundred  and  sixty-six  wounded.  Colonel  William  Smith,  of  the 
forty-ninth  Virginia,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gibson,  of  the  same 
regiment,  were  both  seriously  wounded,  the  former  receiving  three 
wounds,  but  remaining  on  the  field  in  command  of  his  regiment  until 
after  the  close  of  the  fight 

Shortly  after  the  repulse  of  the  enemy,  Colonel  Hodges,  in  com- 
mand  of  Armistead's  brigade,  reported  to  me,  and  I  placed  it  in  line 
in  the  position  occupied  by  my  brigade,  and  placed  the  latter  in  line 
on  the  edge  of  the  plateau  which  has  been  mentioned  and  parallel  to 
the  Hagerstown  rpad,  but  under  cover.  Immediately  after  his  re- 
pulse the  enemy  commenced  shelling  the  woods  where  we  were,  and 
kept  it  up  for  some  time,  doing  however,  no  damage.  Major  General 
McLaws  brought  up  two  brigades  some  time  afterwards,  placing  one 
(Kershaw's)  on  the  left  of  Armistead's,  on  the  same  line,  and  the 
other   (Barksdale's)  on  my   right,     la   this   positioa   we   remained 


195 

during  the  rest  of  the  day,  the  ensuing  night,  and  all  day  Thursday, 
the  18th.  The  enemy  made  do  further  attack,  but  there  were  several 
demonstrations,  as  if  another  advance  was  intended,  and  there  were 
at  least  three  lines  of  battle  formed  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
Hagerstown  road,  near  the  woods,  with  a  heavy  lino  of  skirmishers 
extending  nearly  up  to  the  road.  I  deem  it  proper  to  state  that  all 
the  killed  and  wounded  of  my  own  brigade  were  inside  of  my  lines, 
as  I  established  them  after  the  figbt,  and  that  the  killed  and  wounded 
of  the  enemy  on  this  part  of  the  field  were  also  within  the  same  lines. 
All  my  killed  were  buried,  and  all  my  wounded  were  carried  to  the 
hospital  in  the  rear,  though,  by  some  mismanagement  on  the  part  of 
the  surgeons  or  quartermasters,  of  which.  I  was  not  aware  until  too 
late,  some  ten  or  fifteen  of  my  wounded  were  left  in  a  hospital  on  the 
Maryland  side  of  the  river  when  we  recrossed.  Late  in  the  afternoon 
of  the  17th,  I  went  to  the  rear  to  look  after  the  other  brigades  of  the 
division,  and  found  Major  Lowe,  with  about  one  hundred  men  of  Law- 
ton's  brigade,  which  he  had  collected  together,  and  which  I  had  moved 
up  to  where  ray  brigade  was  and  posted  on  the  right  of  it.  Early 
next  morning  General  Hays,  with  about  ninety  men  of  his  brigade, 
reported  to  me  and  was  placed  on  my  left,  in  the  same  line  ;  and, 
during  the  morning,  ^Captain  Feagins,  with  about  two  hundred 
men  of  Trimble's  brigade,  reported  to  me,  and  was  posted  in  my  rear. 
Only  Johnson's  and  D'x\quin'8  batteries  accompanied  the  division  ■ 
across  the  Potomac,  the  former  being  attached  to  Trimble's  brigade 
and  the  latter  to  Hays'  brigade.  They  were  both  engaged  on  the 
17th  and  suffered  to  some  extent;  but  I  am  unable  to  give  an  account 
of  their  operations,  as  Johnson's  battery  was  soon  after  detached  from 
the  division  and  has  since  been  amalgamated  with  another  battery  ia 
some  other  command,  and  Captain  D'Aquin  was  killed  at  Fredericks- 
burg. 

The  other  batteries,  which  had  been  detained   at  Harper's  Ferry, 
were  brought  over  the  river  on  the  18th  by  my  orders. 

Recrossing  the  Potomac,  Affairs  at  Boteler's    Ford  and  Siiep- 

HERDSTOWN,    AND    MaRCH    TO    BuNKER    HiLL. 

Having  received  the  order  from  General  Jackson  after  night  on  the 
13th,  to  move  back  as  soon  as  my  picket'3  were  relieved  by  General 
Fitzhugh  Lee's  cavalry,  which  was  between  ten 'and  eleven  o'clock,  I 
moved  the  division  b;ick,  carrying  along  Armistead's  brigade,  and  I 
believe  this  was  the  last  division  to  move  It  recrossed  the  Potomac 
at  Boteler's  ford  shortly  after  sunrise  on  the  morning  of  the  19th, 
and  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  heights  on  the  Virginia  side, 
under  the  direction  of  General  Longstrcet.  After  remaining  in  posi- 
tion for  two  or  three  hours,  the  enemy  having  in  the  meantime  opened 
an  artillery  fire  from  the  opposite  side  of  ti:e  Potomac,  I  was  ordered  ■ 
to  move  towards  Martinsburg  and  to  leave  Lawton's  b.rigade  then  in- 
creased to  about  four  hundred  men  and  under  command  of  C^olonel  .' 
Lamar,  of  the  sixty-first  Georgia  regiment,  in  position  on  the  height 
just  below  Boteler's  ford.     I  accordingly  moved  ia  thedirecuon  indi- 


196 

cated,  until  1  was  ordered  to  encamp  for  the  night,  near  a  school 
house,  five  or  six  miles  from  Shepherdstown.  On  the  afternoon  of  the 
19th  the  enemy  commenced  crossing  a  small  force  at  Boteler's  ford, 
and  Lawton's  brigade  gave  way,  abandoning  its  position.  This  bri- 
gade was  very  much  reduced,  having  suffered  terribly  on  the  17th, 
and  a  considerable  number  of  the  men,  being  just  returned  from  the 
hospitals,  were  without  arms,  and,  without  knowing  the  particulars  of 
the  affair,  I  am  satisfied  its  conduct  on  this  occasion  was  o^ing  to  the 
mismanagement  of  the  oflBcer  in  command  of  it. 

Next  morning  I  was  ordered  to  move  back  to  the  vicinity  of  Bote- 
ler's  ford,  with  the  three  brigades  which  were  with  me.  On  arriving 
there,  by  orders  from  General  Jackson,  these  brigades  were  placed  in 
line  of  battle  in  rear  of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division,  in  the  woods, 
on  the  right  and  left  of  the  road  leading  to  the  ford;  my  own  an! 
Hays'  brigades  being  placed  on  the  right  and  Trimble's  brigade  on 
"the  left.  In  this  position  they  remained  until  late  in  the  afternoon, 
while  General  Hill's  division  was  engaged  in  front,  being  in  range  of 
the  enemy's  shells,  by  one  of  which  Captain  Feagin,  in  command  of 
the  fifteenth  Alabama  regiment,  was  seriously  wounded,  he  being  the 
only  regimental  commander  of  that  brigade  who  had  not  been  killed 
or  wounded  at  Sharpsburg. 

Late  in  the  afternoon,  I  was  ordered  to  move  back,  and  on  the  way 
received  orders  to  continue  to  move  on,  following  Jackson's  division, 
which  preceded  me,  and  did  so  until  I  was  halted,  about  twelve  o'clock 
at  night,  near  the  Opequon,  We  remained  at  this  position  until  the 
24th,  and  then  moved  across  the  Opequon  and  camped  on  the  Wil- 
liamsport  turnpike,  six  or  seven  miles  from  Martinsburg.  On  the 
next  day  my  camp  was  moved  to  a  place  near  the  Tuscarora,  about 
three  miles  from  Martinsburg,  and  on  the  27th  we  moved  to  Bunker 
Hill. 

This  embraces  the  whole  of  the  operations  of  this  division  during 
the  period  designated  in  the  order  of  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding this  corps,  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  give  them,  and  I  am  sorry 
that  I  am  not  able  to  do  more  justice  to  Lawton's,  Trimble's  and  Hays' 
brigades  in  this  report,  but  my  difficulties  in  making  it  have  already 
been  explained,  and  it  is  owing  to  them,  and  not  to  any  design  on  my 
part,  that  the  report  as  to  these  brigades  is  not  so  complete  as  it  is  in 
regard  to  my  own. 

I  submit  herewith  lists  ot  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  from  which 
it  will  appear  that,  in  the  period  embraced,  this  division  has  lost  ia 
killed,  five  hundred  and  sixty-five  ;  in  wounded,  two  thousand  two 
hundred  and  eighty-four,  and  missing,  seventy  ;  making  an  aggregate 
of  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  nineteen,  showing  the  severity  of 
the  conflicts  in  which  it  has  been  engaged.  Its  loss  at  Sharpsburg 
alone  was  one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  killed,  one  thousand  one  hun- 
cired  and  fifteen  wounded,  and  thirty-eight  missing,  being  an 
aggregate  loss  of  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  fifty-two  out  of 
less  than  three  thousand  five  hundred,  with  which  it  went  into  that 
action. 

I  hope  I  may  be  excused  for  referring  to  the  record  shown  by  my 


197 

own  brigade,  which  has  never  been  broken  or  compelled  to  fall  back, 
or  left  one  of  its  dead  to  be  buried  by  the  enemy,  but  has  invariably 
driven  the  enemy  when  opposed  to  him,  and  slept  upon  the  ground  on 
which  it  has  fought  in  every  action,  with  the  solitary  exception  of 
the  affair  at  Bristoe  Station,  when  it  retired  under  ordecs,  covering 
the  withdrawal  of  the  other  troops. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  A.  EARLY, 
Brigadier  General,  commanding  Division. 


REPORT  OF   BRIGADIER   GENERAL  W.  B.  TALIAFERRO, 
COMMANDING  DIVISION. 

Richmond,  September  IG,  1862. 

To  Major  E.  F.  Paxton, 

A.  A.  A.   General: 

Major  :  For  the  information  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  I 
have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  the  first  division  (Jackson's) 
from  the  time  the  army  moved  from  Crenshaw's  farm,  near  Orange 
Court-IIouse,  to  the  29th  ultimo,  when,  by  the  advice  of  the  surgeon, 
I  left  the  army  for  this  place. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  I  left  Crenshaw's  farm  following  the 
division  of  Major  General  Ewell,  which  marched  in  rear  of  that  of 
Mnjor  General  A.  P.  Hill,  and,  after  crossing  the  Ilapidan  river  at 
Somerville  ford,  bivouacked  at  Stevensburg,  in  Culpeper  county,  for 
the  night. 

Next  morning  I  was  ordered  to  move  the  division  to  the  front,  and, 
after  passing  the  divisions  of  General  Jackson's  corps,  near  Brandy 
Station,  on  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad,  I  was  pushed  forward 
towards  Cunningham's  ford,  on  the  Rappahannock. 

Action  at  Cunningham's  Ford,  August  2I8t. 

On  approaching  this  ford,  I  discovered  the  enemy  on  the  ppposito 
bank,  (in  what  force  I  could  not  tell,)  their  infantry  holding  the  edge 
of  a  corn  field  and  a  skirt  of  woods  which  approached  the  river  bank, 
and  the  brows  of  the  hills  overlooking  the  ford,  I  could  not  discover 
their  batteries  ;  but  supposed  they  would  soon  be  exhibited.  I  halted 
the  troops  under  cover  of  the  woods,  and  ordered  to  the  front,  under 
charge  of  Major  L.  Shumaker,  my  chief  of  artillery,  the  long-rango 
guns  of  Brockenbrough's,  Wooding's,  Poague's  and  Carpenter's  bat- 
teries. 

These  pieces  having  been  placed  in  position  soon  developed  the 
position  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  and,  after  a  short  resistance,  silenced 
their  guns,  blowing  up  one  of  their  caissons  and  dispersing,  in  confu- 
sion, their  infantry. 

By  direction  of  the  Major  General,  the  infantry  was  kept  back, 
while  a  cavalry  force  was  pushed  over  the  ford  to  reconnoitre. 

This  force,  under  Major  General  Stuart,  (reinforced  by  a  section  of 
Brockenbrough's  and  Wooding's  batteries,)  remained  over  the  river 
some  two  hours,  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners  and  many  arms, 
which  had  been  abandoned  in  their  haste  to  escape  the  severity  of  our 
shelling. 

Sometime  after,  the  enemy  was  discovered  moving  large  masses  up 
the  river  from  below  us.  Here,  the  cavalry  having  retired,  his  bat- 
teries were  again  placed  in  position  near  the  ford,  and  a  large  party 


]9!l 

of  skirmishers  thrown  out  to  the  river  hank  ahove  and  below  the  ford. 
I  at  once  detaili"'d  a  sufficiont  force  of  sharpshootefs  from  the  third 
brigade  to  hold  the  river  bank,  between  whom  and  the  enemy  an  ani- 
mated skirmish  was  kept  up  during  the  rest  of  the  day. 

Towards  night  the  enemy  reinforced  his  skirmishers  with  a  brigade 
of  infantry,  when  I  directed  Major  Shumaker  to  open  upon  them  with 
his  pieces,  which,  although  it  drciv  upon  our  artillerists  a  heavy  fire, 
which  was  continued  as  long  as  it  was  light  enough  to  distinguish  ob- 
jects, had  the  effect  of  driving  them  back  in  confusion.  Our  batteries 
then  replied  to  those  of  the  enemy  with  deliberation  and  vi^or  until 
dark.  On  the  following  morning,  I  was  directed  to  hold  the  ford  un- 
til the  other  division  of  General  Jickson's  corps  had  pissed  to  my  left 
in  the  direction  of  Farley  ford,  on  the  Hazel  river,  and  then  to  follow 
with  my  division. 

I  had  again,  on  the  morning  of  the  22nd,  a  warm  artillery  fight 
with  the  enemy,  resulting,  as  on  the  day  previous,  according  'to  his 
published  reports,  in  very  considerable  slaughter  to  the  enemy.  Our 
loss  was  twenty  privates  killed  and  wounded  and  no  officers. 

After  the  other  divisions  had  made  way  for  me,  I  moved  to  Farley 
ford.  On  reaching  which  point,  Iwas  ordered  by  General  Lee  to  re- 
main until  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  with  General  Hood  in 
repressing  any  demonstration  of  the  enemy  at  Freeman's  ford,  on  the 
Rappahannock. 

Generals  Fiood  and  Trimble  were  engaged  with  the  enemy,  who  had 
crossed  the  Rappahannock,  at  the  time  that  I  approached  the  Hazel;  but 
had  driven  them  back  across  the  river  before  I  came  up  with  them. 
We  were  only  subjected  to  a  few  shells  of  the  enemy,  which  did  us  no 
harm. 

On  the  23rd,  we  marched  to  Scott's  farm,  near  the  White  Sulphur 
Springs,  and  on  the  24th,  within  one  mile  of  Jefferaonton ;  each  day 
being  subjected  to  some  little  shelling. 

On  the  25th,  we  marched  this  division  in  rear,  from  Jeffersonton 
across  the  Rappahannock  at  the  ford  next  above  Waterloo,  and  bivou- 
acked near  Salem.  On  the  26th,  marched  within  a  mile  of  Bristoe 
Station,  on  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad,  passing  through 
Thoroughfare  Gap,  each  of  these  days  without  meeting  the  enemy, 
who  was  ignorant  of  our  movements. 

Skirmish  near  Manassas  Junction. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  I  was  ordered  to  send,  before  day- 
break, a  brigade  across  Muddy  Run  by  the  county  road  to  Manassas 
Junction.  I  accordingly  sent  forward  on  this  service,  the  first  brigade, 
Colonel  Baylor,  and  followed  with  the  rest  of  the  division,  as  soon  as 
General  Hill's  division  permitted  me  to  move. 

Colonel  Baylor  encountered  a  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  about 
a  mile  from  the  Junction,  but  soon  dispersed  them,  Boague's  battery 
of  this  brigade,  doing  good  practice.  Baylor  then  pushed  beyond  the 
Junction  and  aiiied  in  the  rout  of  the  enemy  towards  Centrevillo,  and 
afterwards  returned  to  Manassas  Junction. 


200 

By  tlie  direction  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  I  assumed 
command  at  the  Junction,  threw  out  the  necessary  pickets,  made 
preparation^  for  transporting  such  of  the  stores  which  had  been  cap- 
tured by  General  Trimble  on  the  precceding  evening,  as  the  captured 
wagons  and  our  limited  -transportation  would  admit  of,  distributing 
to  our  troops  as  much  of  the  subsistence  stores  as  they  could  eat  and 
transport  in  their  haversacks,  and  made  preparations  for  the  firing  of 
the  immense  accumulation  of  commissary,  quartermaster  and  ordnance 
stores,  which  were  contained  in  the  buildings  and  cars,  of  which  latter 
there  were  over  one  hundred,  all  new  and  in  the  best  order. 

At  night.  Major  General  Ewell,  who  had  been  fighting  during  the 
evening  at  Bristoe  Station,  having  crossed  Muddy  run,  by  direction 
of  Major  Geneial  Jackson,  I  moved  my  division,  wi.h  the  entire  train, 
across  the  Warrenton  and  Alexandria  turnpike,  pursuing  the  Old 
Mili.ary  road  to  Sudley  mills,  and  at  daylight  halted  on  the  battle 
field  of*  the  2 1  St  of  J  uly ,  1861. 

The  second  brigade,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Bradley  John- 
eon,  was  thrown  forward  to  Groveton  ;  the  third  brigade,  Colonel  Tal- 
iaferro, to  Sudley  Mills,  and  the  first  and  fourth  hobi  about  half  a  mile 
beyond  the  intersection  of  the  turnpike  with  the  Aldie  road. 

Battle  of  Manassas,  August  2Stm. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2Sth,  the  enemy  made  demonstrations  upon 
tiie  road  leading  from  Warrenton,  which  were  checked  by  the  second 
brigade,  and  it  was  asceriaincd  he  was  advancing  his  columns  by  the 
railroad  on  one  side,  and  the  Warrenton  turnpike  on  the  other ;  that 
hid  intention  was  to  rest  the  right  of  his  left  advance  on  the  turnpike, 
and  the  right  on  the  road  to  Sudley,  and  to  attempt  to  cross  Bull  Run 
at  the  stone  bridge  and  Sudley  ford. 

I  received  orders  about  twelve  o'clock  M.,  from  the  Major  General 
commanding,  to  move  forward  through  the  woods  to  attack  his  left, 
which  was  advancing  from  the  direction  of  Gainesville  towards  Sudley. 
I  accordingly  pushed  the  first,  third,  and  fou-rth  brigades  in  that  direc- 
tion, being  followed  by  Mnjor  General  Ewell. 

After  marching  seme  two  and  a  half  miles  in  the  direction  of 
Gainesville,  and  coming  to  the  open  field,  to  the  right  of  Groveton,! 
discovered  that  the  enemy  had  abandoned  his  intention  of  attempting 
to  cross  at  Sudley,  and  was  moving  oft'  to  the  right  of  the  Warrenton 
turnpike ;  that  the  troops  he  had  thrown  forward  had  been  recalled, 
and  that  the  whole  force  which  had  crossed  the  turnpike  were  falling 
back  and  recrossing.  At  the  same  time,  I  received  orders  to  halt  my 
command.  The  enemy,  in  great  force,  could  now  be  discovered  leav- 
ing the  turnpike  to  their  left,  and,  apparently  making  for  the  rail- 
road about  Manassas  Junction.  Our  troops  were  immediately  thrown 
forward  in  the  direction  of  the  turnpike,  and  lines  of  battle  formed 
parallel  to  the  road.  In  a  short  time  their  skirmishers  advanced,  and 
were  almost  immediately  supported  by  an  immense  force  which  crossed 
the  turnpike  and  advanced  upon  our  lines. 

Tne  first  brigade  was  at  this  time  on  the  right,  the  fourth  next,  the 


201 

second  some  distance  on  the  left,  having  been  withrawn  from  Grove- 
ton.  As  soon  as  the  third  brigade  could  get  up,  which  was  after  the  ac- 
tion commenced,  it  was  moved  M-st  to  the  support  of  the  batteries  on 
the  right,  and  then  to  the  right  of  the  first  brigade. 

The  batteries  of  Captains  Wooding,  Poague  and  Carpenter  were 
placed  in  position  in  front  of  the  first  brigade,  and  just  above  the 
village  of  Groveton,  and  firing  over  the  heads  of  the  skirmishers, 
poured  a  most  destructive  fire  of  shot  and  shell  upon  the  enemy.  This 
was  responded  to  by  a  most  severe  fire,  and  a  new  position  selected 
to  the  light  of  the  first  brigade,  which  enfiladed  the  enemy's  guns, 
and  ultimately  drove  them  from  the  field.  The  troops  moved  forward 
with  splendid  gallantry,  and  in  most  perfect  order. 

Twice  our  lines  were  advanced,  until  we  had  reached  a  farm-house 
and  orchard  on  the  right  of  our  line,  and  were  within  about  eighty 
yards  of  a  greatly  superior  force  of  the  enemy.  Here,  one  of  the 
most  terrific  eonfiiets  that  can  be  conceived  occurred  Our  troops  held 
the  farm-house  and  one  edge  of  the  orchard,  while  the  enemy  held  the 
orchard  and  enclosure  next  to  the  turnpike.  To  our  left  there  was  no 
cover,  and  our  men  stood  in  an  open  field,  without  shelter  of  any  kind. 
The  enemy,  although  reinforced,  never  once  attempted  to  advance  upon 
our  position,  but  withstood,  with  great  determination,  the  teriible  fire 
which  our  lines  poured  upon  them.*  For  two  hours  and  a  half  with- 
out an  instant's  cessation  of  the  most  deadly  discharges  of  musketry, 
round  shot  and  shell,  both  lines  stood  unmoved,  neither  advancing,  and 
neither  broken  or  yielding,  until  at  last  about  nine  o'clock  at  night, 
the  enemy  slowly  and  sullenly  fell  back  and  yielded  the  field  to  our 
victorious  troops.  > 

The  loss  on  both  sides  was  very  heavy;  but  the  proportion  of  killed 
and  wounded  of  our  men  was,  as  far  as  I  could  judge  upon  the  field, 
small,  and  the  wounds  generally  slight.  The  commanding  General 
has  been,  I  presume,  furnished  with  an  official  report  cf  the  killed 
and  wounded. 

The  gallantry  and  heroism  displayed  by  our  troops  is  beyond  all 
praise.  The  first  brigade  was  more  exposed  than  any  other,  and  moro 
than  sustained  the  reputation,  which,  under  the  leadership  of  the 
Major  General  commanding,  on  the  same  field  over  twelve  months 
ago,  it  achieved,  and  which  has  distinguished  its  veteran  troops  in 
many  of  the  hardest  fought  battles  of  the  war. 

Colonel  Baylor,  fifth  Virginia,  who  commanded  it,  was  worthy  his 
heroic  command.  No  more  exalted  recognition  of  his  worth  and  ser- 
vices can  be  uttered,  and  no  higher  tribute  can  be  paid  him,  than  to 
declare  that  he  was  worthy  the  command  of  the  Stonewall  brigade  in 
the  action  of  the  28th  ultimo. 

Colonel  Neff,  thirty-third  Virginia,  while  gallantly  leading  his 
regiment  into  action,  was  killed.  Colonel  Grigsby,  twenty-seventh, 
wounded;  Colonel  Botts,  second  Virginia,  mortally  wounded;  Major 
Nadenbousch,  second  Virginia,  Major  Terry,  fourth,  wounded,  and 
others,  whose  names  and  whose  gallantry  have  been,  doubtless,  re- 
ported to  the  commanding  General. 

The  second  brigade,  Colonel  Bradley  Johnston,  which  had  been 


202 

subjected  to  severe  picket  duty  the  niglit  previous,  and  on  the  morning 
of  this  day,  and  behaved  with  gnlhintry  in  the  skirmishes  of  the 
morning,  was  not  brought  into  action. 

The  third  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro,  twenty- 
third  Virginia  regiment,  advanced  splendidly  under  fire  of  the  enemy, 
occupied  the  farm-house  and  orchard,  on  the  right  of  our  lines,  held 
these  against  every  effort  of  the  enemy  to  dislodge  them,  and 
ultimately  drove  the  enemy  from  the  orchard  and  the  field  beyond  the 
turnpike.  It  is  unnecessary  to  report  that  the  gallantry  of  Colonel 
Taliaferro  was  conspicuous,  and  the  conduct  of  his  officers  admirable. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker,  Major  Stover,  tenth  Virginia,  and  Major 
Scott,  twenty-third  Virginia,  were  wounded  whilst  ably  discharging 
their  duties.      I  have  no  official  information  of  the  other  casualties. 

The  fourth  bri'^ade  operated  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  division.  It 
was  not  in  my  power  to  be  much  with  this  brigade  after  the  action 
had  progressed  far,  but  its  gallantry  was  conspicuous,  and  the  ability 
of  its  commander,  Brigadier  General  W.  E.  Starke,  was  a  guarantee 
that  it  did  all  that  the  gallant  Louisianians  who  composed  it  were  re- 
<|uired  to  perform,  I  was  witness  of  their  unflinching  bravery  and 
heroic  conduct  under  a  heavy  fire  during  the  early  part  of  the  en- 
gagement.    I-am  ignorant  of  the  casualties  of  the  brigade. 

The  reports  of  the  brigade,  r^imental  and  battery  commanders 
have,  I  suppose,  been  forwarded  to  you.  After  the  action  had  been 
terminated,  I,  because  of  the  condition  of  my  wounds,  turned  over 
the  command  of  the  division  to  Brigadier  General  Starke.  In  con- 
clusion, I  beg  to  recognize  the  gallantry  of  my  personal  staff,  and  the 
obligations  1  am  under  to  them.  1  beg  to  mention  Major  W,  A.  Tal- 
•iaferro,  A.  A.  G.;  Lieutenant  R.  K.  Meade  and  Lieutenant  P.  A.  Tal- 
iaferro,  aids-de-camp,  and  to  testify  my  regard  lor  the  gallantry  and 
good  conduct  of  my  orderly,  private  Depriest,  who  was  severely 
wounded,  and  of  privates  Dowman,  Bowcn  and  Tyree,  couriers. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
WILLIAM  B.  TALIAFERRO, 
Brigadier  General,  commanding  Division,  A.  V, 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WALKER,  COMMAND- 
ING DIVISION,  OF  OPERATIONS  AT  HARPER'S  FERRY. 

Headquarters  Walker's  Divis-ion,      ) 
Camp  near  Winchester ,  Va.,  October  7,  1862.  J 

Major  E.  F.  Paxton, 

Assibtant  Adjutant  and  Insp*r  General,  JackscTi's  Corps,  A.  N.  V.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  th*  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tion's of  this  division  under  my  command  in  the  I'eduction  of  Harper's 
Ferry : 

On  the  9th  of  September,  I  was  instructed  by  General  Lee  to  pro- 
ceed from  the  Monocacy  Junction  near  Frederick,  Maryland,  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Monocacy,  and  destroy  the  acqucduct  of  the  Chesapeake 
and  Ohio  canal.  We  arrived  at  the  aqueduct  about  eleven  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  aijd  found  it  occupied  by  the  enemy's  pickets,  whose  fire,  as  they 
fled,  severely  wounded  Captain  Duffy,  of  the  twenty-fourth  North 
Carolina  trocps,  tf  Brigadier  General  Ransom's  brigade.  Working 
parties  were  at  once  detailed  and  set  to  work  to  drill  holes  for  blowing 
up  the  arches  ;  but  after  several  hours  of  labor,  it  was  apparent  that, 
owing  to  the  insufficiency  of  our  tools  an(t  the  extraordinary  solidity 
and  massiveness  of  the  masonry,  the  work  we  had  undertaken  wt.s  one 
of  days  instead  of  hours.  The  movement  of  our  main  army  from 
Frederick  towards. Hagerstown,  which  I  had  been  officially  informed 
would  take  place  on  the  10th,  would  leave  my  small  division  in  the 
immediate  presence  of  a -very  strong  force  of  the  enemy,  and,  while  it 
would  be  engaged  in  destroying  the  aqueduct,  in  a  most  exposed  and 
dangerous  position.  I  therefore  determined  to  rejoin  General  Lee  by 
way  of  Jefferson  and  Middletown  as  previously  instructed  by  him. 

Before  marching,  however,  I  received  instructions  to  cross  the 
Potomac  at  Cheeks  ford  and  proceed  towards  Harper's  Ferry  and  co- 
operate with  Major  Generals  Jackson  and  McLaws  in  the  capture  of 
the  Federal  force  at  that  point. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  lOth,  the  aqueduct  over  the  Monocacy 
"was  occupied  by  a  large  force  of  the  enemy,  with  their  artillery  com- 
manding the  aqueduct  and  its  approaches,  as  well  as  Cheek's  ford.  I 
then  determined  to  cross  at  the  Point  of  Rocks,  which  I  effected  during 
the  night  of  the  lOth  and  by  daylight  on  the  1 1th  ;  but  with  much 
difficulty,  owing  to  the  destruction  of  the  bridge  over  the  canal  and 
the  steepness  of  the  banks  of  the  Potomac. 

My  men  being  much  worn  down  by  two  days  and  nights  m«rching, 
almost  without  sleep  or  rest,  we  remained  in  camp  during  the  I  Ith, 
and  proceeded  the  next  day  towaids  Harper's  Ferry,  encamping  at 
HiUsboro'.  On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  we  reached  the  foot  of  the 
Blue  Ridge,  opposite  the  Loudon  Heights,  which  I  was  instructed  to 
occupy.  From  such  reconnoissance  as  could  be  made  from  below,  it 
seemed  certain  that  Loudon  Heights  were  unoccupied  by  the  enemy. 


204 

To  ascertain  if  such  was  the  case,  I  detached  Colonel  John  R.  Cooke 
with  his  regiment,  (the  twenty-seventh  North  Carolina,)  and  the 
thirtieth  Virginia  Volunteers,  who  took  possession  of  the  Heights 
without  opposition  and  held  them  during  the  night. 

In  the  meantime,  the  enemj'  was  being  attacked  on  the  Maryland 
Ili^ights  by  the  forces  under  Major  General  McLaws,  and  in  the 
afternoon  it  became  apparent  that  our  forces  had  possession  of 
the  summit,  which  commands  Harper's  Ferry  as  well  as  Loudon 
Heights. 

That  night"  and  the  next,  the  entire  division,  except  that  portion  of 
it  occupying  Loudon  Heights,  were  placed  in  a  strong  position  to 
prevent  the  escape  of  the  enemy  down  the  right  bank  of  the  Potomac. 
At  daylight  on  the  14th,  I  sent  Captain  French,  ■^ith  two  Parrott 
guns  and  two  rifle  pieces  of  Branch's  Battery,  under  Lieutenant 
Martin,  to  Loudon  Heights,  where  I  immediately  proceeded  and  placed 
thorn  in  position.  I  informed  Major  General  Jackson  of  this  by  sig- 
nal, and  awaited  his  instructions.  In  the  meantime,  we  had  attracted 
the  notice  of  the  enemy,  Avho  opened  their  batteries  upon  us,  and  it 
became  necessary  either  to  reply  or  withdraw  our  pieces.  About  one 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  therefore  gave  orders  to  open  fire  upon  the  enemy's 
batteries  and  the  troops  upon  Bolivar  Heights,  beyond  Harper's  Ferry,- 
Our  guns  were  served  admirably  and  with  great  rapidity,  and  in  two 
hours  we  had  silenced  an  eight-gun  battery  near  the  Barbour  house, 
except  one  gun,  which  was* so  close  under  the  mountain  that  wo  could 
not  see  it.  What  other  effect  our  fire  had  we  coulTl  not  tell ;  but  it 
evidently  produced  great  consternation  and  commotion  amongst  the 
enemy's  troops,  especially  the  cavalry. 

During  the  engagement,  one  of  the  enemy's  caissons  was  blown  up 
by  a  well  directed  shot  from  French's  battery.  On  our  side  we  lost 
Lieutenant  Robertson,  of  French's  battery,  killed  ;  Major  Wyatt, 
forty-eighth  North  Carolina  troops,  and  two  privates  of  French's  bat- 
tery wounded.     Our  guns  and  horses  sustained  no  injury. 

Owing  to  a  heavy  mist,  which  concealed  Harper's  Ferry  from  view, 
we  did  not  open  our  fire  until  after  eight  o'clock,  in  the  morning  of 
the  15th,  the  enemy  replying  very  feebly  at  first,  and  finally  about 
nine  o'clock,  ceased  firing  altogether.  About  half  past  nine  o'clock, 
we  observed  a  white  flag  displayed  from  a  large  brick  building  in  the 
upper  town,  when  our  batteries  immediately  ceased  their  fire, 
although  I  was  not  satisfied  that  it  indicated  a  capitulation. 

It  soon  became  apparent  that  such  was  the  case,  and  after  a  phort 
time  we  had  the  extreme  satisfaction  to  see  the  head  of  Major  Gene- 
ral A.  P.  Hill's  column  approaching  the  town,  along  the  Charlestown 
turnpike. 

My  division,  that  evening,  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  Shenan- 
doah river,  and  by  daylight,  on  the  16th,  reached  Shepherdstown,  and, 
early  in  the  day,  crossed  the  Potomac  and  reported  to  General  Lee, 
near  Sharpsburg,  Maryland. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  G.  WALKER, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  Division. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WALKER  OF  BATTLE 
OF  SHARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Walker's  Division,      ) 
Camp  near   Winchester,   Fa.,  October  14,   1862.  ) 

Major  G.  M.  Sorrel,  A.  A.   G  , 

Right    Wingy  Army  Northern   Virginia : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
borne  by  the  division  under  my  command  in  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg, 
Maryland,  on  the  17th- of  September  last: 

The  division,  .composed  of  Ransom's  and  Walker's  brigades,  the 
latter  commanded  by  Colonel  Van  11.  Manning,  to  which  was  attached 
French's  and  Branch's  light  batteries,  after  participating  in  the  cap- 
ture of  the  Federal  forces  at  Harper's  Ferry,  crossed  thf^  Blue  Ridge, 
the  Shenandoah  and  the  Potomac,  the  latter  at  ShepherdstOwn,  and 
reached  the  neighborhood  of  Sharpsburg,  Maryland,  on  the  16th 
ultimo,  where  1  reported  to  General  Lee, 

In  accordance  with  his  instructions,  at  daylight  the  next  morning 
I  placed  the  division  on  the  extreme  right  of  our  position,  and  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  south  of  Sharpsburg,  my  line  of  battle  extending 
from  a  wood  on  the  right  to  a  group  of  barns,  stables  and  out-houses 
on  the  left,  in  such  way  as  to  cover  the  ford  over  the  Antietam  creek, 
and  to  be  within  supporting  distance  of  the  command  of  Brigadier 
General  Tocmbs,  which  lay  in  front  of  the  bridge  across  the  same 
Btream.  My  batteries  were  placed  on  commanding  heights  in  such 
way  as  to  command  the  roads  leading  from  the  east,  while  a  battalion 
of  sharpshooters  was  posted  along  the  wooded  banks  of  the  Antietam 
to  hold  the  enemy  in  check,  should  he  attempt  to  cross  the  stream  at 
that  point.  While  we  were  in  this  position  the  enemy  made  no 
attempt  to  cross  the  stream,  atid  the  only  evidence  of  his  being  in  our 
front  was  his  artillery  fire  at  long  range  and  the  reply  of  General 
Toombs'  batteries,  about  a  half  mile  to  my  left. 

Soon  after  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  received  orders  from  General 
Lee,  through  Colonel  Long,  of  his  staff,  to  hasten  to  the  extreme  left 
to  the  support  of  Major  General  Jackson.  Hastening  forward  as 
rapidly  as  possible  along  the  rear  of  our  entire  line  of  battle,  we  ar- 
rived, soon  after  ten  o'clock,  near  the  woods  which  the  commands  of 
Generals  Hood  and  Early,  were  struggling  heroically  to  hold,  but 
gradually  and  sullenly  yielding  to  the  irresistible  weight  of  over- 
whelming numbers.  Here  we  at  once  formed  line  of  battle,  under  a 
sharp  artillery  fire,  and,  leaving  the  twenty-seventh  North  Carolina 
and  third  Arkansas  regiments  to  hold  the  open  space  between  the 
•woods  and  Longstreet's  1<  ft,  the  division,  with  Ransom's  brigade  on 
the  loft,  advanced  in  splendid  style  firing  and  cheering  as  they  went, 
and  in  a  few  minutes  cleared  the  woods,  strewing  it  with  the  enemy's 
dead  and  wounded. 

Colonel  Manning,  with   the  forty-sixth   and   forty-eighth  North 


206 

Carolina  an'l  thirtieth  Virginia,  not  content  with  the  possesiion  of  the 
woods,  dnshci  forward  in  gallant  style,  crossel  the  open  fluids  beyond, 
driving  the  enemy  before  him  like  sheep,  until  arriving  at  a  long  line 
of  strong  post  and  rail  fence,  behind  which  heavy  m.isses  of  the  ene- 
my's iiifuntry  were  lying,  their  advance  was  checked,  and.  it  being 
impossible  to  climb  over  these  fences  under  such  a  fire,  these  regi- 
ments, after  suflTorin^  a  heavj  loss,  were  compelled  to  fill  b;ick  to  the 
woods,  where  the  forty-sixth  and  forty- eighth  North  Carolina  regi- 
ments were  quickly  reformed  ;  but  the  thirtieth  Virginia,  owing  to 
some  unaccountaMo  misumlerstanding  of  orders,  except  C:»ptain 
Iludgins'  coinj)any,  went  entirely  off  the  field,  and,  as  a  regiment, 
was  not  again  engaged  during  the  day.  Captain  Smith,  of  my  staff, 
and  myself  succeeded  in  gathering  up  portions  of  it,  which,  acting 
with  the  forty-sixth  North  Carolina,  afterwards  did  good  service. 

Just  before  the  falling  back  of  these  regiments,  the  gallant  Colonel 
Manning  was  severely  wounded  and  was  compelled  to  leave  the  fi  dd, 
relinquishing  the  command  of  the  brigade  to  the  next  in  rank,  Colo- 
nel E.  1)  Hall,  of  the  forty-sixth  North  Carolina  regiment.  The 
forty-eighth  North  Carolina  regiment,  Colonel  R.  C,  Hill  command- 
ing, after  reforming,  was  sent  by  me,  with  French's  and  Branch's 
light  batteries,  to  reinforce  (xeneral  Stuart  on  the  extreme  left,  who 
was  specially  charged  by  General  Jackson  with  the  task  of  turning 
the  enemy's  right. 

The  falling  back  of  a  portion  of  Manning's  brigade,  enabbd  the 
enemy  to  temporarily  rc-occupy  the  point  of  woods  near  the  position 
assigned  to  Colonel  Cooke,  commanding  the  twenty-seventh  North 
Carolina  and  the  third  Arkansas  regiments,  upon  whom  the  enemy 
opened  a  galling  fire  of  musketry,  which  was  replied  to  with  spirit ; 
but  the  enemy  having  the  cover  of  the  woods,  while  Colonel  Cooke's 
command  was  on  the  open  ground,  this  officer  very  properly  drew 
them  hack  to  a  corn-field  and  behind  a  rail  fence,  which  gave  them 
partial  protection.  From  this  position  they  kept  up  an  elfjctivo  fire 
upon  the  enemy,  driving  his  artillerist!  from  a  battery  they  were 
attempting  to  get  into  position  to  bear  upon  C  )loiiel  (yooke's  com- 
mand. They  afterwards  succeeded  in  getting  off  with  their  guns,  but 
abandoned  two  caissons  filled  with  rifie  ammunition,  fro  u  wruch  Cap- 
tain French  that  night  replenished  his  exhiusted  limber  chests. 

Eitrly  in  the  afternoon.  Major  General  Longstrcet  directed  CjIo.ioI 
Cooke,  with  his  own  regiment  (twenty-seventh  North  Carolina)  and 
the  third  Arkansas,  to  charge  the  enemy,  who  was  threatening  his 
front  as  if  to  pass  through  the  opening  b.-tween  the  point  of  timi)er 
held  by  Ransom's  brigade  and  Longstrcet'a  left.  This  order  was 
promptly  obeyed,  in  the  face  of  such  a  fire  as  troops  have  seldom  en- 
encountcrcd  without  running  away,  and  with  a  steadiness  and  unfal- 
tering gallantry  seldom  eijualled.  Battery  after  battery,  regiment 
after  regiment  opened  their  fire  upon  them,  hurling  a  torrent  of  mis- 
siles through  their  ranks  ;  but  nothing  could  arrest  their  progress, 
and  three  times  the  enemy  broke  and  fled  before  their  impetuous 
charge.  Finally  they  reached  the  fatal  picket  fences,  before  alluded 
to.     To  climb  over  them,  in  the  face  of  such  a  force  and  under  such 


207 

a  fire,  would  have  been  sheer  madness  to  attempt,  and  their  ammuni- 
tion  being  now  almost  exhausted,  Colonel  Cooke  very  properly  gave 
the  order  to  fiiU  back,  which  was  done  in  the  most  perfect  order  ; 
after  which,  the. regiments  took  up  their  former  position,  which  they 
continued  to  hold  until  night. 

In  the  meantime,  Brigadier  General  Ransom,  whose  brigade  wa8 
further  on  the  left,  having  driven  the  enemy  through  and  from  the 
woods  with  heavy  loss,  continued  with  his  own  brigade  and  Colonel 
Hall's,  forty-sixth  regiment  North  Carolina,  to  hold  it  for  the  greater 
portion  of  the  day,  notwithstanding  three  determined  infantry  attacks, 
which  each  time  was  repulsed  with  great  loss  to  the  enemy,  and  against 
a  most  persistant  and  terrihc  artillery  fire,  by  which  the  enemy  hoped, 
doubtless,  to  drive  us  from  our  strong  position,  the  very  key  of  the 
battle-field.  His  hopes,  however,  were  not  realized.  True  to  their 
duty,  for  eight  hours  our  brave  men  lay  upon  the  ground,  taking 
advantage  of  such  undulations  and  shallow  ravines  as  gave  promise 
of  partial  shelter,  while  the  fearful  storm  raged  a  few  feet  above  their 
heads,  tearing  the  trees  asunder,  lopping  olT  huge  branches  and  filling 
the  air  with  shrieks  and  explosions — realizing  to  the  fullest  the  fear- 
ful sublimity  of  battle. 

Turing  this  time,  in  the  temporary  absence  of  General  Ransom 
from  his  brigade  to  post  the  twenty-fourth  North  Carolina,  which  had 
gone  too  much  to  the  left  and  beyond  Barksdale's  brigade,  the  enemy 
made  a  furious  attack  with  heavy  masses  of  infantry  upon  the  posi- 
tion occupied  by  General  Ransom.  Colonel  Ransom,  of  the  thirty- 
fifth  North  Carolina,  in  temporary  command  of  the  brigade,  not  only 
repulsed  the  enemy,  but  pursued  him  across  the  field  as  far  as  the 
post  and  rail  fence,  inflicting  upon  him  so  severe  a  punishment  that 
no  other  attempt  of  infantry  was  made  on  the  position  during  the  day. 
While  I  was  with  General  Ransom's  command,  about  half  past  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  an  order  was  brought  from  General  Long- 
street,  directing  General  Ransom  to  advance  and  capture  the  enemy's 
batteries  in  his  front.  Hjiving  been  previously  instructed  by  General 
Jackson  to  hold  my  position  in  the  woods  until  General  Stuart  could 
turn  the  enemy's  right,  and  then  to  advance,  1  directed  General  Ran- 
som to  delay  the  execution  of  General  Longstreet's  order  until  I 
couM  see  General  Longstreet  in  person,  and  confer  with  him  on  the 
subject;  Upon  my  representation  to  him,  he  approved  what  I  had 
done,  and,  while  we  were  in  conversation  on  the  subject.  General 
Jacki-on  himself  joined  us  and  informed  us  that  General  Stuart  had 
made  the  attempt  spoken  of,  but  found  it  impracticable,  as  the  enemy's 
right  was  securely  posted  %  the  Potomac,  and  protected  by  heavy 
batteries  of  his  reserve  artillery.  It  was  then  determined  that  the 
attempt  to  force  the  enaBiy's  right  with  pur  fearfully  thinned  ranks, 
and  in  the  exhausted  condition  of  our  men,  was  an  eflfort  above  our 
strength.  Towards  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  was  directed  by  Gen- 
eral Longstreet  to  move  Ransom's  brigade  towards  the  right  to  reinforce 
our  centre,  where  the  enemy  were  making  demonstrations  as  if  for  an 
advance  upon  our  position.  No  attack  was,  however,  made;  but  the 
enemy's  artillery  continued  to  play  upon  the  woods,  upon  our  batte- 


208 

ries,  and  upon  every  position  along  our  line,  which  they  supposed  to 
be  occupied  by  our  troops.  Our  owh  batteries  replying  but  slowly 
for  the  want  of  ammunition.  Gradually,  as  night  approached,  this 
fire  died  away,  and  darkness  finally  put  an  end  to  this  long  and  bloody 
battle.  My  division  rested  until  next  morning  where  night  overtook 
them,  and  upon  the  line  occupied  by  them  during  the  day. 

The  conduct  of  the  division  was  generally  excellent,  and,  in  somo 
instances,  was  brilliant  in  the  extreme  I  desire,  particularly,  to  call 
attention  to  the  admirable»conduct  of  the  twenty-seventh  North  Car- 
olina, commanded  by  Colonel  John  R,  Cooke,  and  the  third  Arkansas 
volunteers,  commanded  by  its  senior  captain,  John  W.  Reedy. 

The  coolness  and  good  conduct  of  Colonel  Van  H.  Manning,  com- 
manding brigade,  until  wounded  and  carried  from  the  field,  is  worthy 
all  praise.  Colonel  Hall,  of  the  forty-sixth  North  Carolina  troops, 
"who,  as  next  in  rank,  assumed  command  of  the  brigade,  handled  his 
regiment  and  the  other  portions  of  the  brigade  falling  under  his  com- 
mand, with  skill  and  judgment. 

To  Brigadier  General  Ransom's  coolness,  judgment  and  skill,  we 
are,  in  a  great  degree,  indebted  for  the  successful  maintenance  of  our 
position  on  the  left,  which,  to  have  been  permanently  gained  by  the 
enemy,  would,  in  all  probability,  have  been  to  us  the  loss  of  the 
battle. 

General  Ransom  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of  Colonel 
Ransom,  of  the  thirty-fifth  North  'Carolina,  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Bryeon,  of  the  twenty-fifth,  and  Adjutant  Cooke,  of  the  twenty- 
fourth  North  Carolina  regiments,  as  having  particularly  distinguished 
themselves. 

The  light  batteries  of  Captains  French  and  Branch,  the  latter  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  R.  G.  Fegram,  at  different  times  during  the 
day  were  engaged  with  the  enemy,  and  did  good  service,  especially 
French's,  posted  on  the  extreme  left,  and  under  the  immediate  orders 
of  (leneral  Stuart. 

Captain  Wm.  A.  Smith,  my  assistant  adjutant  general,  and  Lieu- 
tenant J.  A.  Gait,  aid-de-camp,  were  with  me  upon  the  field  and  ren- 
dered me  valuable  assistance  in  transmitting  orders. 

The  division  suffered  heavily,  particularly  Manning's  command, 
(Walker's  brigade,)  which,  at  one  time,  sustained  almost  the  whole 
firt'  ( f  the  enemy's  right  wing.  Going  into  the  engagement,  as  it  was 
necessary  for  us  to  do,  to  support  the  sorely  pressed  divisions  of  Hood 
and  Early,  it  was,  of  course,  impossible  to  make  dispositions  based 
upon  a  careful  reconnoisance  of  the  localities. 

The  post  and  rail  fences  stretching  acr(?^8  the  fields  lying  between 
us  and  the  enemy's  position,  I  regard  as  the  fatal  obstacle  to  our  com- 
plete success  on  the  left,  and  success  there||W9uld,  doubtless,  have 
changed  the  fate  of  the  day.  Of  the  existence  of  these  obstacles 
none  of  my  division  had  any  previous  knowledge,  and  we  learned  it 
at  the  expense  of  many  valuable  lives. 

I  am.  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  G.  WALKER, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HOOD,  OF  OPERA- 
TIONS OF  HIS  DIVISION,  FROM  FREEMAN'S  FORD  TO 
BATTLE  OF  SHARPSBURG. 

Division  Headquarters,  September  27,  1862. 
Major  G.  M.  Sorreix,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  oper- 
ations of  this  division,  composed  of  two  brigades,  fourth  Alabama, 
second  and  eleventh  Mississippi,  and  sixth  North  Carolina,  Colonel 
E.  M.  Law  commanding ;  my  own  brigade,  first,  fourth  and  fifth 
Texas,  eighteenth  Georgia  and  Hampton  legion,  and  Riley's,  Bach- 
rpan's  and  Ga.rden'8  batteries,  Mjijor  B.  W.  Frobel  commandini^,  in 
the  engagements  at  PVeeman's  ford,  en  the  Rappahannock  river,  Au- 
gust 22d  ;  plains  of  Manassas,  August  29th  and  3<lth;  Boonsboro' 
Gap,  Maryland,  September  14tb,  aud  Sharpsburg,  Maryland,  Septem- 
ber 16th  and  17th,  1862: 

On  the  22d  August,  agreeable  to  orders  of  the  commanding  Gene- 
ral, I  proceeded  to  ^Freeman's  ford  to  relieve  General  Trimble's  brig- 
ade. On  my  arrival  in  the  afternoon,  1  found  the  enemy  had  crossed 
over  the  river,  and  were  in  the  immediate  front  of  General  Trimble. 
The  Texas  brigade  being  p]ac(d  on  the  right,  and  Colonel  Law's  on 
the  left,  the  attack  was  at  once  made,  General  Trimble  leading  off  in 
the  centre. 

The  enemy  were  driven  precipitately  over  the  Rappahannock  with 
considerable  loss,  not  less,  I  think,  than  from  two  to  three  hundred. 
During  the  engagement,  Major  Whaley,  fifth  Texas,  fell,  gallantly 
discharging  his  duties.  The  next  night,  the  command  marched  to 
Waterloo  ford,  and  relieved  General'A.'P  Hill's  division.  From  this 
point,  having  joined  the  main  body  of  General  Longstreet's  forces, 
the  march  was  continued  in  the  direction  of  Manassas.  On  ar- 
riving at  Thoroughfare  Gap,  the  enemy  were  drawn  up  in  line  to  dis- 
pute our  passage.  After  a  epirited  little  engagement  with  them  by 
General  D.  R.  Jones'  troops,  on  the  evening  of  the  28th  instant,  qur 
forces  were  able  to  bivouac  for  the  night,  bejond  the  gap.  The  next 
morning,  at  daylight,  the  march  was  again  resutr.ed,  with  this  divis- 
ion in  the  advance;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Upton,  of  the  fifth  Texas,  in 
command  of  a  party  of  select  Texan  riflemen,  constituting  the  ad- 
vance guard. 

Coming  up  with  the  rear  guard  of  the  enemy,  before  sunrise,  this 
gallant  ayd  distinguished  officer  drove  them  before  him  so  rapidly  that 
halts  would  have  to  be  made  for  the  troops  in  rear  to  rest.  Earlv  in  the 
day,  we  came  up  with  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  on  the  plains  of  Ma- 
nassas, engaging  Gen.  Jackson's  forces.  Disposition  of  the  troops  being 
made,  the  Texas  brigade  atlvanced  in  line  of  battle  down,  and  on  the 
immediate  right  of,  the  pike  leading  to  the  stotte  bridge,  and  Colonel 
Law's  brigade  on  the  left.  Arriving  on  a  line  with  the  line  of  bat- 
tle established  by  General  Jackson,  the  division  was  halted  by  order 
of  the  General  commanding. 
14 


21(J 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  tlie  enemy  made  a  fierce  at- 
tack upon  General  Jackson,  his  noble  troops  holding  their  ground 
>vith  their  usual  gallantry.  x\t  sunset,  an  order  came  to  me  from  the 
commanding  General  to  move  forward  and  attack  the  enemy.  Before, 
ho\Yever,  this  division  could  come  to  attention,  they  were  attacked, 
and  I  instantly  ordered  the  two  brigades  to  move  forward  and  charge 
the  enemy,  which  they  did  most  gallantly,  driving  them  in  confusion 
in  front  of  them.  Colonel  Law's  brigade  being  engaged  with  a  very 
heavy  force  of  the  enemy,  captured  one  piece  of  artillery,  three  stands 
of  colors  and  one  hundred  prisoners,  and  the  Texas  brigade,  three 
stands  of  colors.  It  soon  became  so  rerydark  that  it  was  impossible 
to  pursue  the  enemy  any  further. 

At  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  orders  came  to  retake  our  position  on 
the  right  of  General  Jackson,  in  which  we  remained  until  four  o'clock, 
next  afternoon,  (i\.ugust  SOth,)  when  the  battle  of  the  plains  of  Ma- 
nassas commenced,  by  a  most  vigorous  attack  by  the  enemy  upon  the 
right  of  General  Jackson.  After  a  severe  struggle,  the  enemy  gave 
way  in  great  confusion  on  the  left  of  the  pike,  and,  by  direction  of 
the  General  commanding,  I  moved  forvrard  this  division,  with  the 
Texas  brigade  on  the  right  of  the  pike  and  Colonel  Law's  advancing 
on  the  left,  and  passing  over  to  the  right.  Within  one  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  after  leaving  their  position,  the  Texas  brigade  became  en- 
gaged with  a  heavy  .force  of  the  enemy  ;  but,  with  their  usual  daring 
and  enthusiasm,  they  charged  gallantly  on,  driving  a  largely  superior 
force  a  distance  of  one  and  a  half  miles,  causing  terrible  slaughter  ia 
their  ranks,  capturing  a  battery  of  four  guns  crowning  the  heights 
near  the  Chinn  house — Colonel  Law's  brigade  having  moved  for- 
ward on  the  left,  driving  the  enemy,  and  accomplishing  most 
noble  work  in  their  immediate  front.  The  Texas  brigade  hav- 
ing gained  the  heights,  and  being  a  long  distance  in  advance 
of  the  remainder  of  our  troops,  and  very  much  exhausted,  I 
ordered  them  to  halt  and  hold  their  ground.  Soon  after.  General 
Evans'  brigade  came  up  and  became  engaged.  I  passed  on  to  the 
heights,  and  assisted  in  placing  other  brigades  in  position  as  they  ar- 
rived on  the  field,  and  so  soon  as  my  own  troops  were  sufficiently 
rested,  they  were  brought  forward,  and  slept  upon  the  field  of  battle 
near  the  Sudley  ford  road. 

The  noble  troops  of  this  division  captured  four  (4)  pieces  of  artil- 
lery and  eight  stands  of  colors,  and,  as  to  their  gallantry  and  un- 
flinching courage,  they  stand  unsurpassed  within  the  history  of  the 
world. 

Many  gallant  officers  and  men  fell  upon  this  memorable  field,  and 
our  country  has  cause  to  regret  the  loss  of  none  of  her  sons  more 
than  that  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  C.  Upton,  fifth  Texas  ;  Major 
Townsend,  of  the  fourth  Texas;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Euff  and  Major 
Griffin,  of  the  eighteenth  Georgia,  and  Captain  K,  Bryan,  acting 
Major  of  the  fifth  Texas,  fell,  severely  wounded,  whilst  nobly  dis- 
charging their  duties.  Of  the  different  regimental  commanders,  too 
much  cannot  be  said ;  Colonel  J.  B.  Robertson,  fifth  Texas,  was 
wounded,  whilst  directing  his  regiment  far  in  advance  of  the  crest  of 


2U 

the  hill,  when  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  halt;  Colonel  W.  T.  Wof- 
ford,  of  the  eighteenth  Georgia;  Lieutenant  Colonel  B.  F.Carter, 
commanding  fourth  Texas  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  P.  A.  Work,  first 
Texas  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gary,  commanding  Hampton  legion  ;  Col- 
onel Stone,  second  Mississippi;  Colonel  P.  F.  Liddell,  eleventh 
Mississippi ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  0.  K.  McLemore,  fourth  Alabama, 
and  Major  R.  F,  Webb,  sixth  North  Carolina,  although  not  wounded, 
were  conspicuous  upon  this  hotly  contested  field,  leading  forwad  the 
many  brave  men  of  their  commands.  After  all  the  field  and  acting 
field  officers  of  the  fifth  Texas  regiment  had  fallen,  Captain  J.  N.  M. 
Turner  gallantly  led  that  regiment  through. 

The  next  day,  after  burying  the  dead,  the  march  was  continued  to 
Sudley  ford,  and  from  thence  to  Hagcrstown,  Maryland,  via  Freder- 
ick City,  crossing  the  Potomac  at  White's  ford  near  Leesburg. 

On  the  morning  of  tho  14th  September,  we  marched  back  to  Boona- 
boro'  Gap,  a  distance  of  some  thirteen  miles.  This  division,  arriving 
between  three  and  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  found  the  troops  of  General 
1)..H.  Hill  engaged  with  a  large  force  of  the  enemy.  By  direction 
of  the  commanding  General,  I  took  up  my  position  on  the  left  of  tho 
pike.  Soon  orders  came  to  change  over  to  the  right,  as  our  troops 
on  that  side  were  giving  way  to  superior  numbers.  On  the  march  to 
the  right,  I  met  General  Drayton's  brigade  coming  out,  saying  the 
enemy  had  succeeded  in  passing  to  their  rear.  1  at  once  inclined 
more  to  the  right,  over  a  very  rugged  country,  and  succeeding  in 
getting  in  a  position  to  receive  the  enemy.  I  at  once  ordered  the 
Texas  brigade.  Colonel  W.  T.  Wbfford  commanding,  and  the  third 
brigade,  Colonel  E.  M.  Law  commanding,  to  move  forward  with  bay- 
ouets  fixed,  which  they  did  with  their  usual  gallantry,  driving  the  en- 
emy and  regaining  all  of  our  lost  ground,  when  night  came  on  and 
further  pursuit  ceased.  On  this  field,  fell  mortally  wounded,  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  0  K.  McLemore,  of  the  fourth  Alabama,  a  most  efficient, 
gallant  and  valuable  officer. 

Soon  after  night,  orders  were  received  to  withdraw,  and  for  this 
division  to  constitute  the  rear  guard  of  the  army.  The  march  was 
accordingly  taken  up  in  the  direction  of  Sharpsburg.  Arriving  on 
the  heights  across  the  Antietam  river,  near  the  town,  about  twelve, 
M.,  on  the  15th  instant,  I  was  ordered  to  take  position  in  line  of 
buttle  on  the  right  of  the  road  leading  to  Boon3i>oro',  but  soon  re- 
roceived  orders  to  move  to  the  extreme  left,  near  St.  Murama  church, 
on  the  ILigerstown  pike,  remaining  in  this  position,  under  fire  of 
the  shells  from  the  enemy,  until  nearly  sunset  on  the  evenino'  of 
the  16th. 

The  enemy,  having  crossed  higher  up  the  Antietam,  made  an 
attack  upon  the  left  ilank  of  our  line  of  battle,  the  troops  of  this 
division  being  the  only  foroes  on  our  side  engaged.  We  succeeded 
in  checking  and  driving  back  the  enemy  a  short  distance,  when  night 
came  on  and  soon  the  firing  ceased.  During  the  engagement  the 
brave  and  efficient  Colonel  P.  F.  Liddell,  eleventh  Mississippi,  fell, 
mortally  wounded.  The  officers  and  men  of  my  command  havint^ 
been  without  food  for  three  days,  except  a  half- ration  of  beef  for  one 


212 

day,  and  green  corn,  General  Lawton,with  two  brigades,  wag  directed 
to  take  my  position,  to  enable  my  men  to  cook. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th  instant,  about  three  o'clock,  the  firing 
commenced  along  the  line  occupied  by  General  Lawton.  At  six 
o'clock  I  received  notice  from  him  that  he  Vi'ould  require  all  the  aS' 
eistance  I  could  give  him.  A  few  minutes  after,  a  member  of  his 
Btaff  reported  to  me  that  he  was  wounded  and  wished  me  to  come  for- 
ward as  soon  as  possible.  Being  in  readiness,  I  at  once  marched 
out  on  the  field,  in  line  of  battle,  and  soon  became  engaged  with  an 
immense  force  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  not  less  than  two  corps  of 
their  army.  It  was  here  that  I  witnessed  the  most  terrible  clash  of 
arms,  by  far,  that  has  occurred  during  the  war.  The  two  little  giant 
brigades  of  this  division  wrestled  with  this  mighty  force,  losing  hun- 
dieds  of  their  gallant  officers  and  men,  but  driving  the.  enemy  from 
his  position  and  forcing  him  to  abandon  his  guns  on  our  left.  The 
battle  raged  with  the  greatest  lury  until  about  nine  o'clock,  the  ene- 
my being  driven  from  four  to  five  hundred  yards. 

Fighting,  as  we  were,  at  right  angles  with  the  general  line  of 
battle,  and  General  Ripley's  brigade  being  the  extreme  left  of  Gene- 
ral D.  H.  Hill's  forces,  and  continuing  to  hold  their  ground,  caused 
the  enemy  to  pour  in  a  heavy  fire  upon  the  rear  and  right  flank  of 
Colonel  Law's  brigade,  rendering  it  necessary  to  move  the  division  to 
the  lett  and  rear,  into  the  woods  near  the  St.  Mumma  church,  which 
we  continued  to  hold  until  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,when  General  McLaws 
arrived  with  his  command,  which  was  at  once  formed  in  line  and 
moved  forward,  engaging  the  enemy.  My  command  was  marched  to 
the  rear,  ammunition  replenished,  and  returned  at  twelve,  M.,  taking 
pcsition,  by  direction  of  the  General  commanding,  in  rear  of  the 
church,  with  orders  to  hold  it. 

About  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  by  order,  the  division  moved  to  the 
right,  near  the  centre,  and  remained  there  until  the  night  of  the  ISth 
instant,  when  orders  were  received  to  recross  the  Potomac. 

I  would  respectfully  state  that'iu  the  morning,  about  four  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  I  sentMiijor  Planton,  aidde  camp,  to  Major  General  D.  H. 
Hill,  to  know  if  he  could  furnish  any  troops  to  assist  in  holding  the 
left  of  our  position.  He  replied  that  he  could  not,  and  the  Mtijor 
General  commanding  is  aware  of  the  number  of  messages  received 
from  me  asking  for  reinforcements,  which  I  felt  were  absolutely  re- 
quired after  seeing  the  great  strength  of  the  enemy  in  my  front,  and 
1  am  thoroughly  of  the  opinion  had  General  McLaws  arrived  by  half, 
past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  our  victory  on  the  left  would  have  been  as 
thorough,  quick  and  complete,  as  upon  the  plains  of  Manassas  on  the 
SUth  of  August. 

During  the  engagement,  Major  Dingle,  of  the  Hampton  legion, 
gallantly  bearing  the  colors  of  his  regiment.  Major  Dale,  first  Texas, 
and  Major  Evans,  eleventh  Mississippi,  fell  whilst  leading  their  brave 
comrades  against  ten  times  their  numbers.  Colonel  Scone,  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Humphreys  and  Major  Blair,  second  Mississippi,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Butler,  eleventh  Mississippi,  Captain  Scruggs,  fourth 
Alabama,  and  Major  Webb,  sixth  North  Carolina,  also  received  severe 


213 

wounds.  Conspicuous  were  Colonels  Law  and  Woftord,  comm^ding 
brigades.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gary,  commanding, Hampton  legion; 
Lieutenant  Colonel  P.  A.  Work,  commanding  first  Texas;  Lieutenant 
Colonel  B.  F,  Carter,  commanding  fourth  Texas  ;  Captain  Turner, 
commanding  fifth  Texas,  although  not  wounded,  deserve  great  credit 
for  their  skillful  management  and  coolness  during  the  battle.  It  is 
but  justice  to  Colonel  J.  C.  G.  Key,  fourth  Texas,  to  state  that  he 
was  present  at  the  battles  of  Boonsboro'  Gap  and  Sharpsburg,  although 
unable  to  take  command  of  his  regiment,  in  consequence  of  a  severe 
wound  received  at  the  battle  of  Gaines'  Farm,  June  27th,  1862, 

During  this  engagement  and  that  of  the  battle  of  Manassas,  lliley's, 
Bachman's  and  Garden's  batteries  were  admirably  handled  by  the  bat- 
tery commanders;  Major  B.  W.  Frobel.  commanding,  acting  with 
great  coolness  and  judgment  upon  the  field. 

Too  much  cannot  be  said  o.f  the  members  of  my  staff.  The  chief. 
Major  W.  H.  Sellers,  had  his  horse  shot  whilst  ably  directing  the 
Texas  brigade,  at  the  battle  of  Manassas,  during  the  time  of  my 
being  sent  for  by  the  General  commanding  to  receive  additional 
orders.  lie  has  proven  himself  competent  to  command  a  brigade 
under  all  circumstances.  This  distinguished  officer,  together  with 
my  two  aids,  Major  B.  II.  Blanton  and  Lieutenant  James  Hamilton, 
had  their  horses  shot  during  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg,  whilst  most 
gallantly  pushing  forward  the  troops  and  transmitting  orders.  Major 
Blantou,  Lieutenant  Hamilton,  Lieutenant  Joseph  Phillips,  C.  S.  A., 
of  General  Magruder's  staff,  and  Captain  C.  S.  Mills,  A.  Q.  M.  first 
Texas  regiment,  rendered  most  invaluable  service  during  the  battle  of 
Manassas  in  bringing  forward  and  placing  in  position  additional 
brigades  upon  the  long  to  be  remembered  heights  around  the  Chinn 
house.  Lieutenant  D.  L.  Sublett,  acting  division  ordnance  officer, 
was  prompt  in  bringing  forward  ammunition,  and  otherwise  efficiently 
performed  the  duties  pertaining  to  his  department.  All  praise  is  due 
Dr.  Darby,  chief  surgeon  of  the  division,  for  his  untiring  efforts  and 
skillful  manner  in  caring  for  the  numerous  wounded.  Dr.  Roach, 
senior  surgeon  Texas  brigade,  and  Dr.  Hubbard,  senior  surgeon  Law's 
brigade,  Dr.  Breckinridge,  and  all  other  surgeons  and  assistant  sur- 
geons of  this  command,  have  my  heartfelt  thanks  for  their  able 
services.  I  would  be  wrong  in  not  acknowledging  the  valuable  ser- 
vices rendered  during  the  several  engagements,  in  transmitting 
orders,  of  the  following  couriers  of  this  command  :  M.  M.  Temple- 
man,  T.  W.  C.  Lake,  J.  P.  Mahony,  James  Malone,  W.  E.  Duncan, 
J.  A,  Mann,  W.  J.  Barbee,  W.  G.  Jesse,  J.  J.  Haggerty  and  J.  H. 
Drake. 

For  additional  particulars  reference  is  made  to  the  reports  of  bri- 
gade and  regimental  commanders,  herewith  respectfully  submitted. 

Below  will  bo  found  a  report  of  casualties 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  HOOD, 
Brigadier  General,  commayxding  Division^ 


214 


GENERAL  SUMMARY  OF   KILLED    AND    WOUNDED  in 

the  Dwision  commanded  by  Brigadier   General  J.  B.  Hood. 


Brigades. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

a> 
o 

o 

'a 

o 

m 

o 

to 

05 

o 
o 

<a 

O 

O 

o 

Texas. 

<< 
Law's. 

1 

33 
35 
20 
2 
44 

9 
507 
382 
244 

9 
335 

la 

Manassas  Plains 

Sharpsbiirg.  Maryl'nd 
Manassas  Plfiin? 

6 

10 

3 

70 
59 
53 
3 
44 

1 
1 

12 
01 

628 
548 
320 

14 

Sharpsburg,  Maryl'nd 

6 

25 

454 

Grand  total 

24 

229 

135 

1,486 

2 

98 

1.974 

REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  RODES. 

Headquarters  D.  II.  Hill's  Division,  ) 
February  4,    1S63.  ] 

Lieutenant  Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

A.  A.  G.,  Headquarters  Second  Corps : 

Colonel  :  In  reply  to  your  note  of  yesterday,  I  beg  to  say  that  I 
am  informed  that  General  Hill  has  already  forwarded  to  General  Lee 
a  report  of  the  operations  of  this  division  during  the  period  indicated. 
Under  these  circumstances,  and  being  only  temporarily  in  command  of 
the  division,  I  would  respectfully  refer  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding to  that  document. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Colonel, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

R.  E.  RODES, 
Brig.   Gen.  commanding  Division. 


EEPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  D.  R  JONES  OF  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS,  AND  OPERATIONS  IN  MARY- 
LAND. 

RICHMO^D,  Va.,  December  S,  186*2. 

Major  G.  M.  SoTiRFL, 

A.  A.  G.,  Longsfrett's  Corps  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  reports  of  tho 
movements  of  my  division,  and  of  the  part  it  performed  in  the  eu- 
gHgement3  of  the  campaign  in  Northern  Virginia  and  Maryland. 
Serious  illness  and  absence  from  the  field  has  delayed  its  appcaranco 
till  now  : 

On  the  15th  August  last,  the  division  I  commanded  reached  Gor- 
donsvilie  by  rail,  and  camped  near  that  place.  Marching  thence,  and 
crossing  Rapidan  r'ver  on  the  18th,  on  the  23d,  under  order  from 
General  Long^treet,  I  advanced  Drayton's  brigade  on  the  road  lead- 
ing to  Beverly  ford,  on  the  Rapp^ihannock  river,  in  support  of  the 
"Washington  artillery,  sending  iVnderson's  brigade  to  the  right,  in 
direction  of  railroad  bridge,  with  orders  to  report  to' General  Evans, 
supporting  artillery  in  that  direction. 

Fire  Afas  to  be  opened  on  the  enemy's  batteries  simultaneously. 
Anderson's  brigade,  being  under  command  of  General  Evans,  will  fig- 
ure in  his  report.  Drayton's  brigade,  supported  by  Toombs'  brigade, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Benning,  of  seventeenth  Georgia,  took  no  part 
in  the  action  which  ensued,  the  river  not  being  fordable  in  their  front* 
and  suffered  but  few  casualties. 

On  the  25th,  I  took  position  in  front  of  Waterloo  bridge,  sending 
forward  a  regiment  of  sharpshooters  from  Drayton's  brigade,  which, 
engaging  the  enemy  across  the  river,  suffered  some  slight  loss. 
Crossing  the  Rappahannock  river,  I  reached  Thoroughfare  Gap  on  the 
28th,  and,  under  orders  from  General  Longstreet,  sent  forward  the 
ninth  Georgia  regiment,  Anderson's  brigade,  in  the  gip,  following  it 
with  my  whole  division,  which  I  disposed  of  by  placing  Anderson's 
brigade  on  the  hill  to  the  left,  with  Drayton's  brigade  and  two  regi- 
ments of  Toombs'  brigade  on  the  hill  to  the  right,  hohling  the  other  two 
regiments  of  Toombs'  brigade  in  reserve.  The  ninth  Georgia,  drove 
out  some  few  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  who  fell  back  on  their  main 
body,  then  seen  advancing  from  the  woods,  in  front  of  the  gap,  and 
taking  position  on  the  plateau,  parallel  with  the  mountain  range,  and 
distant  therefrom  about  half  a  mile.  They  appeared  before  my  dis- 
position of  troops  had  been  completed  and  opened  a  very  heavy  fire 
of  artillery  on  the  road  and  on  the  mountain  sides  flanking  it.  Hav- 
ing no  artillery  to  reply  with,  there  being  no  position  in  which  it 
could  be  placed,  so  far  as  I  had  been  able  to  reconnoitre  the  ground, 
the  enemy  advanced  his  guns  to  a  point  but  little  over  three  hundred 
yards  from  the  entrance  to  the  gap,  and  made  heavy  demonstrations 
on  the  right  and  left,  bringing  him  in  contact  with  Anderson's   bri- 


217         • 

gade  on  the  left,  which  repulsed  him  in  most  gallant  style  and  with 
heavy  loss.  In  this  encounter,  the  first  Georgia  regulars  greatly  dis- 
tinguished themselves. 

On  the  right,  the  demonstration  resulted  only  in  skirmishing. 
After  the  repulse  of  his  efforts  at  flanking,  the  enemy  withdrew  his 
artillery  to  the  plateau  on  which  he  had  at  first  appeared,  and  kept  up 
a  very  heavy  fire  till  dark,  vhen,  appearances  indicating  his  retreat, 
I  advanced  my  command  and  bivouacked  beyond  the  gap  unmolested 
by  the  enemy.  The  intense  darkness  and  ignorance  of  the  fords  over 
the  creek  in  my  front  prevented  pursuit. 

]My  eritire  logs  in  this  engagement  was  not  more  than  twenty-five. 
The  number  of  the  enemy  engaged  amounted  to  over  eleven  thousand, 
under  the  command  of  General  Ricketts,  as  appeared  from  northern 
papers. 

My  division,  of  three  brigades,  was  alone  engaged  on  our  side. 

Eaily  on  the  morning  of  the  29th,  I  took  up  the  line  of  march  in 
the  direction  of  the  old  battle  ground  of  Manassas,  whence  heavy 
firing  was  heard;  aniving  on  the  ground  about  noon,  my  command 
was  stationed  on  the  extreme  right  of  our  whole  line,  and,  during  the 
bahir.ce  of  the  day,  was  suVtjcctod  to  shelling,  resulting  in  but  few 
casualties.  On  the  morning  of  the  3ilth,  slight  alterations  were  maile 
in^he  disposition  of  my  command,  throwing  it  more  forward  and  to 
the  right.  The  battle,  meanwhile,  raging  fiercely  on  the  left,  about 
five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  my  command  was  ordered  forward  ;  I 
brought  it  up  with  the  exception  of  Drayton's  brigade,  which  was 
detained  by  a  report  from  Captain  Rosser,  of  the  cavalry,  on  the  ex- 
treme right,  that  the  enemy  were  attempting  to  flank  our  line  in  that 
'direction.  I  took  position  near  the  "  Chinn  house,"  with  the  brigades 
of  Toombs  and  Anderson,  and  anticipating  what  my  orders  would  be,, 
General  Lohgstreet  not  being  then  near  me,  and  seeing  the  great 
results  within  reach,  I  pushed  them  forward  upon  the  enemy,  desii^n- 
ing,  with  Drayton's  brigade,  to  turn  and  completely  sweep  the  right 
of  the  field.  The  two  brigades  went  in  most  gallantly,  suffering 
severe  loss.  Again  and  again  did  I  send  for  Drayton,  who,  after 
delaying  till  he  heard  the  unfounded  nature  of  the  report  on  which  he 
acted,  hurried  up  at  speed  and  went  in  on  the  right,  only  a  few 
moments  before  firing  ceased,  at  dusk,  too  late  to  accomplish  the 
results  contemplated.  General  Toombs,  released  from  the  arrest  under 
which  he  had  been  since  the  Ibth  instant,  came  upon  the  field  shortly 
after  his  brigade  went  under  fire,  and  accompanied  it  in  action,  lie 
brought  me  orders  from  General  Longstrect,  directing  the  movements 
1  had  anticipated  and  was  then  making.  Night  came  on,  and  my 
troops  slept  on  the  field. 

Both  Anderson's  and  Too.nbs'  brigades  suffered  severely  in  the 
action.  In  the  former  brigade  of  five  regiments,  but  one  field  officer 
was  untouched.  Colonel  Wilson,  of  the  seventh  Georgia,  the  grey- 
haired  hero  of  many  fights,  feU,  mortally  wounded.  Officers  and  men 
never  behaved  better  than  did  mine  on  that  day.  On  the  morning  of 
theSlst,  1  took  up  line  of  march  in  the  direction  of  Sudley  ford,  cross- 
ing at  it,  and  marching  to  Chantilly  the  next  day ;    •whence,  under 


218 

ordere  from  General  Longetreet,  I  sent  Toombs'  and  Anderson's  brig- 
ades to  the  support  of  General  Jackson,  who  was  engaged  with  the 
enemy  at  Ox  Hill.  These  brigades,  took  up  line  of  battle  on  the  right 
of  the  turnpike,  and  slowly  advanced  into  the  woods  bordering  it, 
supposed  to  contain  the  enemy.  Night  coming  on  and  no  enemy  be- 
ing visible,  my  troops  were  withdrawn  to  the  road  for  bivouac.  Cap- 
tain Thurston  ordnance  officer  of  my  division,  was  here  captured 
while  carrying  my  orders,  riding  into  the  enemy's  lines  by  mistake. 

Remaining  in  position  at  Ox  Hill  during  the  2nd,  I  marched,  on  the 
3rd,  for  Lecsburg  by  the  Dranesville  road,  crossing  Goose  creek  and 
reaching  that  place  on  the  evening  of  the  4th.  On  the  morning  of 
()th  September,  I  crossed  my  division  into  Maryland,  now  increased 
to  fix  brigades,  by  the  addition  of  Kemper's  brigade,  Pickett's  brig- 
ade, commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Garnett,  and  Jenkins'  brigade, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker,  marched  through  Buckeys- 
town,  end  camped  on  the  banks  of  the  Monoccacy,  marching  next  day 
to  the  Monoccacy  Junction  and  going  into  camp  near  Federick  City. 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  1  marched  through  Boonsboro'  Funks- 
town  and  Hagerstown,  camping  near  the  latter  place  on  the  Williams- 
port  road,  on  the  12th. 

On  the  14th,  I  marched,  on  the  Frederick  road,  in  the  direction  of 
that  city,  hearing  heavy  firing,  leaving  Toombs'  brigade  in  command 
of  Hagerstown,  and  eleventh  Georgia  regiment,  of  Anderson's  brig- 
ade, in  charge  of  wagon  train.  Halting  just  beyond  Boonsboro', 
Drayton's  and  Anderson's  brigades  were  temporarily  detached  from 
iny  command  and  ordered  to  report  to  General  D.  H.  Hill.  With  my 
three  other  brigades  present,  I  was  ordered,  by  General  Longstreet, 
to  march  to  a  pass  about  a  mile  to  the  right  of  the  main  road,  through 
which  the  enemy  was  said  to  be  flanking  our  array. 

Reaching  the  pass  and  finding  the  report  incorrect,  I  was  directed 
to  bring  my  brigades  as  rapidly  as  possible  back  to  the  main  road  and 
to  the  mountain  top,  and,  under  orders  from  General  Longstreet, 
placed  Kemper  and  Garnett,  supported  by  Jenkins'  brigade,  in  position 
on  the  ridge  to  the  left  of  the  road  and  above  it.  While  taking  posi- 
tion, my  troops  were  exposed  to  severe  sh'jlling,  and  shortly  after- 
wards, to  a  heavy  infantry  attack  in  overwhelming  numbers.  Despite 
the  odds,  they  held  their  ground  until  dark,  when  the  brigades  on  my 
left  giving  way,  they  were  withdrawn  in  comparatively  good  order  to 
the  foot  of  the  mountain.  The  enemy  did  not  pursue  his  advantage, 
and  our  troops  were  marched  to  Sharpsburg,  which  we  reached  on  the 
morning  of  the  15th.  On  this  march  Anderson's  brigade  was  assigned 
to  General  Hood,  to  act  as  a  rear  guard,  and  General  Toombs,  with 
two  regiments  of  his  brigade,  joined  me,  the  balance  of  his  brigade 
having  been  sent  to  Williamsport  with  wagons. 

My  command  took  possession  of  the  heights  in  front  of  and  to  the 
right  of  the  town,  being  the  extreme  right  of  our  whole  line.  I  ord- 
ered General  Toombs  to  defend  the  bpigde  over  the  Antietam  creek 
in  front  of  me,  with  the  second  and  twentieth  Georgia  regiments, 
reinforced  by  a  half  company  from  Jenkins'  brigade  and  the  fiftieth 
Georgia  regiment,  of  Drayton's  brigade.     These  reinforcements  took 


219 

but  small  part  in  what  ensued,  from  the  nature  of  their  position.  The 
enemy  appeared  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek,  and  heavy  artillery 
firing  was  kept  up  during  the  day,  continuing  also  the  iGth,  with  but 
little  damage  to  my  command. 

Daylight  of  the  17th  of  September,  gave  the  signal  for  a  terrlEc 
cannonade.  The  battle  raged  with  "intensity  on  the  left  ami  centre  ; 
but  the  heavy  masses  in  my  front,  repulsed  again  and  again  in  their 
attempts  to  force  the  passage  of  the  bridge  by  the  two  regiments  be- 
fore named,  comprising  four  hundred  and  three  men,  assisted  by  artil- 
lery I  had  placed  in  position  on  the  heights,  were  unable  to  effect  a 
crossing,  and  manccvrcd  as  if  about  to  cross  below,  at  some  of  the 
numerous  fords.  My  command  had  been  further  reduced  on  the  right, 
by  detaching  Garnett's  brigade  to  the  front  of  the  town,  leaving  mo 
for  the  defense  of  the  right,  with  only  Toombs'  two  regiments,  and 
Kemper's,  Drayton's  and  Walker's  brigades. 

When  it  its  known  that  on  that  morning,  my  entire  command  of  six 
brigades,  comprised  only  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  thirty  men, 
the  enormous  disparity  of  force  with  which  I  contended  can  be  seen. 

About  this  time  the  two  regiments  of  Toombs'  brigade,  seventeenth 
and  fifteenth  Georgia,  which  had  been  left  behind,  accompanied  by 
five  companies  of  the  eleventh  Georgia  regiment,  Anderson's  brigade, 
came  upon  the  field  and  Avere  at  once  placed  at  General  Toombs'  dis- 
posal to  aid  in  the  defence  of  the  bridge.  My  force  before  having 
been  too  weak  to  aid  him  with  a  single  man.  Before,  however,  they 
could  be  made  available  for  that  purpose  the  gallant  second  and  twen- 
tieth, having  repulsed  five  separate  assaults  and  exhausted  their  last 
round  of  ammunition,  fell  back,  leaving  the  bridge  to  the  enemy. 
Meanwhile  General  A.  P.  Hill  had  come  up  on  my  right,  and  was 
offecting  a  junction  with  my  line,  several  of  his  batteries  already  in 
position,  assisting  mine  in  firing  on  the  enemy  now  swarming  over 
the  bridge.  Undeterred,  except  momentarily,  by  this  fire,  the  enemy 
advanced  in  enormous  masses,  to  the  assault  of  the  heights.  Sweep- 
ing up  to  the  crest,  they  were  mowed  down  by  Brown's  battery,  the 
heroic  commander  of  which  had  been  wounded  but  a  few  moments 
before.  They  overcame  the  tough  resistance  offered  by  the  feeble 
forces  opposed  to  them,  and  gained  the  heights,  capturing  Mcintosh's 
battery,  of  General  Hill's  command.  Kemper  and  Drayton  were 
driven  back  through  the  town ;  the  fifteen  South  Carolina,  Colonel  De 
Sausure,  fell  back  very  slowly  and  in  order,  forming  the  nucleus  on 
which  the  brigade  rallied.  Jenkin's  brigade  held  its  own,  and  from 
its  position  in  the  orchard,  poured  a  destructive  fire  on  the  enemy. 

General  Toombs,  whom  I  had  sent  for,  arriving  from  the  right,  with 
a  portion  of  his  brigade  and  part  of  the  eleventh  Georgia  regiment, 
was  ordered  to  charge  the  enemy.  This  he  did  most  gallantly,  sup- 
ported by  Archer's  brigade,  of  Hill's  command,  delivering  fire  at  less 
than  fifty  yards,  dashing  at  the  enemy  with  the  bayonet,  forcing  him 
from  the  crest  and  following'"  him  down  the  hill,  Mcintosh's  battery 
was  retaken,  and,  assisted  by  other  pieces  which  wereSiow  brought  up 
to  the  edge  of  the  crest,  a  terrific  fire  was  opened  on  the  lines  of  the 
enemy  between  the  slope  and  the  creek,  which  finally  breaking  them,, 


220 

caused  a  co^Tused  retreat  to  the  bridge.  Night  had  now  corae  on, 
putting  an  end  to  the  conflict,  and  leaving  mj  command  in  possession 
of  the  ground  we  had  held  in  the  morning,  with  the  exception  of  the 
bridge.  In  this  day's  battle  fell  Lieut.  Colonel  Holmes,  second  Georgia, 
and  Colonel  Mulligan,  fifteenth  Georgia,  dying  as  brave  men  should  do. 

In  the  morning  of  the  18th,  much  sharpshooting  took  place,  con- 
tinuing all  day.  At  nine  o'clock,  P.  M  ,  I  took  up  line  of  march  for 
the  Potomac,  which  river  I  crossed,  taking  with  me  all  my  artillery, 
wagons  and  material,  without  any  loss  whatever,  camping  near  Shep- 
herdstown,  Virginia,  on  the  morning  of  the  19th. 

I  have  the  greatest  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  officers  and  men 
of  my  command. 

To  my  staff,  I  am  pai'ticularly  indebted.  Major  Conard,  my  A.  A. 
General,  displayed  on  all  occasions  that  cool  courage  and  discrimina- 
tion which  predict  fur  him  a  brilliant  military  career.  I  am  much 
gratified  at  his  well  merited  promotion. 

Captain  Osman  Latrobe,  my  inspector  general,  on  all  occasions,  and 
particularly  at  Sharpsburg,  conducted  himself  with  distinguished 
gallantry.  Wherever  the  battle  raged  hottest,  there  was  he  directing 
and  encouraging  the  troops.  I  earnestly  recorameud  his  promotion 
to  the  rank  of  m  ijor.  Surgeon  Barksdale,  of  my  staff,  did  more  than 
his  duty,  exposing  himself  on  the  field,  and  rendering  me  valuable 
assistance. 

Captain  Philip  B.  Jones,  Jr.,  volunteer  aid  on  my  staff,  displayed 
great  gallantry,  carrying  my  orders  through  the  heat  of  battle.  Cap- 
tain E.  N.  Thurston,  my  oidnance  ofl^icer,  previous  to  his  capture  at  Ox 
Iliil,  carried  my  orders  with  great  promptness,  displaying  perfect  cool- 
ness on  all  occasions  when  in  the  face  of  the  enemy. 

My  regular  aid-de-camp,  First  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Ford,  during  the 
recent  campaign  was  acting  as  assistant  quartermaster  of  my  division, 
and  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office  to  my  entire  satisfaction.  It 
affords  me  pleasure  to  mention  in  the  highest  terms  the  efficiency  of 
Major  Moses,  my  division  commissary. 

Mr.  Charles  W.  Williams,  volunteer  aid  on  my  staff,  was  of  much 
service  to  me.  He  was  with  me  throughout  the  campaign,  and  never 
for  one  mo;nent  did  he  falter  in  his  zeal  for  the  service,  or  his  con- 
spicuous coolness.  I  heartily  recommend  him  for  a  commission  in  the 
Confederate  service.  Captain  H.  E.  Young,  A.  A.  (jeneral,  and  Mr. 
Hugh  Rose,  volunteer  aids  for  the  occasion,  served  most  faithfully, 
obeying  with  cool  courage  and  much  gallantry,  all  orders  given  them. 

D.  R.  JONES,  Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  J.  R.  JONES  OF  OPE- 
llATIONS  FROM  SEPTEMBER  7th,  TO  DECEMBER  12th, 
1863. 

Headquarters  Jones'  Brigade,  ) 
January  21,  1863.  S 

Major  Pendleton, 

A.  A.  G.,  Headquarters  Second  Corps: 

Major  •  In  obedience  to  orders,  received  from  corps  headquartera, 
I  respectfully  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  ot  J:»ck- 
Bon's  division,  during  the  period  which  I  had  the  honor  to  command 
it   beiu'r  from  September  7th,  to  December  12th,  1862  :  _^ 

The  division  reached  Frederick  City,  Maryland,  on  the  *tb  feep- 
tomber  and  was  encamped  one  mile  from  the  city,  with  the  exception 
of  Jones-  brigade,  which  was  placed  in  the  city  as  provost  guard,  i 
found  the  division,  at  this  time,  very  much  reduced  in  numbers  by  the 
recent  severe  battles  and  the  long  wearisome  marches.  Orders  were 
received  on  Tuesday  night,  lOth  September,  to  march  at  three  o  clock 
the  following  morning.  The  march  was  continued  across  the  Potomac, 
at  Williamsport,   through  Martinsburg   to   the  vicmity  of  Harper  3 

Ferrv 

It'is  impossible,  at  this  point,  to  pay  the  well-merited  tribute  to 
the  condrct  of  the  soldiers  of  this  division  during  their  inarch 
through  Maryland.  Never  had  the  army  been  so  dirty,  ragged  and 
ill-provided  for  as  on  this  march,  and  yet  there  was  no  marauding, 
no  plundering.  The  right  of  person  and  property  were  strictly  re- 
srected  eliciting  the  following  comparison  from  the  New  York 
World  of  December  15th:  -  The  ragged,  half-starved  rebels  passed 
through  Maryland  without  disorder  or  marauding,  without  injury  to 
the  country,'showing  their  excellent  discipline.  The  well-fed,^ well- 
clothed  Union  soldiers  laid  waste  everything  before  them,  plunaering 
houses,  hen-roosts  and  pig-pens,  showing  an  utter  want  of  disci- 
pline." /■ 

Capture  of   Harper's  Ferry. 

Encamped  four  miles  from  Harper's  Ferry.  On  the  Mth,  orders 
were  received  te  move  the  division  near  the  Potomac  and  above  Boh- 
var  Hei-hts,  on  which  the  enemy  was  strongly  posted.  Commanding 
positions  were  secured  for  the  batteries  and  a  heavy  fire  opened  upoo 
the  works  of  the  enemy  and  their  line  of  battle,  v.bile  good  work  was 
done  by  our  batteries.  The  enemy  replied  without  effect,  not  a 
single  casualty  occurring  in  the  division.  Towards  night  I  ordered 
the  division  to  move  near  the  river,  directing  Starke's  brigade  to  rest 
on  the  river  road  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  making  his  escape,  if  he 
should  attempt  to  do  so.  At  dawn,  on  the  15th,  the  attack  was  re- 
newed  and  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  garrison  surrendered,  much  to 


222 

tlie  joy  of  the  toil-worn  soldiers,  who  were  ready  again  to  encounter 
the  enemy,  if  necessary.  At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  orders  were  re- 
ceived to  march  back  to  camp,  and  cook  two  days'  rations,  and  be 
ready  to  march.  The  cooking  was  done  about  twelve  o'clock  at  night, 
and  at  one  the  march  was  commenced,  reaching  the  Potomac  at 
sunrise.     The  division  was  hurried  across,  and  on  to  Sharpsburg. 

Battle  of  Sharpsburg. 

Resting  for  two  hours  in  a  grove  a  mile  from  Sharpsburg,  the  divis- 
ion was  again  put  in  motion,  and  took  up  its  position  on  the  extreme 
left,  its  right  resting  on  the  Sharpsburg  and  Hagerstown  turnpike. 
A  double  line  was  formed — the  front,  composed  of  Jones'  and  Win- 
der's brigades,  placed  in  an  open  field,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  Colonel  Grigsby  ;  Taliaferro's  and  Stuart's  brigades  forming  the 
reserves,  placed  at  the  edge  of  a  wood,  under  the  immediate  command 
of.  Brigadier  General  Starke;  the  whole  under  the  command  of  Briga- 
dier General  J.  R.  Jones. 

This  disposition  was  made  about  two  hours  before  night,  on  the 
16th  of  September,  1862.  Two  companies  were  at  once  thrown  forward 
as  skirmishers,  and  Poague's  battery  was  placed  in  the  road  on  the 
right.  A  battery  of  the  enemy,  about  five  hundred  yards  in  front  and  to 
the  right,  was  playing  upon  the  troops  of  Hood's  division,  which  was 
en  my  right.  Poague's  battery  opened  briskly  upon  it  and  silenced 
it  in  twenty  minutes.  The  skirmishers  were  warmly  engaged  until 
night.  The  troops  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  the  silence  of  which 
was  broken  by  occasional  firing  from  the  skirmishers.  At  the 
dawn  of  day,  on  the  17th,  the  battle  opened  fiercely.  A  storm  of 
shell  and  grape  fell  upon  the  division  from  several  batteries  in  front, 
and  at  very  short  range,  and  from  batteries  of  heavy  guns,  on  the 
extreme  right,  which  enfiladed  the  position  of  the  division  and 
took  it  in  reverse.  These  batteries  were  gallantly  replied  to  by  the 
batteries  of  the  division,  Poague's  Carpenter's  Brockenbrough's, 
Raines',  Caskie's  and  Wooding's.  It  was  during  this  almost  unpre- 
cedented iron  storm  that  a  shell  exploded  a  little  above  my  head,  and 
so  stunned  and  injured  me,  that  I  was  rendered  unfit  for  duty,  and 
retired  from  the  field,  turning  over  the  command  to  Brigadier  General 
{Starke,  who,  in  half  an  hour  afterwards,  advanced  his  lines  to  meet 
the  infantry  of  the  enemy  which  was  approaching.  The  infantry  bo- 
came  at  once  engaged,  and  the  gallant  and  generous  Starke  fell, 
pierced  by  three  balls,  and  survived  but  a  few  moments.  His  fall  cast 
a  gloom  upon  the  troops  :  they  never,  for  a  moment  faltered,  but 
rushed  upon  the  enemy  and  drove  him  back. 

The  struggle  continued  for  several  hours,  the  enemy  all  the  time 
receiving  reinforcements  and  the  division,  not  numbering  over  one 
thousand  six  hundred  men  at  the  beginning  of  the  fight,  having,  no 
support,  was  finally  compelled  to  fall  back  to  its  original  line.  Early's 
brigade  coming  up  at  this  opportune  moment,  (Colonel  Grigsby  com- 
manding,) the  division  rallied  its  scattered  columns  and  joined  General 
Early,  and  drove  the  enemy  half  a  mile  from  the  field,  capturing  many 


22S 

prisoners,  and   covering    the    field  with  the   dead   wounded    of  the 
enemy. 

After  this  repulse,  the  division  was  ordered  back  to  a  grove  to  rest 
and  get  ammunition,  when,  in  the  evening,  it  again  advanced  to  the 
support  of  the  battery;  but  did  not.  become  engaged  with  the  enemy.  In 
this  bloody  conflict,  the  old  stonewall  division  lost  nothing  of  its  fair 
nnme  and  fame. .  Having  won  a  world-wide  fame  by  its  valor  and  en- 
durance in  the  splendid  campaign  in  the  valley,  it  entered  upon 
another  series  of  fights,  commencing  at  Richmond  and  going  through 
Cedar  Run,  Manassas,  Harper's  Ferry  and  Sharpsburg,  entering  the 
last  weary  and  worn,  and  reduced  to  the  numbers  of  a  small  brigade, 
with  its  oiiicers  stricken  down  in  the  many  fierce  engagements,  closing 
with  a  colonel  commanding  the  division,  captains  commanding  brig- 
ades, lieutenants  commanding  regiments.  In  this  fight  every  man 
was  a  bero,  and  it  would  be  invidious  to  mention  particular  names. 

"Winder's  brigade  was  commanded  successively  by  Colonel  Grigsby 
and  Major  (now  Lieutenant  Colonel)  Williams,  fifth  Virginia  regi- 
ment ;  Jones'  brigade  by  Captains  Penn,  Page  and  Wither.^,  the  two 
first  losing  a  leg;  Taliaferro's  brigade,  by  Colonel  G.  W.  Jackson,  and 
Colonel  Sheffield ;  Starke's  brigade,  by  General  Starke,  Colonel  A.  L. 
Stafford,  ninth  Louisiana  regiment,  and  Colonel  Edward  Pendleton, 
fifteenth  Louisiana. 

IgL  Enclosed  are  reports  of  the  various  brigade  commanders,   which 
give  more  particularly  the  parts  taken  by  their  brigades. 

The  list  of  casualties  has  already  been  furnished,  amounting  to 
about  seven  hundred  killed  and  wounded. 

This  brief  report  is  respectfully  submitted, 

J.  R.  JONES, 
Brigadier  General  (ommanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WILCOX  OF  BATTLE 
OF  KELLEY'S  FORD. 

Headquarters  Anderson's  Division,  ) 
October   11,  1862.  5 

Major  G.  -M.   Sorrel,  Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  beg  to  submit  the  following  report  of  an  affair  with 
the  enemy  near  Kelly's  Ford,  on  tiie  Rappahannock,  on  the  SIst  of 
August  last.  This  skirmiah  occurred  between  a  portion  of  General 
Feathcrston's  brigade  and  the  enemy,  and  afterwards  between  our 
artillery  and  the  enemy  : 

The  division  crossed  the  Rapidan  at  Raccoon  ford  on  the  2nth  of 
August,  and,  continuing  its  march,  bivouacked  for  the  night  about 
five  miles  from  Kelly's  ford,  on  the  Rappahannock  Early  next 
morning  the  march  was  resumed,  the  three  brigades  under  my  com- 
mand leading  the  advance.  The  march  was  continued  on  the  road  to 
Stephensburg,  till  we  came  to  a  road  that  bore  off  to  the  right,  to 
Kelly's  ford.  My  command  was  directed  to  take  this  road.  Ad- 
vancing about  one  and  a  half  miles,  we  crossed  a  small  stream, 
Mountain  Run,  (ray  brigade  did  not  cross  this  run,)  this  run  being 
about  two  miles  from  the  ford.  We  had  not  advanced  far  beyond 
Mountain  Run  when  cavalry  pickets,  that  had  been  posted  on  this 
road  near  the  ford,  returned,  reporting  that  a  large  cavalry  force  had 
crossed  the  Rappahannock  and  were  advancing  on  the  road,  I  im- 
mediately ordered  two  regiments  from  Feathcrston's  brigade  to  be 
formed  in  line  of  battle,  one  on  each  side  of  the  road,  and  each  of 
tht3se  regiments  to  be  preceded  by  a  line  of  skirmishers ;  the 
remainder  of  Feathcrston's  brigade  close  in  rear,  and  Pryor  in  rear 
of  Featherston. 

I  now  ordered  the  lines  to  advance.  This  had  not  continued  long 
when  a  shot  was  heard  on  the  right,  and  it  soon  became  quite  brisk, 
ami  extended  to  the  left.  Our  lines  continued  to  advance  until  the 
ekirjnishers  reached  a  fence.  This  was  about  one  thousand  yards 
from  the  Rappahannock — a  field  extending  down  to  the  river,  the 
ground  falling  gradually.  Some  four  hundred  yards  in  this  field,  a 
few  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers  wore  seen  On  the  far  sile  of  tho 
Rappahannock  the  enemy's  camp  was  visible,  being  on  high  ground, 
much  higher  than  where  we  were.  The  camp  covered  considerable 
space.  The  skirmishers  continued  to  fire  at  each  other.  Two  of  mj 
men  were  wounded  here. 

The  Major  General  commanding  now  directed  me  to  withdraw  my 
force  back  across  Mountain  Run,  leaving  a  picket  force  on  the  far 
side.  I  directed  two  companies  to  be  posted  at  the  junction  of  two 
roads,  both  of  which  led  to  the  ford  (Kelly's)  and  two  regiments  ia 
rear  of  these  companies  some  three  or  four  hundred  yards.  Tho 
two  companies  left  at  the  forks  of  the  road  were  Captains  Feltua 
and  Hardy's,  sixteenth  Mississippi  regiment;  the  two  regiments  ia 


225 

the  rear  v^em  the  remainder  of   the    eixteenth    Missieeippi   and   the 
twelfth  Mississippi.     The   enemy,   seeing  that  our  forces  had  with- 
drawn, made  a  spirited  dash  with  his  cavalry  at  these  two  compani3s, 
and,  being  much    superior    in    numbers,   surrounded   them,  and  de- 
manded a  surrender.     Captain  Feltus  immediately  gave  the  command 
to  **  fire,"  which  was  done  with  effect,  killing  nine  horses  and  empty- 
ing several  saddles.     The  heavy  firing  caifted   Colonel  Posey  to  send 
a  third  company  to  the  assistance  of  these  two,  but  they  had  already 
driven  the  enemy  off,  and  now  fell   back   to   their  supports,  the  two 
regiments.     Colonel  Posey  now  posted  the   twelfth   Mississippi  in  a 
corn-field  on  his  left,  which   fronted  upon  an   open   field,  no  danger 
being  apprehended  on  his  right,  as  there  was  a  dense  forest   on  that 
flank.     Scarcely  had  the  twelfth  Mississippi  taken   its  position  when 
a  very  large  cavalry  force  made  its  appearance   in   the   open   field,  at 
eomc  distance  off,  but  showing  an  evident  design  to  attack.     Colonel 
Posey  moved,  unobserved  by  the  enemy,   at  double-quick   time,  with 
the  sixteenth  Mississippi,  to  the   support  of  the   twelfth   Mississippi., 
He  had  barely  reached  his  position,  when  the  enemy's  cavalry  came 
down  in  line  at  full  speed.     When    at   good   range   the   command   to 
**  fire  "  was  given,  and  one  volley  from  the  two  regiments  scattered 
the  cavalry,  with  the  utmost  confusion.     Some  thirty    saddles    were 
emptied,  and  the  cavalry  were  scattered  over  the  field  for  more  than 
a  mile.     At  length  they  reformed,  far  off  from  the  infantry   that  had 
just  punished  them  so  severely.     But  they  were  in  full  view  of  where 
my  own  and  General  Pryor's  brigades  were  resting,  on  high  ground, 
in  an  open  field,  on  the  far   side  of  the  Mountain  Run.     I  directed 
Captain  Anderson,  Thomas  artillery,  to  come   into  battery    on   high 
ground,  under  cover  of  some   pine,  with  his  Parrott  gun,  and  to  fire 
upon  them.     It  has  never  been  my  pleasure  to  witness  such  beautiful 
shots,  as  the  first  half-dozen  shell  that  were  thrown  at  them.     Each 
shell  burst  at  the  right   place  and   time,  and   seemed  to  create  more 
confusion  and  inflict  greater  loss  upon  them   than   the   infantry   fire. 
This  artillery    fire    drove    them    entirely    out  of  view,  and  nothing 
more  was  seen  of  them  until  about    five    o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  the 
cavalry  re-appeared.     Three  rifled  pieces  were  now  placed  in  position, 
and,  after  a  few  rounds,  the  cavalry  fled  again  in  confusion. 

My  command  was  now,  near  sundown,  put  in  march  in  rear  of  the 
column  for  Stephensburg.  Just  at  this  time  the  enemy  re-appeared 
on  the  ground  where  his  cavalry  had  been  twice  repulsed  by  our 
artillery.  This  time  he  came  with  four  pieces  of  rifled  artillery,  and 
began  to  fire  upon  us  as  we  were  moving  off.  It  was  now  quite  late, 
and  as  we  were  soon  out  of  sight  and  danger,  I  did  not  conceive  it 
necessary  to  return  this  fire,  as  my  orders  were  to  follow  the  re- 
mainder of  the  division,  which  was  now  in  motion. 

Much  feredit  is  due  to  Colonel  Posey,  sixteenth  Mississippi,  and 
Captain  Feltus  for  the  handsome  manner  in  which  they  repelled  the 
attack  of  the  Federal  cavalry,  which  was  much  superior  in  numbers. 
Captain  Anderson,  of  the  Thomas  artillery,  also  displayed  much  skill 
in  the  handling  of  his  battery,  and  in  the  accuracy  of  his  shots  and 
the  bursting  of  his  shells. 
15 


3!2« 


In  this  affair  our  loss  was  two  (2)  killed  and   twelve  (12)  wounded 
Pursuing  our  march,  we  bivouacked  at  Stephensburg  at  one  o'clock 
at  night. 

Very  respoctfullj,  &c.,  &c.,  • 

C.  M.  WILCOX, 
Brigadier  General  commanding,  Sfc.^  Sfc. 


REPOET  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WILCQX  OF  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 


Headquarters  Anderson's  DivrsioN,  i 
October  II,  1862.  J 


Major  G.  M.  Sorrel, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
borne  by  ray  command  at  the  battle  of  Manassas,  on  the  3l)th  of 
August  last ; 

The  command  of  General  Longstreet  bivouacked  on  the  night  of 
the  27th  of  August  at  W^hite  Plains.  On  the  following  day  the  march 
was  resumed,  following  the  road  leading  through  Thoroughfare  Gap. 
Arriving  near  this  gap,  it  was  found  to  be  occupied  by  the  enemy,, 
supposed  to  be  in  strong  force.  The  three  brigades  under  my  com- 
maud — my  own,  Generals  Featherston's  and  Pryor's — were,  together 
with  two  batteries  of  artillery,  mostly  riJBed  pieces,  detached  from 
the  main  command  and  moved  off  to  the  left  over  a  rough  and  hilly 
road,  in  the  direction  of  Hopewell  Gap,  with  orders  to  force  our  way 
through  it  should  the  enemy  be  found  to  hold  it. 

After  a  tedious,  fatiguing,  and  rather  difficult  march,  the  gap  was 
reached  at  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.  Halting  the  column,  a  regiment  was 
detached,  preceded  by  a  company,  both  under  the  direction  of  Briga- 
dier General  Pryor,  with  instructions  to  approach  the  pass  cautiously 
with  the  view  of  ascertaining  if  it  was  held  by  the  enemy,  and  if  so,, 
as  to  his  probable  strength.  In  a  half  or  three-quarters  of  an  hour, 
General  Pryor  reported  that  he  had  threaded  his  way  through  th^  pass 
as  far  as  Antioch  Church,  near  one  mile  beyond.  The  troops  were 
then  moved  forward  through  the  pass,  and,  after  posting  pickets  oB| 
the  various  roads  and  mountain  paths  that  diverged  from  the  gap,  the 
command  at  twelve  o'clock  bivouacked  for  the  night. 

Hopewell  Gap  is  about  three  miles  from  Thoroughfare  Gap,  being 
connected  with  the  latter  on  the  east  side  by  two  roads,  one  of  which 
is  impracticable  for  wagons.  The  enemy  had  been  at  this  pass  during, 
the  day,  but  retired  before  night,  thus  giving  us  a  free  passage. 
Early  the  following  morning  our  march  was  resumed,  and  the  com- 
mand rejoined  at  half-past  nine,  A.  M.,  the  remainder  of  the  division, 
at  the  intersection  of  the  two  roads  leading  from  the  gaps  above- 
mentioned. 

Pursuing  our  line  of  march,  together  with  the  division,  we  passed 
by  Gainesville,  and,  advancing  some  three  miles  beyond,  my  ihre& 
brigades  were  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  left  and  at  right  angles 
to  the  turnpike.  Having  advanced  near  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  we 
were  then  halted.  The  enemy  was  in  our  front  and  not  far  distant. 
Several  of  our  batteries  were  placed  in  position  on  a  commanding^ 
eminence  to  the  left  of  the  turnpike.  A  cannonading  ensued  and 
continued  for  an  hour  or  two,  to  which  the  enemy's  artillery  replied. 


228 

At  half-past  four  or  five,  P.  M.,  the  three  brigades  were  moved  across 
to  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  a  mile  or  more,  to  the  Manassas  Gap 
railroad.  While  here  musketry  was  heard  to  our  left  on  the  turnpike. 
This  firing  continued  with  more  or  less  vivacity  until  sundown. 
Now  the  command  was  orderd  back  to  the  turnpike,  and  forward  on 
this  to  the  support  of  Gen.  Hood,  who  had  become  engaged  with  the 
enemy  and  had  driven  him  back  some  distance,  inflicting  severe  loss 
upon  him,  being  checked  in  his  successes  by  the  darkness  of  tho 
night. 

After  reaching  General  Hood's  position,  but  little  musketry  was 
heard.  All  soon  became  quiet.  Our  pickets  were  thrown  out  to  the 
front.  The  enemy's  camp-fires  soon  became  visible,  extending  far  oif 
to  our  left,  front  and  right.  Remaining  in  this  position  until  twelve 
o'clock  at  night,  the  troops  were  withdrawn  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to 
the  rear,  and  bivouacked,  pickets  being  left  to  guard  our  front.  Before 
Bunrise  the  next  morning,  August  30th,  the  pickets  began  to  fire.  At 
times  it  became  quite  rapid.  The  enemy  could  be  seen  relieving  their 
ekirmishers.  The  firing  between  the  skirmishers  continued  with  but 
little  intermiB8ion  throughout  the  day.  Batteries  were  placed  in  po- 
sition on  the  left  of  the  turnpike  on  commanding  heights  where  tbey 
had  been  the  day  before.  They  soon  attracted  the  fire  of  the  enemy's 
artillery. 

Before  seven,  A.  M.,  Pryor's  brigade  was  placed  in  position  in  line 
at  right  angles  to  the  turnpike,  in  rear  of  a  fence,  in  woods — an  open 
field  extending  to  the  front  more  than  a  mile,  the  surface  of  which 
was  varied  with  a  succession  of  valleys  and  hills — Featherston's  brig- 
ade in  line  on  his  left,  and  extending  so  far  to  the  left  as  to  be  in 
contact  with  the  extreme  right  of  General  Jackson's  command.  My 
brigade  \Nas  in  the  woods  to  the  rear  of  the  centre  of  the  line  occu- 
pied by  the  other  two  brigades.  In  front  of  General  Pryor,  in  the 
open  field,  was  Col.  Law's  brigade  (Hood's  division  ;)  on  the  right  of  the 
■pad  was  Gen.  Hood's  brigade,  in  the  woods;  extending  far  to  the  right 
of  Hood  were  other  brigades  of  the  division.  The  infantry  and  ar- 
tillery fire  continued  during  most  of  the  day.  At  times  the  enemy's 
infantry  and  artillery  were  plainly  visible,  moving  in  different  direc. 
tions,  both  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  road.  Wagons  could  be  seen 
moving  oif  in  the  direction  of  Bull  Run,  and  clouds  of  dust  further 
oflf  in  that  direction.  About  half-past  three,  P.  M.,  the  enemy's  in- 
fantry were  seen  emerging  from  a  wood  upon  an  open  field,  in  line  of 
battle,  the  woods  and  field  being  in  front  of  Jackson's  extreme  right 
and  to  the  left  and  near  Featherston's  brigade  This  field  was  about  five 
hundred  yards  wide  and  terminated  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
from  Jackson's  line — the  ground  here  rising  rather  steeply  for  a  short 
distance,  and  then  level  to  the  railroad,  behind  the  embankment  of 
which,  at  this  point,  were  Jackson's  men.  Seeing  this  advance  of 
the  enemy,  I  repaired  at  once  to  the  interval  between  Pryor's  and 
Featherston's  brigades.  From  this  point  there  was  an  excellent  view 
of  the  field,  and  not  more  than  four  hundred  yards  distant.  The  first 
line  of  the  enemy  advanced  in  fine  style  across  the  open  field.  There 
was  but  little  to  oppose  them.   They  were  fired  upon  by  our  pickets  and 


229 


sklimlshers  ;  but  they  continued  to  advance,  and.  ascending  the  rise 
above  referred  to,  came  within  full  view  of  Jackson's  Ime,  and  were 
here  received  with  a  terrific  fire  of  musketry,  at  short  range       ihey 
hesitated  for  an  instant,  recoiling  slightly,  and  then  advanced  to  near 
the  embankment.     Twice  did  I  see   this  line  advance  and  retire,  ex- 
posed  to  a  close  and  deadly  fire  of  masketry.      Seeing  a  second  line  is- 
suing  from  the  woods  upon   the   field,  I   was  in  the  act  of  orJering  a 
battery  to  be  placed  in  a  position  to  fire  upon  them,  when  a  battery 
was  directed  bv  the  Major  General  commanding  to  fire   upon  them  ; 
this  battery  being  near  the  turnpike,  in  an  excellent  and  comraanrlmg 
position      The  fire   of  this  battery  w^s  most  opportunely   delivered 
upon  this   advancing   line   of  the  enemy.     They  were  caught  in  the 
open  field.     The  effect  of  every  shot  could  be  seenf     A  rapid  hre  ot 
shot   shell,  and   spherical    case,  delivered    with   admirable  precision, 
checked  their  advance.     As  the  shells  and  spherical  case  would  burse 
over,  in  front,  and  near  them,  their  ranks  would  break,  hesitate  and 
scatter.     This  artillery  fire  alone  broke  regiment  after  regiment,  and 
drove  them  back  into  the  wood.^.     Seeing  these  successive  lines  and 
regiments  of  the  enemy  checked  and  finally  driven  back,  and  yet  their 
front  line  quite  close  upon  Jackson's  line,  thus  leaving  an  interval  of 
more  than  six  hundred  yards  between  them  and  the  broken,  retreating 
lines,  I  ordered  Gen.  Feathcrston  to  move  his  brigade  by  the  flank,  rap- 
idly down  the  slope  in  his  front,  and  thus  take  in  rear,  or  intercept 
the  retreat  of  the  enemy  that  were  so  closely  engaged  with  Jackson. 
This  order  was  repeated  three  times,  and  in  the  most  positive  and  per- 
emptory manner;  but  it  was  not  obeyed.     At  length  the  front  lin2 
of  the  enemy,  sadly  thinned  by  the  close  fire  of  Jackson's  men  behind 
the  railway  bank,  broke  and  fell  back  with  great  precipitancy  and  dis- 
order, followed  by  a  portion  of  Jackson's  troops.      Featherston  now 
descended  the  slope  in  his  front,  and  joined  in  the  pursuit  across  the 
open  field.     Pryor's  brigade  was  al..o  ordered  to  iollow  rapidly. 

The  fleeing  enemy,  under  cover  of  the  woods,  endeavored  tore-' 
form,  and  to%ontest  the  field  witj^  us;  but  our  men,  inspirated  by  their 
success,  eagerly  rush  forward,  scarcely  halting  to  deliver  their  fire. 
The  Federals  are  forced  to  continue  their  hurried  retreat.  The  wood 
through  which  the  enemy  fled,  some  six  or  seven  hundred  yards  wide, 
are  at  length  crossed,  and  a  second  field  of  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
wide  is  in  our  front.  The  surface  of  this  field,  beginning  near  the 
woods,  ascends  slightly,  and,  then  descending  somewhat  further, 
rises  again  higher  than  it  is  near  the  woods.  In  the  edge  of  this  field, 
1  direc'ted  ray°command  to  halt  for  a  few  minutes  to  reform  line,  they 
havin<'  become  broken  and  somewhat  scattered,  from  their  rapid  pur- 
suit of  the  enemy,  and  traversing  the  thick  woods.  While  ray  men 
were  reforming,  I  rode  to  the  crest  of  the  ridge  in  front  of  me,  and 
saw  two  entire  regiments  descending  rapidly  into  the  valley.  The 
time  lost  in  reforming  my  men  enabled  these  retreating  regiments  to 
gain  shelter  in  the  woods  on  the  far  side  of  the  field.  It  is  proper 
that  I  should  state  that  the  field  in  which  my  command  was  now  be- 
ing formed,  was  swept  by  a  brisk  artillery  fire,  about  twelve  hundred 
yards  distant,  the  men  being  but  indifferently  protected  by  the  ridge 


230 

in  front.     This  fire  was  borne  by  the, men  with  great  coolness,  ricrdla-i 
order  or  embarrassment  being  perceptible. 

Being  now  occupied  ia  forming  the  command  for  an  advance  across 
the  field  into  the  woods,  where  the  enemy  had  retreated,  and  for  the 
attack  upon  the  batteries  to  our  right  and  front,  that  were  delivering  a 
most  annoying  fire  upon  us,  I  was  ordered  by  the  Major  General  com- 
manding, to  move  with  my  brigade  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike  to  the 
support  of  General  Hood.  I  now  directed  General  Pryor,  who  was 
near  me,  to  confer  with  General  Featherston,  and  to  indicate  to  him 
my  plans  for  the  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  For  information  as 
to  the  services  of  these  two  brigades  in  the  subsequent  part  of  the 
action,  I  beg  to  refer  you  to  the  report  of  their  respective  command- 
ers herewith  enclosed.  In  obedience  to  the  orders  above  mentioned, 
I  marched  my  brigade  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  and  advanced  on 
that  side. 

In  all  of  this  change  of  position,  (in  all  more  than  two  miles,)  the 
brigade  was  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery,  and  at 
two  different  parts  of  the  field,  I  had  to  bear  oft"  to  the  rear  so  as  not 
to  obstruct  the  fire  of  our  own  artillery.  This  caused  some  little  de- 
lay in  my  advance.  On  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  the  enemy  seemed 
to  have  been  driven  back  even  faster  and  further  than  on  the  left. 
Seeing  no  person  to  tell  me  where  General  Hood  was  engaged,  I  con- 
tinued to  advance  as  rapidly  as  possible,  frequently  at  double-quick 
time,  and  in  the  direction  of  the  most  advanced  and  heaviest  firing. 
At  length  having  crossed  a  deep  ravine,  and  risen  to  the  summit  of 
the  ascent  on  the  far  side,  the  portion  of  the  field  where  the  mus- 
ketry fight  was  then  going  on,  was  in  close  proximity,  it  being  in  a 
skirt  of  woods  bordering  a  small  stream,  not  three  hundred  yards  dis- 
tant. To  reach  tbis,  there  was  an  open  level  fieli,  and  then  a  short 
and  abrupt  descent  to  the  stream.  While  crossing  this  field,  we  were 
exposed  to  a  close  artillery  fire  of  the  enemy  from  a  battery  in  front 
of  where  our  men  were  then  engaged.  In  addition  to  this,  two  brig- 
ades of  the  enemy's  infantry,  who  were  approaching  obliquely  the 
field  where  the  musketry  fire  was  then  raging,  reaching  the  crest  of  a 
hill,  and  seeing  my  brigade  moving  to  the  same  point,  halted  and 
fired  a  volley  deliberately  at  my  men,  but  at  near  five  hundred  yards 
distant.  They  fired  one  after  the  other  ;  the  leading  brigades  moved 
to  the  rear  after  firing  through  the  intervals  of  the  second.  The  balls 
in  each  came  near,  but  inflicted  a  trifling  loss,  only  two  or  three  men 
Tvounded  slightly.  It  was  now  late,  sundown.  My  men  crossed  the 
little  stream  near  which  the  fight  was  then  still  raging,  passed  through 
vthe  woods  skirting  ib,  and  then  changed  direction  to  the  left,  so 
as  to  occupy  the  same  line  that  our  troops  were  then  occupying.  They 
•were  then  thrown  into  the  woods,  and  cautioned  to  be  careful  not  to 
fire  upon  our  own  men,  who  were  then  engaged.  My  men  entered 
where  Wright's  brigade  had  been  engaged,,  and  near  where  General 
Toombs  had  been  engaged.  This  was  the  first  time  that  my  men  had. 
been  engaged  in  close  musketry  fight  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike. r 
The  fighting  here  was  soon  over,  but  the  musketry  fire  was  of  the 
Jkeaviesf  kind  while  it  lasted.     The  firing  continued  till  after  dark  for 


231 

more  than  a  half  hour,  and  then  gradually  ceased.  The  artillery  con- 
tinued to  fire  after  the  musketry  had  ceased,  but  by  half-past  eight 
o'clock  it  had  all  ceased.  My  brigade  bivouacked  at  this  point  of 
the  field,  which  was  the  most  advanced  point  reached  by  our  infantry, 
and  near  the  hill  where  Bee  and  Bartow  fell,  on  the  21st  July,  1861, 
the  first  battle  of  Manassas. 

The  list  of  casualties  of  the  three  brigades  having  been  previously 
forwarded,  it  will  sufiice  to  state  that  the  entire  loss  of  killed,  wounded 
and  missing  was  three  hundred  and  thirty,  (four  missing.) 

In  closing  this  report,  1  beg  to  assure  the  Major  General  command- 
ing, that  both  men  and  officers  of- my  brigade  behaved  in  a  manner 
highly  creditable  to  them.  I  will  only  bring  to  his  favorable  notice 
in  this  report  the  four  regimental  commanders  of  the  brigade,  viz : 
Major  Williams,  commanding  ninth  Alabama  ;  Major  Herbert,  eighth; 
Captain  Saunders,  eleventh,  and  Major  Caldwell,  tenth  Alabama.  It 
will  be  seen  that  there  was  no  field  officer  of  higher  rank  than  Major, 
and  of  those  but  three. 

To  my  personal  staff,  Captain  Walter  E.  Winn,  A.  A.  General,  and 
Lieutenant  M.  M.  Lindsey,  nineteenth  Mississippi,  my  thanks  are  es- 
pecially due  for  their  willingness  and  promptness  in  rendering  their 
services  at  all  times  during  the  engagement. 

I  would  also  bring  to  your  favorable  notice  private  J.  C.  Causey,  of 
the  third  Virginia  cavalry,  my  courier,  who  received,  late  in  the  ac- 
tion, (after  dark,)  a  painful  wound  on  the  head,  from  a  piece  of  shell, 
while  carying  an  order  to  one  of  my  regiments. 
'  The  enclosed  reports  of  Generals  Featherston  and  Pryor,  will  bring 
to  your  notice  such  instances  of  men  and  officers  in  their  brigades  aa 
are  deserving  of  commendation. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  M.  WILCOX, 
Brigadier  General  commanding ^  d'C,  &"c. 


BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FRENCIFS  REPORT  OF  HIS 
NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THE  SHIPPING  AND  CAMP  OF 
GENERAL  McCLELLAN. 

Headquarters,  Petersburg,  Ya.,  August  31,   186i. 

General  D,  H.  Hill, 

Commanding  Diparimevt  of  North   CaroTlna  : 

General:  Numerous  causes  have  prevented  my  sending  you  a 
report,  ere  this,  of  an  attack  on  the  shipping  and  camp  of  General 
McClellan,  by  the  expedition  under  my  command,  on  the  night  of  the 
31st  of  July  last. 

On  the  morning  of  July  29th,  you  directed  me  to  have  thebrigads 
commanded  by  Colonels  Manning  and  Daniel  ready  to  move  the  fol- 
lowing night.  But  when  I  had  an  interview,  that  evening  at  ten,  P. 
M.,  you  directed  me  to  have  them  move  at  seven  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  together  with  six  batteries  of  field  artillery.  All  started  at 
the  hour  named,  and,  according  to  instructions,  halted  at  a  saw  mili^ 
some  seven  miles  distant,  on  the  road  to  Coggin's  Point.  I  left  Pe- 
tersburg at  ten,  A.  M.,  and,  on  arriving  at  the  mill,  found  you,  in 
company  with  General  W.  N.  Pendleton,  of  the  artillery,  who  had 
marched  there,  under  your  ^ardors,  in  command  of  thirty-two  field 
guns  and  four  siege  pieces. 

Although  you  had  on  the  day  previous  shown  me  General  Lee's 
letter  suggesting  that  I  would  have  charge  of  the  expedition,  it  was 
there  for  the  first  time  made  known  to  me  that  you  designed  the 
attack  to  be  made  at  night,  and  showed  me  some  sketches  of  Coggin's 
Point,  a  sort  of  peninsula,  round  which  the  James  river  sweeps, 
diminishing  its  width  to  about  a  thousand  yards,  and  directly  oppo- 
site to  which  is  Harrison's  landing.  Beyond  this  landing  were  large 
encampments  of  the  enemy,  his  shipping  extending  above  and  below 
for  a  distance  of  two  miles.  No  time  could  be  lost ;  so,  in  company 
with  General  Pendleton  and  some  of  his  field  officers,  I  proceeded  to 
examine  the  ground  and  select  positions  for  the  guns,  and  observe 
the  enemy.  This  reconnoissance  occupied  us  until  about  nine  o'clock 
and  caused  a  delay  in  the  advance  of  the  artillery.  On  our  return 
we  met  the  advance  guns  arid  ordered  them  to  be  halted,  and,  at  the 
suggestion  of  General  Pendleton,  I  determined  to  report  to  you  that 
an  attack  could  not  be  made  that  night,  chiefly  because  the  night  was 
far  advanced,  the  darkness  intense,  and  that  many  of  the  officers  who 
would  command  batteries  had  not  examined  the  ground,  the  roads, 
nor  the  shipping  they  designed  to  fire  on,  and  many  pieces  of  artil- 
lery were  far  in  the  rear.  1  found  you  at  the  Merchant's  Hope  church, 
where  you  had  posted  the  two  brigades  of  infantry.  In  company 
with  General  Pendleton,  I  explained  to  you  the  necessity  of  delaying, 
the  attack.  You  expressed  apprehensions  of  a  failure  if  not  made  at 
once,  believing  our  position  and  force  would  be  discovered  by  the 
enemy  on  the  morrow,  and  then,  announcing  that  the  ezpeditioa  waa 


233 

under  my  command,  informed  me  you  ^voald  return  to  Petersburg. 
The  balance  of  the  night  was  mostly  pissed  in  placing  the  different 
batteries  in  the  shelter  of  the  woods,  to  prevent  them  being  seen  by 
reconnoissances  from  the  balloons  of  the  enemy  ;  thus  it  was  four, 
A.  M.,  before  the  men  or  horses  got  any  rest.  The  better  to  secure 
success,  I  found  it  necessary  to  order  the  particular  part  that  each 
command  was  to  perform  ;  and  directed  that  the  officers  of  artillery, 
who  were  to  command  guns,  should  be  sent  to  pass  over  the  intricate 
roads,  the  difficult  grounds,  and  examine  the  sites  selected  for  the 
batteries  and  erect  stakes  to  direct  the  fire  of  their  guns  at  night, 
according  to  the  position  of  the  enemy.  The  ground  not  admitting 
the  advantageous  use  of  all  the  guns,  some  seventy  in  number,  it  was 
deemed  best  to  leave  the  lighter  ones  behind.  All  being  in  readiness, 
and  finding  the  enemy  had  not  discovered  us  from  recounoissancei  in 
t'leir  balloon,  at  four,  P.  M.,  Colonel  Brown  proceeded  to  Maycok's 
farm,  opposite  Westover,  with  twelve  guns  ;  Colonel  Coleman  followed 
to  Coggin's  Point,  with  eight  twelve-pounder  howitzers  ;  Major  Nel- 
son, with  eight  guns,  to  a  position  on  his  left,  higher  up  the  bank  of 
the  river;  Colonel  Cutts,  with  eleven  long-range  guns,  still  above 
Major  Nelson;  and  Captains  Dabney  and  Milledge  were,  each  with 
two  siege  guns,  to  take  position  a  fourth  of  a  mile  below  the  dwelling 
of  Mr.  Kuffin,  making  forty-three  guns  in  all.  As  night  approached, 
thousands  of  lights  from  the  shipping  and  their  tents,  disclosed  the 
objects  for  attack.  The  guns  were  silently  conducted  over  the  diffi- 
cult  ground  and  winding  roads,  and  before  twelve  all  the  guns  were  in 
position,  (except  two  siege  guns  under  charge  of  Captain  Milledge,) 
awaiting  action.  Silence  as  profound  as  the  darkness  of  the  night 
reigned  in  the  enemy's  camp.  At  a  signal,  the  thunder  of  over  forty 
guns  startled  them  from  their  midnight  slumbers.  From  the  screams, 
scenes  of  wild  confusion  must  have  followed,  aa  sailors  rushed  on 
the  decks  of  their  vessels  and  soldiers  fled  from  their  tents  in  mid- 
night darkness,  amidst  bursting  shells,  filling  fast  around  them.  The 
gunboats  soon  returned  the  fire,  and  in  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes  a  rapid  fire  was  opened  on  us  from  their  land  batteries,  but 
without  any^araage,  many  of  the  shots  parsing  over  the  whole  length 
of  the  point  or  peninsula.  The  red  glare  of  the  fire  of  so  many  guns 
and  exploding  shells,  on  such  a  night,  is  seldom  witnessed.  Gradu- 
ally the  firing  on  our  part  ceased,  and  the  guns  were  withdrawn, 
under  a  heavy  fire.  The  rain,  the  difficulty  of  seeing  the  roads  at 
all,  and  the  exposed  position  of  the  peninsula,  induced  us  to  leave 
the  caissons  behind,  with  the  baggage  wagons,  and  thus  the  number 
of  rounds  to  be  fired  was  limited;  over  a  thousand  were  fired  on  our 
part.  What  damage  we  inflicted  on  their  vessels  and  their  camps 
probably  will  never  be  made  known,  but  considering  that  many  of  the 
gufts  were  within  from  a  thousand  j^ards  to  a  mile  of  the  transports, 
and  that  behind  them  was  one  vast^  encampment,  it  could  not  have 
been  otherwise  than  destructive.  Subsequent  information  from  de- 
serters, and  prisoners,  and  friends,  place  the  men  killed  at  over  forty, 
and  of  their  horses  a  greater  number.  Many  transport  steamers  ap- 
peared in  Norfolk  greatly  damaged  shortly  after  the  attack.     Our  loss 


234i 

from  the  enemj  was  one  man  killed  and  two  wounded.  Three  men 
were  wounded  by  the  careless  and  premature  discharge  of  one  of  our 
guns,  and  two  men  slightly  injured  by  the  overturning  of  a  gun  iti 
the  road.  I  am  indebted  to  General  Pendleton  and  the  officers  undei* 
him  for  the  careful  and  successful  execution  of  the  parts  assigned 
them.  Colonels  Manning  and  Daniel's  brigades,  and  Major  Ross,  of 
the  second  Georgia  battalion,  at  Ruffin's  house,  protected  the  whole 
of  the  attack.  General  Ransom's  brigade  guarded  the  City  Point 
road  seven  miles  from  Petersburg.  Major  A.  Anderson,  Lieutenant 
C.  D.  Myers,  Captain  J.  A.  Baker,  Lieutenant  Shingleur,  Captain 
Overton  and  Lieutenant  Storrs,  members  of  my  staif,  rendered  valua- 
ble services.  Of  the  command,  exposed  to  fire,  all  behaved  well, 
except  some  privates  belonging  to  the  siege  pieces.  I  enclose  th6 
report  of  General  Pendleton. 
,         I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  G.  FRENCH, 
Brigadier  General. 


BRIGADIER   GENERAL   PEIsDLETOiS-S    REPORT   OF   IlltS 
NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  ENEMY'S  SIIlPriNG. 

Keadquabtebs  Artillery  Corps,      ) 
Near  fdtri>liurg,  August  9,  1862.  i 

Brigadier  General  S.  G.  French, 

Commanding  Expedition  : 

Genkral:  The  report  of  our  operations  in  attacking  the  enemy's 
shipping  near  Coggin's  Point,  on  the  night  of  the  3 1st  July,  vrhich  I 
now  have  the  honor  to  submit,  has  been  delayed  by  the  absence,  on 
other  duty,  of  one  of  the  officers  from  whom  it  was  necessary  to  obtain 
some  important  facts. 

General  Lee,  having  intimated  to  me,  on  Mofiday  28th  July,  his 
wish  to  effect  something  against  the  enemy's  boats  by  artillery  on  this 
side  of  James  river,  and  my  services  having  been  tendered  and  ac- 
cepted for  conducting  the  expedition,  I  detailed  from  the  reserve  artil- 
lery under  my  command,  near  Richmond,  a  force  deemed  sufficient 
for  the  service,  and  placed  it  en  route  for  Petersburg  early  on  Teus- 
day,  29th. 

This  force  consisted  of  certain  batteries  and  sections  of  batteries 
from  Colonel  Brown's  artillery  regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cutt's 
and  Major  Nelson's  j^rtillery  battalions,  in  all  thirty-two  field  pieces 
and  two  heavy  rifles  or  seige  carriages,  manned  by  Captain  Dabney, 
with  the  men  and  horses  of  Captain  Milledge's  artillery  company, 
from  Major  Richardson's  battalion,  to  operate  two  other  large  rifles 
transported  by  railroad.  ^ 

The  command  reached  Petersburg  by  sunset,  July  29th.  General 
D.  H  Ilill  commanding,  having  been  reported  to  early  in  the  day,  by 
telegram,  and  later  by  a  member  of  my  stafi"  sent  forward  for  the 
purpose,  we  encamped  that  evening  a  short  distance  beyond  the 
city  on  the  Suffolk  road.  About  midnight  a  dispatch  from  General 
Hill  was  brought  me,  indicating  Coggin's  Point  as  our  destination, 
and  directing  me  to  have  my  command  ready  to  march  early  the  next 
morning.  Meantime,  Major  Allen,  of  Claremont,  arrived  at  Mr. 
Ware's,  where  1  was  lodging,  and  gave  me  information,  deemed  valua- 
ble, respecting  the  river  and  the  shipping.  This  we  proceeded,  very 
early  on  the  3l)th,  to  submit  to  General  Hill.  We  had,  however,  set 
out  and  preferred  not. halting  for  a  conversation,  and  as  Major  Allen's 
duty  lay  in  a  dififercnt  direction  we  could  make  but  slight  use  of  his 
knowledge. 

The  infantry  force  and  several  batteries  brought  by  General 
Hill,  and  the  artillery  under  my  command,  reached  Perkinson's  saw- 
mill, some  seven  miles  below,  by  ten  o'clock,  and  there  halted.  With- 
in an  hour  or  two  you  arrived,  and  we  were  informed  that  the  fleet, 
&c.,  was  to  be  attacked  the  approaching  night,  and  that  you  were  to 
superintend  the  expedition. 


236 

After  some  consultation  it  was  determined  to  move  the  whole  force 
forward  about  two  miles,  and  there  leave  wagons  and  caissons.  Colonel 
Brown  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman  were  detailed  with  certain 
batteries,  to  proceed  to  Wood's  Point  or  to  Claremont,  if  necessary 
and  practicable.  The  other  guns  were  to  be  taken  by  their  proper 
commanders,  when  notified,  to  positions  which  adequate  reconnois- 
sance  might  indicate  as  best.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cutt's,  Major  Nel- 
son and  Captain  Dabney  were  summoned  to  accompany  yourself  and 
myself,  attended  by  one  or  two  members  of  each  staff,  on  this  recon- 
noissance. 

The  tour  proved  laborious  and  perplexing.  The  enemy's  shipping 
lay  crowded  before  us  ;  but  positions  were  difficult  of  access,  and  a 
night  approach  required  great  care.  In  consequence,  several  hours 
of  the  night  had  passed  before  notice  to  advance  could  be  given  the 
batteries.  Jn  the  haste  and  dark,  a  mistake  occurred  also  respecting 
the  force  for  Colonel  Brown.  This  led  to  additional  delay,  and  I  be- 
came satisfied  the  iifovement  was  too  much  hurried  and  confused  for 
success  that  niglit. 

This  judgement  was  concurred  in  by  all  my  field  officers,  and  I  was 
happy  to  find  it  sanctioned  by  yourself,  so  soon  as  communicated. 
We  therefore  resolved  to  waive  further  proceeding,  and  report  to  Gen- 
eral Hill,  who  kindly  acquiesed,  though  much  disappointed,  and  au- 
ticipatiag  failure  the  next  night  from  the  probable  disclosure  of  our 
movement  to,  and    preparation  for  ii  by,  the  enemy  the  ensuing  day. 

By  the  time  our  force  was  replaced  in  position  not  to  be  seen  from 
the  enemy's  balloon,  when  it  should  go  up  in  the  morning,  day  had 
dawned,  and  no  rest  or  refreshment  had  yet  been  taken  by  men  or 
horses. 

In  the  early  forenoon  of  the  31st,  G-eneral ''Hill,  having  returned 
to  his  more  comprehensive  duties  in  Petersburg,  and  committed  the 
expedition  to  us,  you  issued  instructions  for  a  systematic  co-operation 
on  the  part  of  infantry  and  all,  towards  success  that  night,  and  I 
sketched  and  submitted  to  the  artillery  officers  an  exact  programme 
for  their  proceeding. 

Colonel  Brown  was  to  take  to  Major  Cock's  twelve  guns,  viz  :  four 
ten-pounder  Parrott  rifles,  two  Napoleons,  four  twelve-pounder  how- 
itzers and  two  six-pounders,  under  Captains  Watson  and  Macon,  and 
Lieutenants  Thurmond  and  Pegram.  He  Avas  to  move  by  four,  P.  M., 
so  as  to  approach  his  position  about  dusk. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman  was  to  take  to  Coggin's  Point,  on  its 
right,  eight  twelve-pounder  howitzers,  under  Captains  Dance  and 
Joseph  Graham,  and  Lieutenant  Griffin. 

Major  Nelson  also  to  take  to  Coggin's  Point,  on  its  left,  eight  guns, 
viz  :  two  ten-pounder  Parrctt  rifles,  two  three-inch  rifles,  two  twelve- 
pounder  'howitzers  and  two  six-pounders,  under  Captains  Huckstep 
and  R.  C.  M.  Page,  and  Lieutenant  Woodruff. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Cutts,  to  a  point  considerably  further  on  the 
left,  eleven  long-range  guns,  viz :  eight  Parrott  rifles,  two  three-inch 
rifles  and  one  Napoleon,  under  Captains  Lane  and  Ross,  and  Lieu-, 
tenant  Robertson. 


/ 
237 

Captain  Dabney  (Major  Lewis  not  having  then  arrived  to  command 
the  heavy  battery)  to  a  position  Btill  further  back  on  the  left,  near 
Mr  Ruffin's  residence,  the  four  large  rifles,  to  be  operated  by  Captain 
Milledge  and  himself. 

The  field  and  company  officers  assigned  each  position,  were  directed 
to  make,  as  carefully  as  possible,  special  examinations  of  their  re- 
spective localities,  and  to  adjust  guide-posts  for  pointing  their  guns. 

By  six,  r.  M.,  the  column  was  in  motion,  utmost  silence  being  en- 
joined upon  all.  Dark  came  early  and  was  very  intense,  by  reason 
of  general  cloud  and  rain,  yet  throwgh  this  and  along  the  difficult 
route,  the  whole  moved  successfully,  under  the  skillful  guidance  of 
patriotic  citizens  familiar  with  the  region. 

At  midnight  the  signal  gun  was  to  fire.  It  was,  however,  half-past 
twelve  before  all  was  ready  at  Coggin's  Point,  where  m.y  own  posi- 
tion had  been  chosen.  Then,  just  after  the  cry  from  the  enemy's 
sentries,  "  All's  well  ! "  the  fire  was  ordered,  and  the  whole  line  in- 
stantly pealed  forth,  in  all  the  terriblcness  of  midnight  surprise. 
Lights  were  glimmering  on  ship-board  along  the  entire  shore  oppo- 
site ;  yet  in  the  river  and  the  camp  beyond,  the  stillness  of  sleep  pre- 
vailed. To  be  compelled,  resisting  outrage,  to  meet  our  fellow  men  in 
deadlj  shock,  cannot  but  be,  under  any  circumstances,  painful  to  a 
Christian  mind.  Especially  is  the  trial  glorious  when  we  must  be 
elain  by,  or  slay,  those  who  were  so  lately  our  countrymen,  but  who 
having  trampled  upon  our  rights,  now  seek  to  desolate  our  homes,  ap- 
propriate our  soil,  kill  off  our  young  men,  degrade  our  women,  and 
subdue  us  into  abject  submission  to  their  will,  because  we  claim,  un- 
der our  own  government,  exemption  from  their  insult)#  and  their 
control  And  still  more  distressing  to  find  it  requisite  towards  con- 
tributing to  avert  the  ruii  threatened  by  malignant  millions,  thus  to 
send  the  sleeping,  however  unprepared,  to  their  great  account.  But 
painful  as  it  is,  just  as  it  is,  to  snatch  life  from  an  assassin,  whose  arm 
is  uplifted  against  our  best  beloved,  most  sacred  is  the  duty  ;  as  such 
was  this  attack  made,  the  issue  being  committed  to  unerring  wisdom. 

Such  considerations  imparted  a  mournful  solemnity  to  the  scene, 
where  so  many  sudden  flashes,  through  thick  darkness,  and  multiplied 
reverberations  startling  profound  stillness,  constituted  elements  of 
grandeur  rarely  combined.  ISot  to  give  the  enemy  time  to  bring  to 
bear  against  us,  in  so  exposed  a  position,  many  of  his  powerful  guns 
from  his  boats  or  his  land  batteries,  I  had  limited  the  nearest  pieces 
to  twenty  rounds  each,  and  those  more  remote  on  the  right  and  left 
to  thirty  rounds.  These  were  generally  fired,  making,  probably,  one 
thousand  shots  in  all,  and  the  pieces  limbered  and  quietly  taken  to 
the  rear. 

When  we  had  been  firing  about  fifteen  minutes,  large  shells  began 
to  be  returned  from  the  other  side,  some  apparently  from  gunboats 
and  some  from  the  land  ;  but  with  scarcely  any  damage  to  us.  Tho 
two  guns  of  Captain  Dance,  most  of  all  exposed,  having  been  taken 
down  a  ravine  to  the  river's  edge,  within  six  or  eight  hundred  yards 
of  a  number  of  vessels,  were,  under  admirable  management,  with- 
drawn, without  a  Bcratcb,  after  firing  their  allotted  rounds.     Nor  was 


238 

injury  received  from  the  enemy  at  a  single  one  of  our  ^eld  guns.  A 
good  many  shells  flew  over  us,  and  seemed  well  aimed  along  the  gen- 
eral coarse  we  had  to  take.  But  they  passed  beyond,  or  fell  short, 
or  when  the  ground  turned  us  to  the  right  or  left,  they  deviated  the 
other  way.  These  occurrences  and  the  remarkable  fact,  that  just 
when  nearing  the  enemy,  our  batteries  had  to  pass  a  rocky  hill,  likely 
to  occasion  great  noiae,  the  heaviest  rain  fell  and  drowned  the  rattling 
of  wheels,  &c.,  made  upon  many  the  salutary  impression  that  a  kind 
Providence  favored  our  enterprise. 

Fortv-one,  out  of  the  forty-three  guns  enumerated,  were  brought 
into  action.  It  being  deemed  imprudent  to  crowd  more  in  the  space, 
and  the  two  heaviest,  intended  to  act  with  Captain  Dabney's  long 
rifles,  Captain  Milledge  having  found  it  impracticable  to  get  suffici- 
ently early  into  position. 

The  casualties  we  suffered  were  as  follows  :  At  one  of  Captain  Dab- 
ney's large  guns,  by  an  exploding  shell  of  the  enemy,  one  man  killed 
and  two  wounded,  and  three  horses  slightly  injured.  In  Captain  R. 
C.  M.  Page's  battery,  by  their  own  carelessness,  from  their  own  fire, 
three  men  were  wounded  ;  and  at  one  of  Lieutenant  Thurmond's  guns, 
by  its  overturning  in  the  road,  two  men  wounded.  In  all,  one  killed 
and  seven  wounded. 

The  amount  of  injury  inflicted  upon  the  enemy  we  could  not  accu- 
rately estimate.  _  Though  from  the  known  range  of  our  guns,  the 
oare  "taken  in  adjusting  them,  and  the  great  number  of  objects  at 
which  to  direct  fire,  less  than  serious  damage  could  scarcely  have  re- 
sulted. Statements  apparently  reliable,  have  also  reached  us,  derived 
from  the  admissions  of  the  enemy,  that  more  than  twenty  of  their 
vessels  were  considerably  injured,  and  thirty  or  forty  men  and  fifty 
horses  killed.     How  near  this  is  to  the  truth  I  cannot  judge. 

Every  officer  behaved  well,  and  nearly  every  man,  and  the  entire 
enterprise  was  really  a  signal  success. 

Rarely  has  difficulty  been  overcome  on  so  large  a  scale  under  so 
much  risk,  with  so  little  to  re^^ret.  This,  while  to  be  gratefully  at- 
tribute! to  the  favor  of  Divine  Providence,  should  also  be  credited  to 
the  exemplary  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  engaged.  Colonel 
Brnvn,  Lieutenant  Colonels  Cutts  and  Celeman,  and  Major  Nelson, 
who  directed  the  operations  of  their  respective  commands,  the  com- 
pany officers  who  skillfully  seconded  their  efforts,  the  medical  and 
other  members  of  my  staff,  and  the  men  who,  with  persistent  care  and 
courage,  did  the  work,  are  well  entitled  to  praise  for  what  was 
scbioved. 

By  dawn,  August  Ist,  my  whole  command  was  far  enough  back  to 
take  a  few  hoUrs'  rest,  well  earned  and  much  needed.  When  thus 
sufficiently  refreshed  to  march  again,  we  moved,  in  compliance  with 
orders  from  yourself,  to  the  neighborhood  of  Petersburg,  where, 
awaiting  another  opportunity,  we  have  since  remained. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  N.  PENDLETON, 
Brig.  General  and  Chief  of  Artillery. 


KEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER   GENERAL    HAMPTON    OF  OPE- 
RATIONS IN  THE  RECENT  ADVANCE  OF  ENEMY. 

IlKADQUiRTERS    F(RST    BrigaDE    CaVALRY,  ) 

August  10,  1862.  ] 

Major  FiTznuGH,  A.  A.  G. : 

Majoi^  :    I  have  the  honor  to  submit,  for   the   information  of  the 
Major  General  commanding,  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of 
my  brigade,  on  the  recent  advance  of  the  enemy,  together  with  the 
reports  of  the  Colonels  under  my  command  : 

At  half-past  twelve,  A.  M.,  August  5th,  Colonel  Young  notified 
me  that  he  had  received  information  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy  in 
front  of  Colonel  Baker,  and  that  they  were  apparently  advancing.  I 
sent  this  courier  immediately  to  General  Toombs  and  despatched  ano-. 
ther  to  endeavor  to  procure  accurate  information  as  to  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy.  This  latter  returned  before  daylight,  confirming 
fully  the  report  of  the  first  and  bringing  the  additional  informa- 
tion from  Colonel  Baker  that  the  enemy  were  in  strong  force  of  alL 
arms.  This  courier  was  sent  forthwith  to  give  his  report  to  General 
Toombs  also,  and  I  then  ordered  out  the  reserves  of  Cobb's  legion  to 
proceed  with  them  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Baker  ;  but  as  I  was 
abotlt  to  leave  my  quarters,  having  previously  despatched  a  courier  to 
Major  General  Longstreet,  conveying  all  the  information  in  my  pos- 
session, I  heard  the  enemy  open  fire  on  the  artillery  and  infantry 
stationed  at  Malvern  Hill.  I  rode  at  once  to  the  quarters  of 
General  Toombs  and  communicated  the  intelligence  to  him,  suggest- 
ing to  him  the  propriety  of  reinforcing  his  troops  on  the  hill.  I  told 
him  that  if  he  would  take  reinforcements  to  the  hill,  and  would  let  me 
have  some  artillery,  I  would  attack  the  enemy  in  the  rear  near  Crew's 
house.  This  was  agreed  on,  and  proceeding  with  the  Cobb  legion  and 
Moody's  artillery,  I  gained  the  position  from  which  General  Magru- 
der  had  attacked  the  enemy  on  the  1st  July  ultimo.  On  reaching 
this  point,  I  found  the  enemy  on  the  same  ground  occupied  by  him 
in  the  battle  of  the  Ist  of  last  month,  whilst  the  troops  which  had 
been  stationed  on  Malvern  Hill  were  retreating.  Fearing  for  my 
rear  guard  and  having  only  three  pieces  of  artillery,  with  two  small 
squadrons  of  cavalry,  I  withdrew  to  our  main  lines.  During  that  day 
1  held  the  enemy  in  strict  observance,  but  had  no  opportunity  to 
strike  at  him.  Our  picket  lines  were  established,  and  well  maintained. 
On  the  7th,  I  was  ordered  by  General  Lee  to  reconnoitre  on  the  right 
flank  of  the  enemy  with  my  command.  This  was  done  as  the  infan- 
try advanced  in  front.  I  proceeded  through  Gatewood  farm  to  Car- 
ters mill.  The  enemy  had  retreated  and  a  few  stragglers  were  fallen 
in  with.  My  personal  observation  was  confined  to  the  right  and  cen- 
tre of  my  line,  as  I  was  unable  to  leave  these  positions  during  the 
two  days' 'operations.  I  must,  therefore,  ref^r  you  to  the  report  of 
Colonel  McGruder  for  information  aa  to  the  occurrences  on  the  left, 


240 

vrhere  he  was  stationed.  I  can  confirm  the  reports  of  Colonels  Baker 
and  Young  from  my  own  personal  knowledge  of  all  the  facts  stated.- 
I  neglected  to  Ptate  that  -whilst  consulting  with  General  Toombs  in 
the  morning,  a  courier  brought  to  me  news  of  the  attack  on  the  hill 
and  a  request  to  the  General  from  one  of  his  officers  there  for  rein- 
forcemcnts.  1  beg  to  call  your  attention  to  the  very  efficient  manner 
in  which  Colonel  Baker  maintained  his  picket  line,  and  to  the  timely 
information  he  furnished  us  as  to  the  movements  of  the  enemy.  This 
information  was  always  promptly  communicated  by  Lieutenant  Early 
and  these  officers  both  proved  themselves  watchful  and  energetic. 
The  report  of  Liiuttnont  Colonel  McGruder  has  not  yet  been  sent  in, 
though  it  has  been  called  for.  It  sliall  be  forwarded  you  as  soon  as  it 
reaches  me.  Since  the  infantry  have  been  withdrawn  from  the  picket 
line  the  enemy  have  maile  constant  demonstration  against  me.  These 
have  always  been  promptly  met  and  our  lines  have  been  maintained. 
Of  couree  the  position  cannot  be  held  by  cavalry  alone  against  a  pe-" 
rious  attack,  but  orders  have  been  given  to  hold  it  as  long  as  possible. 
I  incline  to  the  belief  that  the  enemy  are  withdrawing  and  I 
strongly  recommend  a  forced  reconnoissance  with  infantry,  artillery, 
and  cavalry.  This  is  entirely  practicable.  Referring  you  for  details 
to  the  accompanying  reports, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,     . 
Your  obedient  servant, 
WADE  HAMPTON, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL    HAMPTON  OF   OPE- 
RATIONS AFTER  RECROSSING  THE  POTOMAC. 

Hbadquarters  Hampton's  Brigade,  Oct.  21,  1862. 
To  Major  General  Stuart : 

General:  The  enclosed  report  of  General  R.  E.  Lae,  in  reference 
to  the  late  advance  of  the  en'emy  on  Martinaburg,  has  just  met  my 
eye,  and  I  beg  most  respectfully  to  call  your  attention,  and,  through 
you,  that  of  the  General  commanding,  to  the  injustice  which,  uniii- 
tentionally  no  doubt,  has  been  done  to  the  brigade  I  have  the  honor  t9 
command.  The  report  says  :  *'  General  Hampton's  brigade  had  retired 
through  Martinsburg  on  the  Tuscarora  roa^l,  when  General  Stuart 
arrived  and  made  disposition  to  attack."  This  phraseology  implies 
that  the  enemy  had  advanced  on  Martinsburg  through  my  lines,  and 
bad  driven  in  my  brigade.  The  following  statement  will  show  that 
Buch  was  not  the  case.  As  you  are  aware,  my  line  extended  on  the 
Potomac,  from  Black  creek  to  the  mouth  of  the  Opequon.  When 
General  Lee  joined  me,  upon  consultation  with  Colonel  Lee  (who  was 
in  command  of  the  brigade  the  day  before  the  advance  of  the  enemy) 
he  said  that  if  his  pickets  were  d»ven  in,  he  would  make  a  stand  at 
William ston's  cross  roads,  and,  if  forced  to  retire,  would  fall  back  to 
the  stone  bridge,  which  he  would  hold  to  the  last  extremity.  On  the 
morning  of  the  1st  October,  a  courier  from  Colonel  Lee  informed  mo 
that  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  him,  and,  soon  jfter,  another  courier 
notified  me  that  Colonel  Lee  had  fallen  back  to  the  cross  roads.  Ex- 
pecting an  attack  upon  my  own  picket  line,  I  ordered  my  brigade  to 
be  ready  to  move,  and  I  sent  a  few  men  from  the  provost  guard  toward 
the  stone  bridge  to  procure  information  of  the  movements  of  the 
enemy.  In  a  short  time  they  returned,  and,  to  my  great  surprise, 
informed  me  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  bridge,  and,  in  a  fe\T 
moments  they  appeared  between  me  and  the  town,  not  more  than  six 
hundred  yards  from  the  latter.  This  forced  me  to  recall  my  squadron, 
and  to  send  the  gun  into  town,  the  only  position  in  which  it  was  avail- 
able. Placing  my  guns  in  position  here,  I  ordered  my  wagons  to  go 
by  the  Romney  road  (as  I  had  agreed  with  Colonel  Lee  to  do)  to 
Darksville.  The  first  North  Carolina,  with  t*vo  guns,  was  sent  as  an 
escort  for  the  wagons  and  to  hold  the  Winchester  real,  where  the 
cross  road  intersected  it,  in  case  I  should  have  to  fall  back.  After 
my  wagons  had  all  got  off,  and  messages  had  been  sent  to  bring  in  my 
pickets,  (all  of  whom  had  to  retire  by  Hedgesville,  as  the  enemy  had 
got  completely  in  their  rear,)  I  withdrew  my  two  remaining  guns  from 
the  town,  as  I  was  very  unwilling  to  draw  the  fire  of  the  enemy  upoa 
the  village,  and  placed  them  in  position  on  a  hill  commanding  both 
the  Winchester  and  Tuscarora  and  Romney  roads,  and  between  the 
two.  All  of  the  brigade,  except  the  first  North  Carolina  regiment  and 
the  squadrons  on  picket,  was  drawn  up  as  a  support  to  their  guns  on 
the  Tuscarora  road,  in  advance  of  the  camp  of  the  North  Carolina 
1^ 


24? 

■nd  South  Carolina  regimenta.  From  this  position,  I  wrote  to  Colonel 
Leo  telling  him  that  we  could  retake  the  town,  and  the  letter  was  given 
to  one  of  his  pickets,  "who  failed  to  send  it  to  the  Colonel.  As  soon 
aa  I  found  the  enemy  retiring,  I  ordered  up  raj  command  before 
receiving  any  order  from  yourself.  My  brigade  went  with  Lee's  to 
Flag's  mill,  and  were  then  sent  to  re-establish  their  picket  line, 
wbile  a  section  of  my  artillery  proceeded  to  within  two  miles  of 
Shepherdstown,  the  last  position  from  which  Lee's  artillery  fired  that 
right.  This  is  a  full  statement  of  this  affair  as  far  as  my  brigade  was 
ccccernod,  and  1  beg  to  refer  you  to  Colonel  Lee,  who  will,  I  am  sure, 
corroborate  the  facts  as  far  as  they  relate  to  his  brigade.  I  do  not 
attach  any  blame  to  him  that  the  positions  he  had  designated  to  hold 
were  net  held,  nor  that  his  pickets  did  not  give  me  any  notice  of  the 
8j)proach  of  the  enemy.  I  simply  state  the  facts  that  none  of  my 
picbeto  were  driven  in.  That  the  enemy  did  not  advance  on  any  road 
under  my  supervision  ;  and  that  they  were  within  six  hundred  "yards 
of  tJ.e  edge  of  the  town,  on  the  Shepherdstown  road,  before  I  was 
avare  of  their  proximity.  I  then  took  position  in  frcnt  of  my  camp, 
erd  told  it  till  my  pickets  were  withdrawn.  In  justice  to  my  bri- 
gade, I  beg  that  you  will  transmit  this  statement  to  the  General  com- 
oanding.  I  did  not  make  a  report  to  you  because,  though  I  had  been 
placed  in  a  most  critical  position  by  the  failure  of  Colonel  Lee's 
|)ic!ret'8  to  communicate  with  me,  still  I  met  with  no  loss,  and  I  3id 
net  desire  to  appear  to  attach  any  blame  to  Colonel  Lee.  This  was 
eppecially  the  case  after  he  had  so  frankly,  in  your  presence,  apolo- 
gized to  me  for  the  failure  of  the  plan  of  operations  we  had  agreed 
on.  I;  or  do  I  wish  to  detract  from  any  commendation  you  have 
teotowed  on  Lee's  br^ade.  My  only  object  is  to  vindicate  my  own. 
lloping  that  you  will  excuse  the  minuteness  of  my  statement. 
I  am,  tJeneral,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
^         ^  WADE  HAMPTON, 

Brigadier  Gemral. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  B.  T.  JOHNSON  OF   SECOND  VIR- 
GINIA BRIGADE. 

Captain  Taliaferro,  A.  A.   G., 

Taliaferro's  Division,  Anny  of  the   Valley  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  We Inesljiy,  August 
!27th,  1862,  my  command,  the  seconi  brigade  of  this  division,  con- 
sisting of  the  twenty  first,  forty-secon  1  and  forty-eighth  Virginia  and 
first  Virginia  battalion,  with  two  batteries,  marched  from  Manassas 
Junction  about  dark.  The  forty-eighth  and  forty-second  Virginia 
bad  been,  during  the  day.  on  picket  oa  ttie  Blackburn's  Ford  and 
Union  Mill  road.  Marching  by  the  Sudley  road  and  passing  the 
Ohinn  house,  I  reached  the  Warrenton  road  after  midnight.  I  was 
then  ordered  by  Brigadier  General  Ti^iaferro,  commanding  division, 
to  proceed  with  my  command  down  the  Warrenton  road,  towards 
(Jainesville,  and  picket  and  hold  it  and  a  road  cutting  it  at  Groveton 
r.t  fiijht  ang-les,  and  which  led  from  the  Junction  also  to  Sudley  ford.. 
,  i  did  so,  holding  Groveton  as  my  reserve,  throwing  out  pickets, 
towards  Manassas  apd  down  tho  turnpike,  and  pushing  Captain  George 
R.  Gaither's  troop,  first  Virginia  cavalry,  which  I  found  on  pickeb- 
before  I  reached  the  position,  some  half  a  mile  in  front  of  me,  with 
videttes  stiil  further  before  him.  Shortly  after  daylight,  he  reported 
to  me  a  cavalry  force  advancing  from  Gainesville,  and  soon  after 
himself  brought  in  a  courier,  captured  by  him,  bearing  a  despatch) 
from  M(jor  General  McDowell  to  Major  General  Sigel.  I  immedi- 
ately sent  the  courier  and  despatch  to  Brigadier  General  Taliaferro 
and  Major  General  Jackson,  and  a  short  time  after  ordered  Captain 
(xaithcr  to  report  to  Major  General  Jackson  in  person  the  contents 
of  the  despatch.  Executing  this  order  in  the  direction  of  Manassas, 
he  was  taken  prisoner,  and  I  lost  his  services,  which  were  valuable. 
The  intercepted  despatch  was  an  order  from  Major  General  McDowell. 
to  Major  General  Sigel  and  Brigadier  General  Reynolds,  conveying 
the  order  of  attack  on  Manassas  Junction.  Sigcl  was  ordered  to 
march  on  that  point  from  Gainesville,  with  his  right  resting  on  the 
Manassas  Gap  railroad  ;  Reynolds,  moving  also  from  Gainesville,  to- 
keep  his  left  on  the  Warrenton  road  ;  and  another  division  was  or- 
dered to  move  in  support  of  the  two,  in  rear,  en  echelon  to  each.. 
Finding,  then,  I  should  have  a  superior  force  on  me  in  a  short  time^. 
I  ordered  Major  John  Seddon,  first  Virginia  battalion,  with  his  com-, 
mand  and  the  forty  eighth  Virginia,  to  take  position  on  the  road  from 
(Jroveton  toward  Manassas,  to  guard  against  any  flank  movement  oa 
ine  from  thence.  The  forty-second  Virginia,  Captain  Penn,  I  threw 
forward  as  skirmishers,  and  held  the  twenty-first,  Captain  Witcher, 
to  support  the  only  two  pieces  of  rifled  artillery  I  had,  which  had 
been  placed  under  my  command  by  Colonel  Brien,  first  Virginia, 
cavalry.  My  own  being  smooth  bore,  I  held  it  in  reserve  and  ia 
rear.     Rit^ing  forward,  I  got  oa  a  high  hill,  to  the  right  of  the  road^. 


214 


and  discovered  the  enemy  in  force,  their  skirmishers  pushing  rapidly 
on  me.  I  instantly  brought  up  the  liflod  pieces  and  forty-eighth, 
and,  after  a  race,  heat  tlie  enemy  to  the  hill  and  opened  on  them,  driv- 
ing'in  their  cavulry  and  Ekirmishers ;  but  finding  them  place  several 
guns  in  position,  which  they  served  with  rapidity  and  accuracy,  and 
pressing  their  infantry  on  me,  I  called  in  JNIiijor  Seddon,  and,  with 
his  reinforcement,  determined  to  hold  the  hill,  which  was  the  key  of 
the  surrounding  country.  This  I  did,  and  drove  off  the  advance 
down  the  Warrenton  road  ;  but,  after  soire  time,  discovered  them  on 
my  extreme  left  towards  Manassas.  Thus  obliged  to  retire,  I  did  so, 
towards  Groveton,  where  I  received  an  order  from  Brigadier  General 
Taliaferro  to  report  to  him.  Before  I  could  do  so,  Wajor  General 
Stuart  ordered  me  to  take  position  in  a  skirt  of  woods  near  by,  and  to 
the  west.  In  the  afternoon,  I  discovered  the  enemy's  train  passing 
to  the  left,  towards  Manassas,  and  opened  upon  it  with  two  pieces 
verv  briskly.  Further  progress  was  stopped  for  them  over  that  road. 
Being  ordered,  then,  by  Major  ^General  Jackson  to  report  to  my 
command,  I  started  in  that  direction,  but  being  pushed  by  the  ene- 
my's cavalry  and  skirmishers,  I  ordered  the  forty-eighth  Virginia, 
Lieutenant  V.  Dubney,  to  drive  them  back,  which  was  done  quickly 
and  gallantly. 

That  night,  by  General  Jackson's  order,  I  held  the  crossing  of  the 
Sudley  road  over  the  old  railroad,  and  at  daylight,  being  so   ordered, 
rejoined  the  division,  then  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Starke, 
Brigadier   General    Taliaferro  having   been    wounded    the    previous 
evening.     By  him  I  was  ordered  to  clear  the  woods  we  had  ju.'^t  left, 
but  into  which  the  enemy's  skirmishers  had  lodged.     I  directed  Lieu- 
tenant Dabney,  with  the  forty-eighth  to  do  so,  and  then  sent  Captain 
"Witcher,  with  the  twenty-first  to  support  him.     They  did  their  work 
at  once  and  well.     Our  line  of  battle    was    then   formed,  facing  the 
east,  parallel  to  the  "Warrenton  road,  fronting  it,  and  to  the  left  of  it ; 
Ewell's  division  being  on  my  left  and  Starke's  brigade  on  my  right. 
This  place  was  not  attacked  until  the  afternoon.     Our  line  was  on  the 
crest  of  a  ridge  covered  with  timber,  and  in  front  of  the  wood,  in  tha 
open  ground,  was  the  embankment  in  one  place  and  the  cut  in  an- 
other, according  as  the  ground  lay,  of  an  unfinished  railroad.     In  the 
afternoon,  the  enemy  carried  the  embankment  to  my  left,  and  while  I 
was  trying  to  rally    some    men,  not  of  my  command,  came  close  on 
me  and  between  my  command  and  the   railroad  cut.     The  men  were 
lying  down  at  the  time  in  ranks,  concealed  ;  and,  unexpected,  I  or- 
dered a  charge,  and,  with  a  yell,  the    second   brigade  went   through 
them,  shattering,  breaking  and   routing   them.     The   struggle   was 
brief,  but  not  a  man  faltered,  and,  with  closed  ranks,  their  rush  was 
irresistible.     They  drove  the  enemy  into  the  railroad  cut  and  out  of 
it.     Just  then  Brigadier  General  Starke  came  gallantly  heading  the 
fourth  biigade,  and  tegether  we  went  after  the  flying  foe.     In  a  skirt 
of  woods  in  front  a  battery  was  attempting  to  cover  their  rally,  but 
Major  Seddon  and  the  Irish  battalion  wrested  a  three-inch  rifle  gun 
from  them  and  bore  it  off.     The  fourth  brigade  secured  another.     The 
forty-second  is  entitled  to  the  credit  of  capturing  the  colors  of  the 


245 


attaclcing  brigade,  which  was  "  Sickles'  Excelsior,"  having  run  over 
them  after  the  enemy.  The  flag  was  taken  up  by  the  fourth  brigade, 
and  I  do  not  claim  it  fcr  the  forty-second.  Returniag  to  the  first  po- 
Bition,  we  held  it  that  night.  j        .i. 

The  next  day,  Saturday,  the  30th,  the  division  was  formed  on  the 
same  ground,  but  in  order— third,  first,  second,  fourth,  placing  ray 
briL^ade  on  precisely  the  san^e  ground  it  held  on  Friday.  Daring  the 
morning,  the  enemy  sullenly  felt  nlong  our  line  at  long  range,  with 
bis  artillery,  occasionally  taking  feints  with  infantry,  which  did  not 
seem  to  bo  pres.ned  with  vigor,  and  it  was  difficult  to  understand 
whether  he  was  whipped  or  not.  He  however  took  possession  of  ^rove- 
ton  from  which  Hood  had  driven  him,  and  the  skirt  of  woods  which 
we  had  carrie.1,  where  Major  Seddon  captured  the  gun  the  preceding 
evening.  I  could  see  that  some  movements  were  being  made  in  that 
skirt  of  woods  as  early  as  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  during  the  day 
had  frequent  reports  made  to  me  to  that  effect.  I  therefore  placed 
the  forty-second,  Captain  Penn,  in  the  railroad  cut ;  and  having  as- 
signed Captain  Goldsborough,  of  the  late .GrstTklaryland,  my  old  com- 
mand, who  was  serving  with  me  as  a  volunteer,  to  the  forty-eighth, 
as  adjutimt,  put  it  in  a  copse  which  ran  at  right  angles  from  the  rail- 
road,  and  the  right  of  the  forty-second,  and  fronted  the  woods  in 
which  the  enemy  were  obviously  niaking  some  movement.  These  po- 
sitions overlooked  the  enemy  everywhere,  and,  being  very  strong,  were 
the  ones  I  had  determined  to  take  and  hold,  if  attacked.  The  twenty- 
first  and  Irish  battalion  I  held  in  reserve,  concealed  in  the  woods  on 
the  hill,  carefully  instructing  the  officers,  at  the  order,  to  charge  with- 
out firing  a  shot. 

About  four,  r.  ^I.,  the  movements  of  the  enemy  were  suddenly  de- 
veloped in  a  decided  manner.     They  stormed  my  position,  deploying 
in  the  woods  in  brigade  front,  and  then  charging  in  a  run,  line  after 
line,  brigade  after  brigade,  up   the  hill,  on   the  thicket  held  by  the 
forty-eighth,  and  the  railroad  cut  cccupied  by  the  forty-second.     But 
•as  they'uncovered  from  the  wood  in  which  they  had  been  massing  dur- 
ing the  whole  day,  I  ordered  the   twenty-first  and   Irish  battalion  to 
charge, which  they  did  with  empty  guns.   I  h;ilted  them  under  the  shelter 
of  the  cut,  where,  with  the  forty-second,  they  held  back  the  enormous 
force  pressing  up  the  hill  on  them.     Liautenant  Dabney  had  unfortu- 
nately been   wounded   early  in  the  day,  and  Captain  Goldsborough, 
whom  I  had  ordered  to  take  command,' had   fallen  by  my  side  in  the 
charge,  leaving  the  forty-eighth  without  a  superior  officer  with  them^ 
and  they  were,  consequently,  soon  driven  out  by  the  treraendo;isodd3 
against  them.     But  for  a  shcrt  time  the  three  regiments  above  named, 
viz :    the    forty-second,    twenty-first  and    Irish    battalion   by    them 
selves,  breasted  the  storm,  driving  back  certainly  twenty  (20)  times^ 
their  number.     As  soon  as  their  position  was  known,  the  rest  of  the 
division  came  to  their  support,  except  the  third  brigide,  which,  under 
Colonel   Taliaferro,  was  employed   in  whipping  a  division  by  itself. 
Before  the  railroad  cut  the  fight  was  most  obstinate.     I  saw  a  Fede- 
ral flag  hold  its  position  for  half  an  hour,  within  ten  yards  of  a  flag 
of  one  of  the  regiments  in  the  cut,  and  go  down  six  or  eight  times ; 


m  246 

and  after  tbe  fight,  a  hundred  dead  were  lying  twenty  yards  from  th© 
cut,  pome  of  thtm  within  twenty  feet  of  it.  The  men  fought  until 
their  iimmunition  was  exiiausted,  and  then  threw  stones.  Lieutenant 
Lewif-  Randolph,  of  tlie  hattalion,  killed  one  with  a  stone,  and  I  saw 
hiui  afterwards  with  his  f-kull  fractured.  Dr.  Richard  P.  Johnson,  on 
my  volunteer  staff,  having  no  arms  of  any  kind,  was  obliged  to  have 
recourse  to  this  means  of  cffence  from  the  beginning.  As  line  after 
line  surge*!  up  the  hill  time  after  time,  led  up  by  their  officers,  they 
were  dashed  bsick  on  one  another,  until  the  whole  field  was  covered 
with  a  confused  mass  of  straggling,  running,  routed  Yankees.  They 
failed  to  take  the  cut.  Tlie  battle  of  the  left  wing  of  the  army  was 
over,  and  the  v^hole  of  Jackson's  corps  advanced  about  a  mile,  its 
right  on  the  "VVarrenton  road,  toward  the  stone  bridge,  facing  Bull 
Run.      I  was  not  further  engaged  that  day. 

On  Sunday,.we  crossed  Sudley  ford,  and  that  night  bivouacked  on  the 
Aldie  road,  and  on  Monday,  September  1st,  was  ordered  by  Brigadier 
General  Staike  to  hold  the  road  leading  from  Chantilly  to  Centreville. 
Taking  a  position  alAut  two  miles  and  a  half  from  Centrevilk, 
I  threw  out  the  twenty-first  Virginia,  Captain  Witcher,  holding  half 
of  it  in  reserve,  and  advancing  the  residue  as  skirmishers.  They 
exchanged  shots  all  day.  with  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  dismounted 
and  engaged  them.  Having  only  orders  to  observe  the  large  force 
which  was  apparent  at  Centreville,  and  hold  it  from  attacking  our 
flank,  which  was  moving  up  towards  Germantown,  Captain  Witcher 
was  contented  to  drive  back  the  dismounted  cavalry.  After  sundown. 
Brigadier  General  Drayton  relieved  me,  and  I  rejoined  the  division. 

Tuesday  morning.  September  2d,  the  column  marched  beyond 
Dranesville,  and  bivouacked.  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  it  passed 
through  Leesburg.  Friday,  it  crossed  the  Potomac  at  White's  ford, 
Montgomery  county,  Maryland,  and  thence  iorded  the  Monocacy  at 
the  fdd  glaFS  works,  and  camped  by  the  Three  Springs,  near  Buck- 
eye's town.  On  Saturday,  it  entered  Frederick,  and  encamped  on 
Norman's,  to  the  north.  Being  ordered  by  General  Starke  to  take 
command  of  the  city  with  the  brigade,  I  put  it  in  camp  in  the  bar- 
rack's enclosure,  and  ordered  Lieutenant  Lewis  Randolph,  of  the  bat- 
talion, on  duty,  as  provost  marshal.  Directly  after  1  was  relieved 
from  the  brigade.  Brigadier  General  J.  11,  Jones,  its  commander,  hav- 
ing reported  for  duty.  My  brief  connection  with  the  brigade  pre- 
vents me  doing  justice,  individually,  to  the  officers  and  men,  a  few  of 
whom  1  was  acquainted  with  personally.  Major  Seddon,  first  Vir- 
ginia battalion,  distinguished  himself  by  his  gallantry.  On  Saturday, 
having  been  quite  ill,  I  advised  him  to  go  to  the  rear,  and  he  declin- 
ing. I  ordered  him  to  do  so.  On  his  way  back,  he  fell  in  with  Gene- 
ral Pender's  brigade,  and  headed  it  with  General  Pender  during  the 
fight.  Captain  Henderson,  who  succeeded  him  in  command  of  the 
Tjattalion  ;  Captain  Witcher,  of  the  twenty  first;  Captain  Penn,  of 
the  forty-second;  Lieut.  V,  Dabney,  of  the  forty-eighth,  all  behaved 
as  became  good  soldiers  and  gallant  gentlemen.  Lieutenant  Dunn, 
A.  A.  General,  was  conspicuous  in  the  performance  of  duty  on  the 
laaarch  and  in  battle.     Captain   Goldsborough  and  Lieutenant  Booth, 


247 

my  volurfteer  aids,  were  both  woun  led,  and  Dr  R.  J,  Johnson,  alao  vol- 
unteer aid,  had  his  horse  twice  shot  on  two  different  days.  As  I  can- 
not name  all  who  merit  notice,  not  knowing  their  names,  I  can  only 
Bay,  that  every  officer  and  man  in  the  brigade  may  well  be  proud  of 
the  manner  in  which  each  and  every  one  conducted  himself  in  the 
second  battle  of  Manassas.  I  cannot  forbear  giving  but  scant  justice 
to  a  gallant  soldier,  now  no  more.  It  was  my  fortune  during  the  ?wo 
days  of  the  battle,  during  which  he  coramandcfl  the  division,  to  be 
thrown  constantly  in  contact  with  Brigadier  General  Starke.  The 
buoyant  dash  with  which  he  led  his  brigade  into  a  most  withering  fire 
on  Friday,  though  then  in  command  of  the  division,  the  force  he 
showed  in  the  handling  of  this  command,  the  coolness  and  judgment 
which  distinguished  him  in  action,  made  him,  to  me,  a  marked  mau, 
and  I  regretted  his  early  death  as  a  great  loss  to  the  army  and  the 
cause. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

BRADLEY  T.  JOHNSON, 
>  Colonel  commanding  2d  Virginia  Brigade. 


EErORT  BRIGALIER   TRIMBLE   OF   BATTLE    OF    HAZEL 

RIVER. 

Morse's  Neck,  Army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
January  30,  1863. 

Lieutenant  General  T.  J.  Jackson, 

Commanding  Second  Army  Corps  on  RappahoJinock  : 

General:  In  compli'ance  with  your  order  of  this  date,  I  furnish 
»  report  of  the  operations  of  ray  (seventh)  brigade  on  the  22d  August, 
l;-362,  in  the  battle  of  Hazel  River.  About  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  that 
day,  I  was  left  with  orders  from  General  R.  S.  Ewell,  to  station  my 
brigade  about  a  mile  distant  from  the  ford  on  Hazel  River,  near  Well- 
ford's  mill,  where  the  army  crossed.  The  object  of  my  force  was  to  pro- 
tect the  flank  of  out  wagon  train  from  the  enemy,  who  had  moved  up  the 
north  side  of  the  Rappahannock  almost  flimultaneou;ily  with  our  forces. 
About  twelve,  M.,  I  received  informjition  that  the  enemy  (Sigel's  divis- 
ion) had  thrown  a  force  across  the  river  to  our  side,  and  soon  after 
learned  that  they  had  surprised  our  wagon  train  and  captured  some  am- 
bulances and  mules.  I  immediately  sent  the  twenty-first  Georgia  regi- 
ment. Captain  Glover,  to  recover  the  property  and  drive  off  tho 
enemy.  In  this  he  was  successful,  and  besides  captured  some  pri- 
soners, from  whom  I  received  some  important  information,  viz  :  that 
the  enemy  had  thrown  one,  if  not  two,  brigades  across  the  river,  to 
ennoy  us  on  the  mar«h.  As  General  Ewell's  division  was  five  or  six 
miles  in  advance  and  General  Longstreet's  division  the  same  distance 
ia  the  rear,  I  deemed  it  prudent  to  hold  my  brigade  on  the  defensive, , 
fttid  endeavor  to  protect  the  trains.  I  accordingly  disposed  the  three 
regiments  (my  only  force)  so  as  best  to  effect  this  object.  The  enemy 
made  no  further  attempts  to  molest  us.  During  the  afternoon,  by 
reconnoisance  and  verbal  information,  I  ascertained  the  position  of 
the  forces  thrown  across  the  river,  and  decided  to  attack  them  as  soon 
ee  the  advance  of  General  Longstreet  (Hood's  brigade)  shouM  reach 
ray  position  to  support  me,  if  necessary.  At  four,  P.  M,,  General 
Hood  arrived,  when  I  directed  him,  as  the  troops  came  up,  to  occupy 
my  position,  and  hold  them  in  readiness  to  support  me  should  I  send 
for  aid.  I  at  once  advanced  towards  the  enemy's  position,  skirmishers 
well  in  front,  who  soon  met  those  of  the  enemy  and  drove  them  back 
on  their  main  force,  which  I  noticed  was  placed  in  such  a  position  aa 
permitted  them  to  be  flanked  on  the  right  and  left  by  a  surprise.  The 
fifteenth  Alabama,  Major  Louther,  and  twenty-first  Georgia,  Captain 
Glover,  were  ordered  on  the  enemy's  flank,J)y  a  slight  detour,  unob- 
eerved,  while  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Fulton,  advanced  under  my  immediate  command  in  the  centre.  After 
a  eharp  conflict  with  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina,  the  enemy  were 
driven  back  to  the  hills  on  the  river,  where*  they  made  another  stand. 
At  this  point,  supported  by  their  artillery  on  the  north  side  of  the 
rtver,  they   made   an   effort,    by   blowing   of  trumpets,    beating   of 


249 

drums  and  clieera,  to  encourage  their  men  to  charge.  The  command 
•was  given,  "  Drive  them  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet."  Our  men  boMly 
advanced,  with  enthusiastic  cheers,  and  drove  the  opposing  forcca  into 
the  river  and  across  it,  in  great  disorder  to  seek  protection  in 
General  Sigel's  camp  and  under  his  guns,  which  opened  a  furious 
discharge  against  us  without  serious  injury.  Our  men  pursued  them 
closely  and  slaughtered  great  numbers  as  they  waded  the  river  or 
climbed  up  the  opposite  bank.  The  water  was  literally  covered  with 
the  dead  and  wounded.  Over  one  hundred  prisoners  were  captured, 
and  among  the  dead  wiS  found  one  colonel.  Deeming  it  useless,  in 
the  absence  of  my  artillery,  to  continue  the  contest  longer,  after  half 
an  hour's  occupation  of  the  battle-ground,  I  retired,  unmolested,  and 
encamped  a  mile  and  a  half  distant,  leaving  General  Hood,  who  had 
taken  .no  part  in  the  contest,  to  look  after  the  enemy.  The  battle 
lasted  two  hours,  daring  which  time  we  drove  the  enemy  one  mile.  I 
can  speak  with  pride  and  admiration  of  the  admirable  spirit  di.^playcd 
by  the  brigade,  which  went  into  action  with  that  determination  and 
valor  which  had  often  before  aided  to  secure  victory.  It  is  specially 
due  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fulton,  of  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina, 
that  I  should  mention  the  conspicuous  gallantry  with  which  he  took 
the  olors  and  led  his  regmeut  to  the  charge;  and  to  the  important 
services  rendered  by  Captain  W.  C  Hall,  A.  A.  G.,  and  Lieutenant 
W.  D.  McKim,  aid,  in  assisting  me  to  dispose  the  regiments  for  tho 
attack.  I  think  proper,  also,  to  name  Frank  Champion,  my  mounted 
orderly,  for  the  display  of  intelligence  and  activity  in  the  fit^ld  in 
carrying  order§  and  obtaining  information.  In  tliis  sharp  encounter 
-the  enemy  certainly  outnumbered  our  forces  two  or  three  to  one,  and 
certainly  lost  ten  to  one  in  their  killed  and  wounded  and  prisoners. 
Our  loss  in  killed  and  woundod  was  forty-seven,  among  them  no  field 
officers  or  captains. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  R.  THIMBLE, 
Brigadier  Liencral. 


REPORT   OF   BRIGADIER   GENERAL   TRIMBLE    OF  CAF- 
TURE  OF  MANASSAS  JUNCTION. 

Charlottesville,  January  6,  1863. 

Lieutenant  General  T.  J.  Jackson  : 

General  :  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  report  the  operations 
of  njy  brigade  in  the  execution  of  your  order  to  me  on  the  evening 
of  the  26th  of  August  last  to  capture  Manassas  Junction  : 

Your  order  was  received  about  nine  o'clock,  that  night,  after  a  long 
and  fatiguing  march  of  the  armv  from  Salem  to  Bristoe  Station.  I 
immediately  put  two  regiments  in  motion,  the  twenty-first  North 
Carolina,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fulton,  and  the  twenty- 
first  Georgia,  commanded  by  Major  Glover,  in  all  about  five  hundred 
men,  (my  third  regiment  was  left  at  Bristoe,)  and  proceeded  with  them 
to  within  one  mile  and  a  half  of  Manassas,  where  we  halted  in  con- 
sequence of  the  brisk  discharge  of  fire-arms  in  our  front,  caused  by 
an  encounter  of  a  part  of  General  Stuart's  cavalry  with  a  party  of  the 
enemy's  pickets,  1  informed  General  Stuart  of  my  intention  to  attack 
Manassas  Junction,  and  requested  his  aid  with  the  cavalry  which  he 
had  then  with  him.  Throwing  forward  skirmishers  in  advance  of  the 
regiments,  I  proceeded  cautiously  in  order  of  battle,  the  night  being 
very  dark.  We  met  with  no  opposition  until  within  half  a  mile  of 
the  cluster  of  houses  at  the  Junction,  when  discharges  of  artillery 
rapidly  repeated,  were  delivered  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  in  the 
direction  of  our  force.  From  a  want  of  knowledge  of  our  position, 
this  file  did  us  but  little  injury.  I  then  disposed  of  one  regiment  on 
the  north  side  of  the  railroad  and  the  other  on  the  south  side  ;  ray  aid. 
Lieutenant  McKim,  being  posted  on 'the  track  with  directions  to  regu- 
late the  advance  of  the  Georgia  regiment  by  that  of  the  North  Caro- 
lina, which  latter  advanced  under  my  immediate  orders.  These  dis- 
positions being  made,  I  gave  orders  to  advance  rapidly,  skirmishers 
being  well  in  front,  until  we  had  approached  within  one  hundred  yards 
of  the  batteries,  which  continued  their  tire,  one  on  the  north  and  the 
other  on  the  south  of  the  railroad.  Here  I  halted  and  issued  watch- 
words and  responses,  that  our  men  might  recognize  each  other  in  case 
of  a  mingled  encounter  with  the  enemy.  The  position  of  the  batteries 
on  either  side  of  the  railroad  having  been  ascertained  pretty  acurately, 
the  word  was  given,  "Charge  !"  when  both  regiments  advanced  rapidly 
and  firmly,  and  in  five  minutes  both  batteries  were  carried  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet.  Sending  an  officer  to  the  north  side  of  the  railroad  to 
ascertain  the  success  of  the  Georgia  regiment,  he  could  not  immedi- 
ately find  them  and  cried  out,  "Halloa,  Georgia,  where  are  you  ?"  The 
reply  was  "Here  !  all  right !  we  have  taken  a  battery."  "So  have  we," 
"Was  the  response,  whereupon  cheers  rent  the  air. 

As  soon  as  an  examination  could  be  made,  it  was  ascertained  that 
each  of  the  two  batteries  contained  four  field  pieces,  horses,  equip- 
ments and  ammunition  complete.     Over  three  hundred  prisoners  were 


251 

taken,  an  immense  quantity  of  commissary  and  quartermaster's  stores, 
and  a  birge  train  loaded  with  promiscuous  army  supplies,  just  arrived 
from  Alexandria,  and  about  two  hundred  horses,  independent  of  those 
belonging  to  the  artillery.  Over  two  hundred  negroes  were  also  re- 
captiired.  In  this  successful  issue  of  the  night's  work  I  had  no  as- 
sistance from  artillery  or  from  any  part  of  General  Stuart's  cavalry, 
a  regiment  of  which  arrived  some  time  after  the  attack  was  made,  and 
commenced  an  indiscriminate  plunder  of  horses.  General  Stuart 
himself  did  not  arrive  until  seven   or  eight  o'clock  m  the  morning. 

As  I  had  ascertained  that  a  large  force  of  the  enemy  was  at  Cen- 
treville  and  anoiher  force  hourly  expected  by  railroad  from  Alexan- 
dria, and  as  at  any  moment  an  attempt  might  be  made  to  retake  the 
place,  I  kept  the  two  rejjimentB  under  arms  all  night.  IJeportirg  our 
success  at  General  Jackson's  headquarters  at  Bristoe,  I  asked  that 
reinforcements  should  be  sent  to  me  without  delay  ;  these  arrived  soon 
after  daybreak,  and  were  disposed  so  as  to  repel  any  attack  of  the 
enemy.  Guards  were  placed  over  the  buildings  and  cars  containing 
public  stores,  and  no  depredations  whatever  were'  committed  by  the 
men  of  ray  regiments,  who  were  continued  under  arms  the  Avhole  of 
the  night  and  all  the  next  day  without  relief.  It  was  with  extreme 
mortifieation  that,  in  reporting  to  General  A.  P.  Hill  for  orders,  about 
ten  o'clock,  I  witnessed  an  indiscriminate  plunder  of  the  public  stores, 
cars  and  sutler's  houses  by  the  army  which  had  just  arrived,  in  which 
General  Hill's  division  was  conspicuous,  setting  at  defiance  the  guards 
I  had  placed  over  the  stores. 

Before  conclmling  this  report  I  must,  in  justice  to  the  officers  and 
men  of  the  two  regiments,  express  the  high  admiration  I  entertain 
for  the  good  conduct  and  gallantry  which  they  displayed  throughout 
the  whole  aifair.  When,  under  the  exhaustion  of  a  long  march,  they 
were  told  that  Manassas  was  to  be  captured  that  night,  every  man  set 
out  with  cheerful  alacrity  to  perform  the  service,  and  when  ordered 
to  charge  the  batteries,  that  act  was  done  with  a  coolness  and  intre- 
pidity seldom  surpassed  ;  especially  as  they  could  not  know  what 
numbers  were  opposed  to  them,  and,  in  the  night,  from  what  direction 
the  danger  would  come.  The  force  of  my  two  regiments  was  less  than 
five  hundred  men,  the  number  of  the  enemy  captured  was  about  three 
hundred  ;  but  their  whole  force  could  not  be  ascertained. 

Our  loss  was  killed,  none  ;  wounded,  fifteen  men.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  unknown. 

As  I  have  had  frequent  occasion  before  to  speak  in  high  commenda- 
tion of  the  gallantry  of  Lieutenant  AV.  D.  McKim,  my  aid-de-camp, 
80  on  this  occasion,  as  the  only  member  of  my  stafl"  present,  T  tako 
pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  value  of  his  services  and  his  judgment 
and  coolness  in  so  trying  an  emergency. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
J.  11.  TRIMBLE,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF    COLONEL  FORNO  OF    HAYS'  BRIGADE. 


Headquarters  Fifth  Louisian-a  VoLufiTEF.Ra, 
Camp  near  Port  Royuly  Fa.,  January  2,  18G3 


J 


General:  Hays' brigade,  under  1113'  command,  arrived  at  Bristoe 
Station,  on  the  Oran^^c  and  Alexandria  railroad,  at  six  o'clock,  P.  M., 
August  '2G,  1862,  and  waa  ordered  to  attack  and  destroy  the  railroad 
trains  tlien  approaching  the  station,  they  being  supposed  to  contain 
troops.  The  duty  was  promptly  performed,  and  the  brigade  laid  on 
their  arms  until  daylight  on  the  27th,  at  which  time  I  made  a  recon- 
noisance  to  the  front  in  force,  when,  finding  the  enemy  embarking 
their  troops,  attacked  them  with  artillery  After  doing  some  damage, 
the  enemy  succeeded  in  getting  their  train  ott".  I  then  returned, 
leaving  the  sixth  Louisiana  regiment.  Colonel  Strong,  on  picket  two 
miles  in  advance;  the  eighth  Loui!?iana  regiment.  Major  Lewis,  one 
mile  nearer  the  main  line,  with  orders  to  Colonel  Strong,  should  the 
enemy  advance,  to  skirmish  to  the  rear  with  the  eighth,  who  were 
directed  to  destroy  the  railroad  bridge  and  as  much  of  the  track  as  pos- 
sible, and  to  retire,  in  good  order,  under  cover  of  our  artillery.  This 
duty  was  performed  to  my  entire  satisfaction,  these  two  regiments  suc- 
cessfully repulsing  two  brigades  of  the  enemy  until  their  ammunition 
was  expended,  Avhen  I  ordered  up  the  fifth  regiment,  Major  B, 
Menger  commanding,  to  support  them  ;  when,  after  "a  few  discharges 
from  the  latter  regiment,  the  wLole  retired  in  good  order,  as  if  on 
parade. 

One  regiment  from  General  Lawton's  brigade,  with  one  piece  of 
artillery,  supported  the  left  of  my  line,  and  did  good  service  in  repel- 
ling an  attempt  of  the  enemy  to  flank  us.  As  soon  as  our  artillery 
got  into  position,  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  fall   back   to   Manassas, 

Our  loss  in  killed/ and  wounded  was  small,  that  of  the  enemy  heavy. 
Fifth,  sixth  and  eighth  Louisiana,  and  Lawton's  brigade,  nineteen  killed 
and  thirty-one  wounded.  Enemy's  loss,  eighty  killed  and  two  hun- 
dred wounded,  many  of  whom  were  officers  of  rank,  colonels  and  other 
officers.  The  information  as  to  the  loss  on  both  sides  I  obtained  from 
Assistant  Surgeon  Strickler,  of  the  fifth  Louisiana  regiment,  he  being 
left  in  charge  of  our  wounded.  The  surgeon  also  informed  me  that, 
in  consequence  of  the  total  destruction  of  the  long  bridge,  the  enemy 
were  compelled  to  burn  a  large  amount  of  stores,  railroad  cars,  &c., 
&c.  After  tweive  o'clock  at  night  of  the  27th,  the  brigade  was  put  in 
motion,  with  orders  to  follow  General  Early;  but,  owing  to  the  dark- 
ness, I  was  unable  to  find  him.  At  daylight,  on  the  morning  pf  the 
28th,  I  crossed  Bull  Run  bridge  and  joined  the  division.  After- 
wards was  ordered  to  report  to  General  Early,  and,  with  his  brigade, 
support  General  Taliaferro,  but  did  not  engage.  On  the  morning  of 
the  29th,  still  under  command  of  General  Early,  occupied  the  right 
of  our  line  until  the  arrival  of  General  Longstreet,  when  we  rejoined 
our  division  in  the  centre.      At  half  past  three,  P.  M.,  29th,  Tfas 


253 

ordered  to  advance  my  brigade  by  General    Jackson,   and  soon  after 
engaged  the  enemy,  and,  after  driving   tbem  with  great  slaughter 
retained  the  ground    previously  occupied  by  them.      At  about  six 
0  clock,  P.  M.,  I  was  wounded  and  taken  from  the  field,  and  turned 
over  the  command  to  Colonel  Strong,  sixth  Louisiana. 
Oar  loss  was  .twenty -four  killed  and  forty- one  wounded. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  FORNO, 
Colonel  Fifth  Loxa'siona  Regiment. 


IlEPORT  OF  BRIGAI  lER  GENERAL  ROBERTSON  OF  SEC- 
OND BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 

Ik  Camp,  near  Garyseurg,  N.  C,  ) 
October  12,    I8G2.  J 

As-istant  A  0 jut  ant   General, 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division,  A.  iV.  F. : 

Sir  :     In  obedience  to  orders  from  your  headquarterg,  earl/  on  the 
morning  of  the  2!lth  of  August,  1802,  I  crossed  the  Rapidan  river  at 
Tobacco  creek  ford  with  a    portion   of  my  brigade,   consisting   of  the 
i«ixth,  seventh  iind  twelfth  regiments  of  Virgir.ia  cavalry.   Encounter- 
ing the  enoniy'rt  pickets  between  Stevensburg,    in  the  county  of  Cul- 
peper,  and  Brandy  Station,  on  the   Orange   and  Alexandria  railroad, 
jn  force,  a    spirited   attack    by    Colonel   W.   E.  Jones,  commanding 
first  A'irginia  cavalry,  was  immediately  made,    driving  in  their    out- 
post to  their  reserve.     Heavy  skirmishing  on  both  sides  then  ensued, 
which  lasted  several  hours,    during    which    some    of  our  men    were 
wounded  and  a  few  of  the  enemy's  horses  killed.     The  enemy  finally 
retired  and  was  followed  beyond  Brandy   Station,  at   which    point  a 
brigade  of  cavalry,  under  the  command  of  the  Federal  General  Bay- 
ard, was  discovered  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  on  a  commanding  hill, 
evidently  determined  to  dispute  our  progress,  and  firing  upon  my  ad- 
vance column  with  long-range  guns,  (Burnside   rifles.)     As  soon  as 
practicable  1  ordered  a  charge  and  led  the  twelfth  Virginia  regiment, 
Colonel  Ilarman,  directly  against  the  centre  of  their   line,  while  the 
sixth  and  seventh  were  directed  against  their  flank.   The  men  charged 
gallantly,  and  after  a  brief  hand  to  hand  contest  the  enemy  was  routed, 
with  the  loss  of  several  killed  and  a  number  wounded,  capturing  sixty- 
four  prisoners,  including  several  commissioned  ofllicers.     Our  losswas 
three  killed  and  thirteen  wounded.     Colonel. A.  W.  Ilarman  and  Cap- 
tain L.  F.  Terrill  were  especially  conspicuous  during  the  engairement, 
as  was  also  Major  Von  Borcke,  aid-de-camp  to  Major  General  Stuart. 
Captain    Redtnan    Burke,    attached    to    division    headquarters,     was 
wounded  in  the  leg  while  charging  gallantly  with  the  twelfth  Virginia 
regiment.     My  thanks  are  specially  due  to  Colonel  Jones  for  the  ad- 
mirrtMe  disposi'^ion  made  of  his  skirmishers  and  regiment  during  the 
engagement  with  the  first  main  cavaliy  on  picket  duty. 
Very  respectfully,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  li.  ROBERTSON, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  Cavalry. 


UEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ROBERTSON"  OF 
EVENTS  SUBSEQUENT  TO  SECOND  BATTLE  OF  MA- 
NASSAS. 


Headquarters  Cavalr*  Brigade,  Garysduro,  N.  C, 

Oduher   15,   1862. 

Assistant  Adjutant  General, 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division,  A.  N.  V.  ) 

Sir  :  On  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  August  3(lth,  when  the  rout 
of  the  enemy  had  become  {general,  I  moved  my  entire  brigade  rapidly 
forward  in  order  to  press  his  left  flank,  ?nd,  if  possible,  to  intercept 
his  retreat  in  the  direction  of  Centreville  by  way  of  the  Stone  bridge, 
fjefore  reaching  the  Lewis  ford,  I  observed  a  body  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry  approaching  that  point  from  the  direction  of  Manassas.  A3 
there  did  not  seem  to  be  more  than  a  small  squadron,  I  ordered  two 
companies  of  the  second  Virginia  cavalry,  Colonel  Munford,  to  move 
forward  and  attack  them.  The  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  when  it 
was  ascertained  that  an  additional  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  wliose 
e.xact  strength,  owing  to  their  position,  I  could  not  makd  out,  were 
concealed  under  the  crest  of  a  hill,  in  their  immediate  front.  I  then 
ordered  the  entire  second  regiment  to  the  support  of  the  squadron 
already  engaged,  which  had  been  driven  back  by  largely  superior  num- 
bers. B'  fore  this  regiment  had  arrived  in  supporting  disUince  of  the 
squadron  already  mentioned,  a  full  brigade  of  Federal  cavalry,  under 
the  command  of  General  Buford,  had  advanced  t'o  the  top  ot  the  hill, 
where  it  'was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle.  1  moved  forward  imme- 
diately with  the  seventh  and  twelfth  regiments  of  Virginia  cavalry  to 
reinforce  Colonel  Munford,  leaving  the  sixth,  Colonel  Flournoy,  in 
reserve.  Without  waiting.  Colonel  Munford  made  a  brilliant  and 
dashing  charge  with  his  regiment  in  line,  engaging  the  enemy  it»  a 
hand  to  hand  contest,  which  lasted  until  the  twelfth  regiment  had 
almost  reached  the  scene  of  action,  when  the  enemy  commenced  a 
general  and  precipitate  retreat,  being  closely  pursued  by  the  second, 
twelfth,  jind  a  portion  of  the  seventh  regiment  of  Virginia  cavnlry. 
C>ur  men  followed  be\  ond  Lewis  ford  as  far  as  the  Centreville  and 
Warrenton  turnpike,  >n hen  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  pursiiir.  A 
number  of  the  enemy's  dead  were  left  upon  the  field.  Colonel  Broad- 
head,  of  the  first  Michigan,  was  mortally  wounded  in  a  hand  to  hand 
encounter  with  Lieutenant  Ilarman,  adjutant  of  the  twelfth  Virginia 
cavalry. 

We  captured  over  three  hundred  prisoners.  Our  loss,  five  killed 
and  forty  wounded. 

The  conduct  of  the  field  officers,  as  well  as  that  of  the  men,  of  the 
second  Virginia  cavalry,  eurpassed  all  praise.  Sergeant  Leopold, 
of  the  twelfth  Virginia  cavalry,  waB  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight  and 


256 

acted  moBt  gallantly   during   its   dontinuance.     He  vras  wounded  in 
three  places. 

I  am,  very  re?pectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

E.  H.  ROBERTSON, 
JSrigadier  Central  commanding  Cavalry, 


RErORT  OF  COLONEL  THOMAS,  COMxMANDING  SECOND 

BRIGADE. 


Headquarters  Third  Brig.'.ue,  Light  Division,  ) 

October  26,  1862.  J 

M  ajor  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant   General,  Light  Division  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  this  brigade,  on  August 
Pth,  18G3,  was,  by  order  of  General  Ilill,  turnf<l  from  its  line  of 
xnaich  to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  ordered  to  report  to  GeneralJack- 
eon  ;  by  the  latter  was  placed  in  line,  at  rest,  in  the  border  of  a  wood  ; 
occupied  this  position  a  short  tiiii  5  ;  then,  by  order  of  General  Jack- 
Bon,  reported  to  General  Hill.  By  him  the  brigide  was  placed  in  a 
wood,  with  orders  to  support  General  Earlj^,  who  orccupied,  at  that 
time,  the  right  of  our  kne.  After  a  short  time,  by  General  Jackson, 
it  was  ordered  to  take  position  to  the  front  and  right.  While  this 
order  was  being  executed,  a  brigade  in  front  of  the  third  was  being 
forced  back  ;  one  regiment  the  fourteenth  Georgia,  was  ordered  to 
support  it;  the  thirty-fifth,  forty-fifth  and  forty-ninth  Georgia  regi- 
ments occupied  the  extreme  right  of  our  line,  with  orders  to  hold  that 
position.  The  advance  of  the  enemy  was  checked,  and  this  position 
was  held  until  nearly  dark,  when  an  advance  was  ordered.  WemDvod 
pome  distance  through  the  field,  and  bivouacked  that  night  upon  the 
ground  previously  occupied  by  the  enemy. 

On  Thursday,  August  28th,  near  Sudley  ford,  this  brigade  was  held 
in  reserve  by  order  of  General  Hill;   was  under  fire,  but  took  no  active 
part,  and,  after  the  enemy  gave  way,  moved  forward  and  bivouacked 
for  the  night  on  the  field.     Early  on  ti'nday,  August  29th,  the  march 
was  resumed,  with  directions  to  be  prepared   f  ;r   an    attack  near  the 
railroa.d.      General  Gregg's  brigade  meeting  the  enemy  there,  this  bri- 
gade advance"!  to  his  right,  the  regiments  being  thrown  in  succe3:?ively 
until  all  became  engaged.     The  enemy  were  in  strong  position  on  the  • 
railroad.     ^S'^e  at  once  advanced  and  drove  them  from  it.     This  posi- 
tion wo  were  ordered  to  hold,  and,  if  possible,  to  avoid  bringing  on  a 
general  engagement,  and  held  it  against  several  attacks  of  the  enemy 
in  strong  force  during  the  day.       In  the  afternoon,  an  overwhelming 
force  attacked  us,  now   almost  without  ammunition,  in  front  and  on 
the  loft  flanks,  and   forced    us   back   a  short   distance,  when  General 
I*ender's  brigade  advanced  promptly,  and  in  fine  order,  to  the  assistance 
of  the  third,   most  of  which  joined   General    Pender,   and,  together, 
they  drove  back  the  enemy  some  distance  beyond  our  previous  posi- 
tion, which  was  held  until  night,  the  brigade  bivouacking  on  the  field. 
'On  Saturday,  August  3(lth,  we  were  ordered  to  take  position  near 
the  left  of  the  line,  which  position  was  held  during  the  day  against 
repeated  attacks  of  the  enemy  in  strong  force.     Late  in  the  afternoon, 
the  third  brigade,  with  General  Pender's  and  General  Archer's,  was 
ordered  to  move  forward  in  echelon ;  the  enemy  were  driven  back  a 
17 


258 

distance  of  a  mile  and-a-haif,  and  the  brigade  bivouacked  that  nigbt 
Bome  distance  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  poaiti^  during  the  day. 

On  Monday,  September  1  at,  near  Gormantown,  the  third  was  ordered 
to  the  support  of  General  Gregg'a  brigade.  After  a  sharp  conflict 
vith  a  body  of  the  enemy,  they  were  driven  back,  and  the  field  held 
by  our  troopa  that  night. 

On  September  Nth  and  15th,  this  brigade  was  ordered  to  support 
General  Pender,  then  advancing  upon  Harper's  Ferry.  We  were 
exposed  to  a  heavy  artillery  fire,  which  caused  some  loss,  but  took  no 
active  part,  and  had  moved  within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy's 
works  -when  they  surrendered. 

At  Shcphcrdstown,  on  September  20th,  we  were  placed  in  position 
on  the  extreme  right  of  the  line,  and  ordered  to  advance  towards  the 
Potomac  river.  Moving  forward,  we  took  position  commanding  tho 
ford,  remained  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  until  night,  and  were  then 
ordered  back  to  camp. 

Colonel  R.  W.  Folsom,  fourteenth  Georgia  regiment,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  J.  11.  Manning,  forty-ninth  Georgia  r-egiment,  and  Major  AV. 
L.  Grice,  forty-fifth  Georgia  regiment,  led  their  commands  with  a 
.skill  and  gallantry  highly  honorablo  to  them.  Major  Lewis  Ginter, 
Lieutenant  Wm.  Norwood,  of  the  staff,  and  Lieutenant  John  Tyler, 
acting  aid-de-camp,  performed  their  duties  with  gallantry  on  the  field, 
and  I  take  this  occasion  to  acknowledge  their  valuable  services  to  me„ 

With  few  exceptions,  the  officers  and  men  of  this  command  con- 
ducted themselves  on  the  field  in  a  manner  highly  honorable  to  them. 
Their  courage,  their  cheerful  obedience  to  orders,  and  their  patient 
endurance  of  hardships,  cannot  be  commended  too  highly, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major,  with  highest  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

EDWARD  L.  THOMAS, 
Colonel  commanding  brigade. 


EEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ARCHER, 

Headquarters  Archer's  Brigade,      ) 
Camp  Gregg,  near  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  March  1,  1863.  \ 

Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

A.  A.  General,  A.  P.  EtWs  Light  Division  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  present  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  brigade,  in  the  series  of  battles  from  Warrentoa 
Springs  ford  to  JShepherddtown,  inclusive: 

Warrenton  Springs  Ford,  24th  August,  1862. 

My  brigade  remained  in  bivouac  in  reserve,  in  the  edge  of  a  wood, 
until  the  division  was  relieved  by  Hood's  division  about  sunset,  and 
although  exposed  to  heavy  shelling  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  sus- 
tained no  loss. 

Manassas  Junction,  26th  August. 

The  morning  of  the  26th  August,  we  arrived  at  Manassas  Junction,, 
when  the  division  was  halted  in  column  of  brigades  to  the  left  of  tho 
depot.  My  brigade  was  soon  after  ordered  to  advance  in  the  direc- 
tion of  a  retreating  piece  of  artillery,  and  on  proceeding  about  a  half 
mile,  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  which  advanced  a  short 
distance  in  line,  and  then  filed  diagonally  to  the  left,  to  a  position 
near  the  hospital ;  General  Jackson  riding  up  at  that  time,  with  a 
battery,  ordered  me  to  support  the  battery.  The  enemy  was  sbon 
broken  and  retreated  towards  the  railroad  bridge  of  Bull  Run,  closely 
followed  by  a  battery  and  my  brigade,  as  far  as  the  nature  of  tha- 
ground  would  permit  the  artillery  to  follow.  I  then,  by  order  of  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  sent  the  nineteenth  Georgia  regiment  in  direct  pursuit^, 
while,  with  the  other  regiments,  I  proceeded  dow-n  the  railroad  track, 
and  soon  became  engaged  with  the  enemy,  who  made  a  stand  on  the- 
opposite  side  of  Bull  Run,  at  and  near  the  railroad  bridge.  After 
about  a  half  hour's  firing,  I  crossed  the  Run  and  advanced  about  a 
half  mile,  when  I  was  recalled  from  further  pursuit.  I  then  recrossed 
the  Run  and  took  a  position  on  the  hill  commanding  the  bridge  whero 
I  remained  until  about  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  ordered  to  return  to 
th3  Junction.  My  loss  in  this  action  was  four  killed  and  seventeen 
wounded.  The  regiments  of  my  brigade  were  commanded  as  follows  ; 
First  Tennessee,  Colonel  Turney;  seventh  Tennessee,  Major  Shep- 
pard ;  fourteenth  Tennessee,  Colonel  Forbes ;  nineteenth  Georgiaj 
Captain  L.  Johnson,  and  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  Captain  Bush, 

Manassas  JPlains,  28th,  29th  and  30th  August. 

The  28th  August,  after  marching  through  Centreville,  up  the  War- 
renton turnpike,  and  across  Bull  Run,  my  brigade  was  formed  in  line 


260 

on  the  right  of  and  fronting  a  by-road,  the  direction  of  which  was 
nearly  parallel  with  the  railroad  cut.  Branch's  brigade  was  formed 
to  my  rear,  and  Field's  on  my  right,  and  two  batteries  in  the  open 
field  about  three  hundred  yards  in  front. 

About  five  o'clock,  P.  M  ,  when  the  engogeracnt  commenced,  I 
moved  forward  to  support  the  batteries  and  remained  under  a  heavy 
fire  of  shell  and  round  ehot  from  batteries  to  the  front  and  left,  but 
without  sustaining  any  loss,  until  twilight,  when  the  artillery  fire 
ceased,  and  the  whole  division  moved  by  the  right  fiank  into  the  rail- 
road cut  in  tbe  woods.  The  next  morning,  my  brigade,  with  Brax- 
ton's battery,  was  posted  on  a  hill  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  division, 
with  skirmishers  thrown  out  to  the  front,  and  on  the  left  flank.  In 
this  position  it  was  not  actively  engaged,  although  it  was  somewhat 
annoyed  by  shell  from  battel ies  in  front,  but  not  ii^  sight. 

About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  moved,  by  order  of  General  Hill  to 
tbe  right,  until  my  right  rested  on  a  road,  which  crosses  tlie  railroad 
at  right  angles, 'and  remained  there  within  supporting  distance  of 
other  brigades  of  the  division,  which  had  been  engaged  during  the 
day. 

About  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  during  an  interval  of  the  assaults  of  the 
enemy  General  Pender  sent  his  aid-de-camp  requesting  me  to  relieve 
him,  and  with  the  consent  of  General  Hill,  who  was  near  me  at  the 
time,  I  immediately  marched  down  and  filed  to  the  right  into  the  rail- 
road cut.  As  my  leading  files  entered  the  railroad  cut,  I  perceived 
the  enemy  advancing  up  it  from  the  left,  into  the  wood.  Unwilling 
to  commence  the  fight  until  my  troops  were  in  position,  I  did  not  call 
their  attention  to  the  enemy  until  half  of  my  last  regiment  (Colonel 
Turncy's  first  Tennessee)  had  entered  the  cut,  I  then  pointed  out 
tbe  enemy  on  tbe  left,  and  ordered  that  regiment  to  fire,  which  it  did 
with  great  efi'ect.  The  first  fire  of  this  regiment  was  instantly  an- 
swered by  a  furious  assault  upon  my  whple  front.  At  tliis  time  my 
own  brigade  was  the  Only  one  in  sight  along  the  wLole  line,  but  for 
twenty  minutes  or  more,  it  firmly  and  gallantly  resisted  the  attack, 
and  maintained  its  position  until  the  troops  came  up  on  my  right  and 
left,  in  time  to  save  me  from  being  flanked.  Soon  after  the  arrival  of 
these  fresh  troops,  we  charged  and  drove  the  enemy  back  several  hun- 
dred yards,  and  then  quietly  returned  to  our  position.  In  a  few  min- 
utes fresh  forces  of  the  enemy  arrived,  and  attacked  us  as  vigorously 
as  the  first ;  they  were  as  firmly  resisted,  and  as  gallantly  repelled 
by  another  charge.  At  this  second  charge,  many  of  my  men  were 
out  of  ammunition  and  charged  with  empty  rifles.  I  did  not  average 
over  two  cartridges  to  the  man.  A  third  assault  was  met  and  re- 
pulsed in  the  same  manner,  my  brigade  charging  upon  the  enemy 
with  loud  cheers,  and  driving  them  back  with  their  empty  rifles.  It 
was  after  sunset  when  we  resumed  our  position,  and  we  lay  upon  our 
arms  that  night,  with  a  strong  picket  in  front  to  prevent  surprise,  re- 
plenished our  ammunition  during  the  night,  and  next  morning  changed 
places  with  Early's  brigade,  which  had  come  in  on  our  left  the  even- 
ing before,  and  in  front  of  which  a  heavy  skirmishing  fire  had  been 
kept  up  all  the  morning.     I  .relieved  General  Early's  pickets  with 


one  hundred  and  thirty  men,  under  the  brave  Lieutenant  Colonel 
George,  of  the  first  Tennessee  rrgiment,  who  is  always  ready  and 
anxious  for  the  most  daring  service.  The  firing  between  my  pickets 
and  the  enemy's  skirmishers  in  the  wood  in  front,  became  so  rapid  and 
continuous  that  fearing  my  men  were  wasting  their  ammunition,  I  sent 
my  aid-de-camp,  Lieut.  0.  IL  Thomas,  to  ascertain  what  it  meant,  and 
to  stop  unnecessary  firing.  He  traversed  the  whole  line  pf  pickets, 
exposed  to  the  aim  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  and  returned  to  me, 
reporting  the  constant  fire  of  my  men  as  necessary  to  maintain  their 

ground.     About o'clock,  the  troops  on  our  extreme  right  having 

become  hotly  engaged,  I  received  orders  from  General  Hill  to  draw 
out  my  brigade,  if  not  already  engaged  myself,  and  go  to  the  support 
of ^ the  right.  But  while  I  was  receiving  the  order,  the  enemy  drove 
in  my  pickets  and  attacked  my  brigade.  After  returning  his  fire 
for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  I  charged  across  the  railroad  cut  and  drove 
him  back  into  the  woods.  No  one  joined  me  in  this  advanceexcept  Col- 
onel Smith's  regiment  of  Early's  brigade.  General  Early  ordered 
him  back,  and  my  right  regiment  (Colonel  Turney's)  returned  with 
him.  My  regiments  obtained  a  fresh  supply  of  ammunition  from  the 
cartridge-boxes  of  the  dead  liankees,  and  resumed  their  position  in 
the  lino.  Al^out  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  an  order  came  through 
General  Pender,  for  a  general  advance.  I  advanced  in  line  with  Gen 
eral  Pender's  brigade,  which  formed  on  my  right,  through  the  wood 
into  the  open  field  beyond,  where  the  enemy's  battalions  were  posted. 
One  battery,  of  six  guns,  was  posted  about  three  hundred  yards  dis- 
tant from  the  point  where  we  entered  the  open  field,  and  a  little  to  the 
left  of  the  direction  of  my  advance.  I  moved  on  in  the  same  direc- 
tion until  about  half  that  distance  was  passed,  then  swung  round  to 
the  left,  and  marched  in  double-quick  directly  on  the  battery.  My 
troops  never  for  a  moment  faltered  in  their  gallant  charge,  although  ex- 
posed to  the  fire  of  two  other  batteries,  besides  the  constant  fire  of 
the  one  we  were  charging,  and  of  its  infantry  supports.  The  enemy 
etood  to  his  guns,  and  continued  to  fire  upon  us  until  we  were  within 
seventy-five  yards,  when  he  abandoned  three  of  his  pieces,  which  fell 
into  tRe  hands  of  my  brigade  on  the  same  spot  where  they  had  been 
served  so  bravely.  General  Pender  overtook  and  captured  the  other 
three  pieces.  I  left  the  pieces  I  had  captured  to  bo  taken  care  of  by 
whomsoever  might  come  after  me,  and  pushed  on  without  halt  against 
the  infantry,  who  still  made  a  feeble  resistance  in  the  edge  of  the 
wood.  They  did  not  await  our  coming,  but  had  retreated  out  of  sight 
by  the  time  I  had  entered  the  wood. 

Here  I  halted  and  reformed  my  brigade,  and  on  moving  forward 
again  came  up  with  General  Pender's,  which  had  entered  the  same 
wood  to  the  right  of  my  brigade  and  had  halted  for  the  same  pur- 
pose. During  the  movement  through  the  Mood  our  brigades  had 
crossed  each  other's  directions,  and  1  found  myself  on  his  richt  in- 
stead of  on  his  left,  as  at  the  beginning.  From  this  point  our 
brigades  moved  on  together  to  the  Lewis  hquse,  where,  a  little  after 
dark,  wo  encountered,  in  the  field  to  the  left  of  the  house,  a  body  of 
the  enemy's  infantry,  whose  numbers  we  could  not  ascertain  for  the 


262 

darkness  of  the  ni^ht,  and  with  whom,  after  they  had  to  our  chal- 
lenge answered  "  for  the  Union,"  we  exchanged  a  single  volley  and 
then  drove  them  from  the  field.  Here  we  found  a  large  hospital, 
filled  with  wounded,  and  during  the  night  and  next  morning,  cap- 
tured about prisoners  and  collected  a  large  number  of  arms. 

In  this  engagement  my  less  was  seventeen  killed  and  one  hlindred 
and  ninety- six  wounded.  Amongst  the  former,  Captain  Bush,  com- 
manding the  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  killed  29th  August;  and,  among 
the  latter,  Colonel  W.  A.  Forbes,  fourteenth  Tennessee,  mortally,  on 
the  3l)th  August,  near  the  enemy's  battery.  Colonel  Forbes  died  of 
his  wounds  a  few  days  after. 

The  regiments  of  my  brigade  were  commanded  as  follows,  viz  : 
First  Tennessee,  Colonel  Turney  ;  seventh  Tennessee,  Major  Shep- 
pard ;  fourteenth  Tennessee,  Colonel  Forbes,  until  wounded,  and 
then  by  Major  Lockhart ;  nineteenth  Georgia,  Captain  F.  Johnson; 
and  the  fifth  Alabama  battalion  on  the  29th  August  by  Captain  Bush, 
and  on  the  3(^th  August  by  Lieutenant  Hooper. 

Among  the  officers  whose  gallantry  I  especially  noticed  in  this 
action  were  Lieutenant  Colonel  N.  J.  George,  first  Tennessee,  and 
Lieutenant  Charles  Hooper,  fifth  Alabama  ;    and,  among  the  privates, 

Dr.  J.  H.  G.  Quarkett,   of  Captain 's    company,   Hampton 

legion,  detailed  as  courier  at  my  headquarters,  who,  after  his  horse 
was  killed  under  him  on  F'riday,  fought  with  -conspicuous  valor,  and 
private  F.  M.  Barnes,  of  company  A,  fourteenth  Tennessee  regiment, 
who  seized  the  colors  from  the  hands  of  the  wounded  color-bearer  and 
bore  them  bravely  through  the  fight.  My  thanks  arc  especitilly  due 
to  Aid-de-camp  0.  H.  Thomas,  the  only  officer  of  my  staff  present, 
my  assistant  adjutant  gcheral  being  absent  sick  since  a  fevv  days  after 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Run,  for  most  gallant,  intelligent  and  efficient 
eervice  throughout  the  action. 

Ox  Hill,  September  1st. 

At  the  battle  ot  Ox  Hill  my  brigade  was  held  in  reserve,, within 
supporting  distance  of  Gregg's  and  Thomas'  brigades.  Night  came 
on  and  the  battle  ceased  before  its  support  was  needed. 

Harper's  Ferrt,  September  14th  and  15th. 

The  evening  of  the  14th  of  September,  my  brigade,  Field's  and 
Pender's  moved  from  a  point  on  the  railroad,  by  a  by-road,  toward 
the  southern  defences  of  Bolivar  Heights.  My  skirmishers,  on  the 
right  of  the  road,  soon  became  engaged  with  those  of  the  enemy.  I 
immediately  formed  line  .of  battle,  my  left  resting  on  the  road,  and 
advanced  steadily,  driving  the  enemy's  pickets  before  us,  until  I 
approached  the  crest  of  the  hill,  in  full  view  and  range  of  their  bat- 
teries, when  I  filed  out  of  the  field  into  the  woods  on  my  right,  in 
order  to  fiank  the  enemas  guns,  and  continued  to  advance  as  rapidly 
as  the  rough  ground  and  abattis  would  permit  until  it  became  dark, 
and  I  had  become  entangled  in  the  almost  impenetrable  abatfis,  when 


263 

•I  halted,  and  we  lay  on  our  arms,  within*  four  hundred  yards  of  the 
enemy's  batteries,  during  the  night. 

The  next  morning,  our  artillery,  which  had  been  placed  in  position 
during  the  night,  opened  a  destructive  fire,  and  while  I  was  strug- 
gling through  the  abattis,  endeavoring  to  execute  an  order  from 
General  Hill  to  get  in  rear  of  the  guns,  the  place  sarrendered.  My 
loss  in  this  action  was  one  killed  and  twenty-two  wounded. 

The  regiments  of  my  brigade  were  commanded  as  follows,  viz  : 
First  Tennessee,  Colonel  Turney;  seventh  Tennessee,  Major  Shep- 
pard  ;  fourteenth  Tennessee,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lockhart;  nineteenth 
Georgia,  Major  Neal  ;   and  fifth  Alabama  battalion.  Captain  Hooper. 

SnARPsnuRG,   17th  Septembcr. 

The  next  morning,  after  the  captare  of  Harper's  Ferry;  being  too 
unwell  for  duty,  I  turned  over  the  command  of  the  brigade  to  Colo- 
nel Turney,  first  Tennessee,  under  whom,  with  the  exception  of  the 
fifth  Alabama,  it  marched  to  the  battle-field  of  Sharpsburg,  while  1 
followed  in  an  ambulance.  This  was  a  long  and  fatiguing  march. 
Many  of  the  men  fell  exhausted  from  the  march  by  the  way,  so  that 
when  the  four  regiments  of  my  brigade  reached  the  battle-field,  there 
were  only  three  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

I  resumed  command  just  as  the  brigade  was  forming  into  line  on 
the  ground  assigned  to  it  by  General  llill,  on  the  extreme  left  of  his 
division,  but  not  in  sight  of  any  of  its  other  brigades.  Marching  by 
flank,  right  in  front,  along  the  Sharpsburg  road,  the  brigade  was  halted 
and  faced  to  the  right,  forming  line  of  battle  faced  by  the  rear  rank. 
General  Toombs  was  in  line  on  the  same  road,  about  three  hundred 
yards  to  my  left,  with  open  ground  in  front.  In  front  of  my  posi- 
tion was  a  narrow  corn-field,  about  one  hundred  yards  wide,  then  a 
ploughed  field  about  three  hundred  yards  wide,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  which  was  a  stone  fence.  I  moved  forward  under  a  scattering 
musket  fire,  through  the  tall  corn,  to  the  edge  of  the  ploughed  field, 
when  1  found  only  the  right  regiment  (the  fourteenth  Tennessee) 
with  me,  the  others  having  fallen  back  to  the  road.  Some  one  had 
called  out  **  fall  back,"  which  was  mistaken  for  an  order  from  me.  I 
reformed  the  line  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and  again  moved  forward 
against  the  enemy,  posted  in  force  behind  the  stone  fence.  In  pass- 
ing over  the  short  distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the 
corn-field,  I  lost  nearly  one-third  of  my  already  greatly  reduced  com- 
mand, but  it  jushed  forward  alone,  at  double-quick,  giving  the  enemy 
but  little  time  to  estimate  its  small  numbers,  and  drove  him  from  his 
Btrong  position.  By  this  time  it  was  nearly  sunset.  General 
Branch's  brigade  came  down  about  thirty  minutes  after  I  reached  the 
wall  and  formed  some  thirty  paces  to  my  rear,  where  General  Branch 
was  killed,  and  Colonel  Lane,  assuming  command  of  his  brigade, 
moved  it  down  to  my  left. 

The  next  morning,  about  nine  o'clock,  tho  little  strength  with 
which  I  entered  the  tight  being  completely   exhausted,  I  turned  over 


2G4 

the  command  to  Coloriel  Tirt-nev,  reportpd  to  the  Major  General  com- 
manding:, and  left  the  fi»*l  I. 

My  brigade  remained  all  that  day  in  the  same  position  whero  I  haii 
left  it,  and  on  the  morn  mi;  of  the  *19th  of  t^eptember,  to^^ether  with 
Gregg's  and  Branch's  brigades,  formed  the  rear  guard  of  the  army  oa 
its  return  to  the  Vir<:iiiia  shore. 

My  loss  in  this  action  wac  fifteen  killed  and  ninety  -wounded; 
amonp;  the  latter.  Col<mel  McCowel,  fourteenth  Tennessee,  severely, 
and  Captain  Flint,  nin»^teenth  Georgia,  dangerously.  The  gallant 
conduct  of  both  those  officers  attracted  ray  attention,  though  v.'hen 
all  who  were  engaged  behaved  so  gallantly,  it  is  difficult  to  select 
examples  of  particular  meiit,  . 

Captain  K.  II.  Archer,  my  assistant  adjutant  general,  though  not 
vet  recovered  from  a  severe  illness,  Lieutenant  Thomas,  aid,  and 
Lieutenant  Lemtiion,  ordnance  officer,  rendered  brave  and  efficient 
ashistance;  and  charged  with  the  troops  upon  the  enemy. 

The  regiments  of  tlie  brigade  were  commanded  as  follows  :  First 
Tennessee,  Colonel  Turney  ;  seventh  Tennessee,  Lieutenant  Howard, 
adjutant;  fourteentb  Tennessee,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lookhart,  and 
nineteenth  Georgia  by  Major  Neal. 

Shepiierdstown,  2.2nd  Sk.ptkmber. 

I  resumed  command  of  my  brigade  the  evening  of  the  19th  of  Sep- 
tember. On  the  morning  of  the  20th  the  division  moved  down  to 
repel  the  enemy,  who  were  crossing  the  i^otomac  at  the  Shepherds- 
town  ferry.  Line  of  battle  was  formed  in  a  corn-field,  about  three- 
fourths  of  a  mile  back  from  the  ferry.  Pender's  brigade  moved 
forward  in  the  direction  of  the  ferry,  and  General  Gregg's  and  Colo- 
nel Thomas'  toward  a  point  somewhere  to  the  right.  When,  General 
Pender  had  gotten  about  half-way  to  the  ferry.  General  Hill  directed 
me  to  take  commarid  of  the  three  remaining  brigades,  (Field's,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  BrcR'konbrough,  on  the  right ;  Lane's  in  the 
centre  ;  and  my  own,  under  the  senior  Colonel  Turney,  on  the  left,) 
and  advance  to  the  support  of  Pender.  I  moved  straight  forward 
until  within  a  ft'W  hundred  yards  of  General  Pender's  brigade,  when, 
on  his  sending  me  back  information  that  the  enemy  was  attempting 
to  flank  him  on  the  left,  I  moved  by  flank  to  the  left,  and  the  left  regi- 
ment of  my  brigade,  as  soon  as  it  was  unmasked  by  Pender's,  and 
each  other  regiment  as  soon  as  unmasked  by  the  preceding  one,  went 
in  at  dcuble-quick.  Culonel  Lane's  next,  and  then  Field's,  were  in 
like  manner,  and  with  equal  spirit,  thrown  forw^arrl  on  the  enemy, 
killing  many  and  driving  the  rest  down  the  precipitous  banks  into 
the  river. 

The  advance  of  my  command  was  made  under  the  heaviest  artil- 
lery fire  I  have  eVer  witnessed.  Too  much  praise  cannot  be  awarded 
to  oflicers  and  men  for  their  conduct.  The  little  corps,  in  this,  as  in 
all  the  battles,  has  displayed  as  much  valor  as  any  troops  in  the  field. 
Lieutenant  Shelley,  commanding  that  corps,  displayed  his  usual  gal- 


265 

lantvy,   remaining    under   fire   in   the  discharge  of  his  duty,  after  » 
severe  wound,  until  ordered  off  the  field. 

Captain  Archer  and  Lieutenants  Thomas  and  Lemmon,  of  ray  staff, 
rendered  valuable  and  efiicient  assistance. 

We  held  our  position  until  daiTj,  -when  we  returned  to  carap  and 
took  up  our  line  of  march  the  same  night  toward  Martinsburg. 

The  regiments  were  commanded  as  follows:  First  Tennessee,  Col- 
onel Turney  ;  fourteenth  Tennessee,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lockhart; 
seventh  Tennc^^see,  Ijieutenant  Howard,  adjutant ;  nineteenth  Geor- 
gia,  Captain  F.  Johnson. 

The  loss  of  the  brigade  was  six  killed  and  forty^nine  wounded. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

*    *  J.  L.  ARCHER, 

Brigadier  General  ccmmandivg. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PENDER. 


Camp  near  Bunkersville,  Va.,  ) 
October  1 4,  1^62.      i 

Lieutenant  General  T.  J.  Jackson  : 

Genfrai,  :  I  have  the  honor  to  raake  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  ray  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Manassas  Junction,  the  two 
days  fighting  at  ^lanassas,  the  battles  of  Ox  Hill,  Harper's  Ferry, 
Sharpsburg  and  Shcpherdstown  : 

At  Manassas  Junction,  while  lying  under  cover  from  the  occasional 
shots  from  the  enemy's  artillery,  a  .brigade  of  their  infantry  was  seen 
approaching,  upon  which  our  battery  opened  and  ihey  soon  broke. 
My  brigade  being  in  rear  and  a  little  to  the  right  of  Generals  Branch 
and  Archer,  I  advanced  so  as  to  form  an  extension  of  their  line  of 
battle  ;  but  as  they  advanced  upon  the  enemy,  my  brigade  continued 
to  move  forward  passing  by  the  hospital  near  our  advance  redoubts 
and  from  thence,  bearing  a  little  to  the  right,  in  the  direction  where 
the  railroad  cros&es  Bull  Run,  going  east ;  but  when  getting  a  little 
lower  down  than  the  railroad  bridge,  I  changed  direction  so  as  to  get 
possession  of  it.  My  skirmishers  met  the  enemy  at  the  river,  and  soon 
my  whole  brigade  was  engaged  with  the  enemy  across  the  river.  I 
held  this  position  for  a  while,  and  then  threw  two  regiments  across, 
preparatory  to  advancing  further  ;  but  at  the  instigation  of  Genera! 
Hill,  withdrew,  going  lower  down  and  crossing  in  order'  to  cut  the 
enemy  off;  but  they  had  left  before  I  could  form  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river.  Thus  ended  the  fighting  that  day  as  far  as  I  was  concerned. 
My  loss  here  was  very  slight. 

On  Friday  morning,  August  29th,  my  brigade  was  placed  in  sup- 
porting distance  of  Colonel  Thomas,  with  orders  to  support  him,  Avhere 
it  remained  until  the  afternoon.  Finally  it  seeming  to  me  to  be  the 
time  to  go  to  his  assistance,  I  ordered  my  brigade  forward,  moving 
just  to  the  right  of  Colonel  Thomas.  My  men  moved  forward  very 
gallantly,  driving  the  enemy  back  across  the  railroad  cut,  through  the 
woods  on  the  opposite  side  and  beyond  their  batteries  in  the  adjoining 
field.  A  battery  of  the  enemy,  which  was  on  the  right  of  this  wood, 
as  we  advanced,  was  flanked  by  my  command  and  the  cannoneers  de- 
eerted  their  pieces.  My  line  was  halted  on  the  edge  of  the  field  in 
front  of  the  enemy,  where  I  remained  some  little  while,  when  being 
promised  support  from  one  of  the  staff  in  some  of  General  Jackson's 
brigades,  I  crossed  the  field  to  attack  the  batteries.  My  men  advanced 
well,  receiving  grape  from  their  batteries;  but  support  being  waited 
for  in  vain,  and  seeing  columns  on  my  left  and  right  manoeuvring  to 
flank  me,  I  withdrew  and  marched  back  to  the  railroad  cut,  a  little  to 
the  right  of  the  position  previously  held  by  General  Gregg.  General 
Archer  very  kindly  came  forward  and  relieved  me  until  I  cquld  march 
to  the  rear  and  rest  my  men.     I  was  ordered  to  my  extreme  left  i» 


2t)7 

reserve,  and  remained  there  until  the  next  afternoon,  when  I  was  or- 
dered to  the  right  to  support  some  one  of  General  Jackson's  brigades, 
I  marched  across  the  railroad  embankment,  moving  obliquely  to  the 
left,  until  I  had  reached  the  large  field  again,  in  which  the  enemy, 
wore  formed.  Finding  nothing  special  to  do  here,  unless  it  was  to 
attack  an  overwhelming  force  of  the  enemy  supported  very  strongly 
by  artillery,  I  withdrew,  after  receiving  a  heavy  fire  of  grap3  and 
shell,  getting  back  to  the  railroad  cut  about  the  point  I  had  reached 
the  evening  before.  I  received  orders  from  you  to  march  in  conjunc- 
tion with  other  troops,  particularly  with  those  of  General  Archer, 
Colonels  Thomas  and  Taliaferro.  We  all  advanced  together,  taking 
the  enemy,  as  it  were,  in  echelon.  We  advanced  steadily  driving  the 
enemy  from  the  field,  through  the  woods,  taking  a  part  of  his  battery 
in  the  field  and  the  other  part  in  the  woods.  While  advancing  through 
this  field,  we  were  exposed  to  a  very  heavy  enfilade  fire  from  the  righ*. 
We  continued  our  advance  until  after  dark,  when  we  came  in  contact 
with  a  body  of  the  enemy,  each  man  fired  a  volley  ;  exchanging  a  few 
shots  with  the  enemy,  they  ran  and  we  rested  for  the  night.  Thus 
ended  the  Manassas  fight  with  me. 

My  brigade,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  skulkers,  behaved  with 
gjeat  gallantry  on  both  of  these  days ;  they  could  not  have  behaved 
better.  I  cannot  particularize  at  this  distant  day,  but  I  well  recol- 
lect that  Mojor  Cole,  commanding  twenty-second,  behaved  as  he  had  al- 
ways done,  with  great  coolness  and  bravery.  Also,  Captain  Stone, 
commanding  sixteenth  Ncrth  Carolina,  and  Captain  Ashford,  com- 
manding thirty-eighth  North  Carolina,  the  latter  1  had  the  misfortune 
to  lose,  iu  consequence  of  having  received  a  wound  in  the  leg. 

In  the  afternoon,  at  Ox  Hill,  the  head  of  the  column  coming  in  con- 
tact with  the  enemy,  my  brigade  was  for  a  few  moments  ordered  un- 
der cover  to  be  in  support.  Very  soon  I  received  orders  from 
General  Jackson,  to  go  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Brockenbrough, 
who  reported  he  was  hard  pressed.  I  moved  forward  several  hundred 
yards,  when  I  came  in  rear  of  Colonel  Brockenbrough's  brigade, 
which  caused  mine  to  be  thrown  slightly  out  of  order  ;  two  regiments 
bearing  to  the  right,  and  thus  getting  separated  from  the  others  be- 
fore I  saw  the  trouble.  The  woods  were  quite  thick  ;  1  however 
moved  them  on,  bringing  two  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Thomas, 
and  the  others  to  the  assistance  of  General  Branch,  who  was  some 
distance  to  the  right.  My  brigade  was  thus  placed  between  the 
two  above  named  brigades,  with  a  short  interval  in  my  centre. 
Only  the  sixteenth  and  thirty- fourth  North  Carolina,  on  the  right, 
were  actively  engaged.  After  reaching  the  next  field  in  which  the 
enemy  were  posted,  no  atte'mpt  was  made  to  advance.  My  two  regi- 
ments suiTered  very  severely  from  direct  and  flank  fire.  This  con- 
tinued till  about  dark,  I  having  previously  caused  my  firr>  to  cease. 
Colonel  Uiddick  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller,  thiriy-fouth,  both  re- 
ceived wounds  of  which  they  died.  Captain  Stone,  commanding 
sixteenth  North  Carolina,  was  also  wounded. 

At  Harper's  Ferry,  my  brigade  was  on  the  left  of  the  division  advanc- 
ing from  the  point  where  the  railroad  and  river  meet.     My  brigade  ad- 


ranced  within  about  sixty  yards  of  the  breaetwork  on  the  ■west  front 
of  13olivar  Heights,  having  that  night  exchanged  shots  with  the  eneray 
several  times  ou  their  way  there.  Colonel  Brewer,,  next  in  command 
of  the  brigade,  at  this  time,  did  himself  great  credit  in  the  manner  in 
which  he  handled  it.  Being  absent  when  my  brigade  had  reached 
this  advanced  position,  on  my  return  I  orderetl  it  to  fall  back  a  short 
distance,  knowing  no  troops  were  in  a  supporting  distance.  The  next 
morning,  according  to  your  order,  ]  moved  nearer,  under  cover,  while 
our  artillery  played  upon  the  enemy.  The  artillery  ceasing,  I,  in 
obedience  to  previous  orders,  commenced  the  advance,  but  halted  on 
the  fire  of  our  artillery  opening  again.  I  remained  in  this  position, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  distant  from  the  above  named 
breastwork,  until  after  the  surrender.  Here,  again,  my  officers  and 
men  behaved  finely.  At  Sharpsburg,  on  Wednesday,  September  16th, 
my  brigade  was  on  the  right  of  the  division,  but  not  actually  engaged, 
being  under  fire  at  long  range  of  musketry.  1'he  next  morning  1  was 
ordered  to  take  position  between  Colonel  Brockenbrough.  on  the  left, 
and  Colonel  Lane,  on  my  right.  Here  we  were  exposed  all  day  to 
the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  about  six  hundred  yards  distant.  We 
remained  in  this  position  until  late  at  night.  At  Shepherdstown, 
September  18,  1862,  my  brigade  formed  the  left  of  our  division.  Ad- 
vancing to  vithin  about  three  hundred  yards,  we  were  opened  upon 
by  the  artillery  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  which  lasted  all 
day  at  a  most  terrible  rate,  we  came  upon  the  infantry  which  had 
crossed,  I  had  gone  to  the  left  to  oppose  this  force,  which  was  far 
superior  to  my  own.  Finding  an  effort  made  to  flank  me,  I  placed 
two  regiments  under  cover  from  artillery,  facing  the  river,  and  threw 
the  others  on  my  left  flank  so  as  to  check  this  disposition  of  the  ene- 
my. Holding  this  position  a  short  time,  General  Archer  came  up 
with  three  brigades  to  the  support  of  the  advanced  line,  and,  upon 
seeing  the  flanking  movement  of  the  enemy,  moved  quickly  to  the 
left,  when  we  advanced,  driving  them  headlong  into  the  river.  After 
driving  them  from  the  plain,  1  sent  the  twenty-second  North  Caro- 
lina, under  the  gallant  INLijor  Cole,  to  the  river  bank  to  take  them  as 
thej  crossed,  and  this  it  did  nobly.  Others  of  my  brigade  had  gone  to 
the  river ;  but  finding  them  too  much  expoi^ed,  1  called  them  back  under 
a  hill  just  overhanging  the  river.  I  called  out  those  I  had  first  left 
in  this  exposed  position,  leaving  Major  Cole  with  twenty  men,  who 
remained  all  day,  the  enemy  being  in  heavy  force  in  the  canal  on  the 
opposite  side,  We  were  exposed  all  day  to  a  tremendous  fire  of  artil- 
lery, and  also  to  the  fire  of  their  sharpshooters. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  beg  leave  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  Major 
General,  the  distinguished  gallantry  and  efficiency  of  First  Lieu- 
tenant R.  A.  Brewer,  volunteer  aid  on  my  staff,  whom  I  recommend 
for  promotion.  I  would  also  beg  leave  to  mention  the  names  of  a  few 
whose  actions  entitle  them  to  notice  in  the  twenty -second.  The  list 
will  be  rather  long,  as  it  is  upon  it  and  its  commanders  that  I  usually 
call  when  any  special  and  dangerous  services  are  to  be  performed. 
Major  C.  C.  Cole,  commanding  twenty-second,  always  acts  with  cool- 
UQ68f  courage  and  skill  ^  Captain  Odell,  acting  field  officer,  has  inva- 


269 

'  riably  behaved  in  a  highly  commendable  mfinner ;  Captain  George 
Graves,  twenty- second,  is  mentioned  for  great  gallantry,  and  for 
having  remained  with  his  company  even  Avhile  very  sick ;  Second 
Lieutenant  David  Edwardrt,  of  the  same  regiment,  at  Manassas,  with 
the  help  of  two  men,  rushed  ahead  of  the  regiment  and  captured  a 
piece  of  artillery,  when  it  was  on  the  eve  of  escaping,  having  a  hand 
to  hand  engagement  with  the  enemy.  At  Harper's  Ferry  he  also 
acted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  particularly  noticed.  Sergeant  Oxford, 
of  company  IT,  twenty-second,  is  mentioned  for  .great  daring  and 
coolness  at  Shepherdstown  ;  Sergeant  Jesse  H.  Pinkerton  is  men- 
tioned as  alwajs  going  ahead  with  the  colors,  and  by  his  undaunted 
courage  encouraging  others.  He  is  a  young  man  and  mentioned  for 
promotion.  Captain  Storae  commanded  sixteenth  North  Carolina 
itt  Manassas  Junction,  the  two  days'  fighting  at  Manassas,  and  at  Ox 
Hill,  until  wounded  ;  he  behaved  with  great  credit  to  himself.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Stome,  commanding  sixteenth  North  Carolina,  at 
Shepherdstown,  Harper's  Ferry  and  Sharpaburg,  behaved  with  great 
gallantry.  Second  Lieutenant  John  Ford,  of  the  same  regiment,  at- 
tracted my  attention  for  his  good  demeanor  in  all  the  battles.  Cap- 
tain Ashford,  commanding  thirty-eighth  North  Caralina,  at  Manassas 
.function  and  at  Manassas,  where  he  was  wounded,  has  entitled  him- 
self to  notice,  as  well  as  promotion,  by  his  uniform  bravery  and  good 
conduct.  Lieutenants  Brown  and  Robinson,  also  of  the  same  regi- 
ment, have  attracted  my  attention  more  than  once,  as  also  Adjutant 
McTntyre.  There  are  others,  too  numerous  to  mention,  who  have 
escaped  my  memory  at  this  late  hour. 
The  list  of  casualties  is  as  follows  : 

Near  Warrenton  Springs,  August  20, 

Manassas  Junction,  August  27, 

Manassas,  August  29  and  30, 

Ox  Hill,  September  I, 

Harper's  Ferry,  September  \i  and  15, 

Sharpsburg,  September  17  and  13, 

Shepherdstown,  September  20, 


Killed. 

'Wounded. 

1 

3 

1 

3 

12 

145 

12 

4G 

2 

20 

2 

28 

8 

55 

Respectfully,  &c., 


38  300 

W.  D.  PENDER, 
Brigadier  Genet  al. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  LANE. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Brigade, 
November  14,  1862. 

Major  R.   C.  Morgan  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken, 
by  this  briijatle  in  the  various  engagements  from  Cedar  Run  to  Shep- 
herdstown,  inclusive.  The  report  must  necessarily  be  imperfect,  as 
I  was  not  in  command  of  the  brigade  until  after  (general  Rranch's 
fall,  while  most  of  the  officers  who  commanded  the  different  regiments 
are  now  absent  and  did  not  leave  with  the  assistant  adjutant  general 
any  account  of  the  part  taken  in  the  various  battles  by  their  respec- 
tive commanda. 

Cedar  RuxN,  August  Oin. 

After  a  long,  rapid  and  weary  march,  we  reached  the  battle-field  at 
Cedar  Run  on  the  afternoon  of  the  9th  August  and  took  the  position 
assigned  us  in  line  of  battle  by  General  Branch,  in  the  woods,  to  the 
left  of  the  road  leading  to  the  run,  the  right  of  the  thirty-seventh 
restinfT  on  the  road,  the  twenty-eighth,  thirty-third,  eighteenth  and 
seventh  being  on  its  left.  The  twenty-eighth,  thirty-third,  eighteenth, 
and  thirty-seventh  moved  cheerfully  and  irresistibly  forward,  and  in 
perfect  order,  through  the  woods,  upon  the  enemy,  w^io  had  succeeded 
in  flanking  the  first  (Stonewall)  brigade  of  General  Jackson's  division, 
.  which  was  rapidly  giving  way.  The  enemy's  infantry  were^  soon 
driven  from  the  woods  into  the  field  beyond,  and  both  infantry  and 
cavalry  were  finally  driven  in  great  disorder  from  the  scene  of  action. 
Many  prisoners  were  taken,  and  many  others  deserte(rn;heir  colors 
'and  voluntarily  surrendered  themselves.  After  advancing  in  line 
beyond  Cedar  Run,  we  were  half-wheeled  to  the  right  and  marched 
across  the  road,  through  a  field  of  corn  and  over  an  open  field,  until 
we  reached  the  left  of  the  forces  under  Brigadier  General  W.  B. 
Taliaferro,  where  we  were  halted  It  was  then  dark,  and  the  infantry 
firing  had  ceased  in  all  directions.  During  the  entire'eiigagement, 
the  officers  and  men  behaved  as  well  as  could  be  desired,  notwith- 
standing the  disorderly  manner  in  which  some  of  the  troops  we  were 
ordered  to  support  fell  back. 

Lieutenants  Dunn  and  Coltraine,  of  tlio  first  Virginia  (Irish)  bat- 
talion, tendered  me  their  services  on  the  field,  as  they  had  been  left 
with(5Vit  a  command.  I  put  them  in  charge  of  two  companies  of  the 
twenty-eighth  regiment,  previously  comtnanded  by  sergeants,  and 
both  discharged  the  duties  assigned  them  only  as  brave   men  can  do. 

Our  loss  was  twelve  killed  and  eighty-eight  wounded.  I  did  not 
see  the  seventh  regiment  after  we  were  ordered  forward,  and,  as  Col- 
onel Haywood  is  absent,  I  will  submit  so  much  of  Captain  Turner's 
report  as- relates  to  the  part  taken  by  his  regiment  in  this  engagement. 
When  the  brigade  moyed  forward,  this  regiment,  for  causes  unknown 


271 

to  the  writer,  did  not  move  for  several  minutes,  and  consequently  was 
considerably  behind  the  brigade.  We  were  finally  ordered  forward, 
but  had  not  proceeded  more  than  one  hundred  yards,  when  we  were 
halted  and  the  line  dressed.  By  this  time  the  brigade  was  entirely 
out  of  sight.  We  marched  forward,  and  were  again  halted  and  the 
line  dressed.  We  next  wheeled  to  the  right  and  marched  into  a  road 
running  nearly  perpendicular  to  our  original  line  of  battle.  Colonel 
Haywood,  at  this  point,  left  the  regiment  to  look  for  General  Branch. 
The  command  then  devolved  upon  Captain  R.  B.  McRae,  who,  hear- 
ing heavy  firing  in  our  front,  was  just  on  the  eve  of  ordering  the 
regiment  in  that  direction,  when  Colonel  Haywood  returned  with 
orders  from  General  Jackson,  We  then  marched  by  the  right  flank 
to  a  wheat- field  on  the  left  of  the  Culpeper  road,  and  formed  on  a  hill 
in  rear  of  and  nearly  perpendicular  to  the  brigade,  which  was  then  at 
the  bottom  of  the  hill  and  in  the  s/irae  field.  We  marched  forward  at 
a  double-quick  to  the  support  of  General  Taliaferro's  division,  which 
we  found  engaging  a  force  of  the  enemy  concealed  in  a  corn-field. 
^Ve  fired  several  rounds,  when  the  enemy  broke  and  fled.  We 
j)ursued  them  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  taking  about  thirty 
prisoners,  including  two  commissioned  officers,  when  we  were  halted 
by  command  of  General  Taliaferro  and  marched  to  a  point  on  the 
Culpeper  road,  where  we  joined  the  brigade  and  bivouacked  for  the 
night.  The  regiment  sustained  a  loss  of  one  man  killed  and  one 
wounded  in  this  action. 

Shelling  Across  the  IIappahannock,  August  24th. 

On  Sunday,  August  24th,  the  eighteenth  regiment  was  ordered  to 
the  support  of  Mcintosh's  battery.  It  lay  during  the  whole  of  the 
day  under  a  very  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery,  but  sustained 
no  loss.  The  twenty-eighth  and  thirty-third  regiments  were  sent, 
under  my  command,  to  support  Braxton's  and  Davidson's  batteries, 
and  to  prevent,  if  possible,  the  destruction  of  the  bridge  across  the 
IIappahannock  near  the  Warrenton  White  Sulphur  Springs.  I  threw 
a  portion  of  the  twenty-eighth  far  in  advance  into  an  open  field,  as 
far  as  practicable,  to  act  as  sharpshooters,  and  kept  the  rest  of  my 
command  sheltered  behind  a  hill.  We  had  only  three  wounded, 
although  we  were  under  a  very  heavy  shelling  all  that  day.  The  re- 
maining regiments  were  also  under  fire  a  part  of  the  time. 

Manassas  Junction,  August  26th. 

We  ff^ached  Manassas  Junction  the  morning  of  the  third  day  after 
the  above  shelling.  The  eighteenth  regiment  was  detached  to  guard 
the  captured  stores,  and  the  rest  of  the  brigade  was  halted  not  far 
from  the  depot,  near  an  earthwork  to  the  left.  While  resting  and 
awaiting  an  issue  of  Yankee  rations,  the  enemy  were  seen  advancing 
upon  our  position  ia  line  of  battle.  General  Branch  immediately  put 
his  command  in  motion,  and  moved  by  the  flank  to  the  left  of  a  bat- 
tery planted  near  the  earthwork.     Our  artillery  opened  upon  them. 


273 

foon  put  them  to  flight,  and  we  pursued  them  rapidly,  in  a  diagonal 
direction,  across  the  heUl  in  rear  of  the  hospital,  and  some  dis- 
tance be3'ond  IJull  Run,  but  never  overtook  the  main  body,  as  the 
Crenshaw  battery  advanced  more  rapidly  thirn  we  did,  and  poured 
charge  after  charge  of  canister  into  their  disordered  ranks.  We  suc- 
ceeded, however,  in  capturing  a  large  number  of  prisoners. 

Manassas  Plains,  August  23th,  29th  and  30th. 

Next  day,  after  marching  through  Centreville  and  across  Bull 
Run,  on  the  stone  bridge  road,  we  were  ordered  fro'u  the  road,  to  the 
right,  into  a  piece  of  woods,  fronting  a  large  open  field,  in  which  one 
of  our  batteries  was  planted.  As  soon  as  the  engagement  was  opened 
on  our  right,  General  Archer's,  brigade,  which  was  in  front  of  us, 
moved  from  the  woods  into  the  field,  up  to  and  to  the  right  of  the 
battery,  wTiere  it  was  halted.  Our  brigade  also  moved  a  short  dis- 
tance into  the  field  in  the  same  direction,  when  the  enemy  opened 
a  left  enfilade  artillery  fire  upon  us.  General  Branch  then  ordered 
the  twenty-eighth  regiment  to  continue  its  march,  and  directed  me  to 
halt  it  in  rear  of  General  Archer,  while  he  moved  the  rest  of  his  com- 
mand some  distance  to  the  left.  The  whole  brigade,  with  no  protec- 
tion whatever,  stood  this  artillery  fire  for  several  hours  in  the  open 
field.  The  eighteenth  at  one  time  was  ordered  to  the  support^  of 
General  Ewell,  and  was  marched  down,  but,  as  the  enemy  had  been 
driven  from  the  field,  it  was  not  put  in.  None  of  us  were  actively 
engaged  that  day,  and  about  nightfall  the  whole  command  was  moved 
into  the  woods,  into  the  railroad  cut,  where  we  slept  upon  our  arms. 
Next  day  we  were  marched  a  circuitous  route  and  brought  back  into 
an  open  field,  near  the  spot  where  we  had  spent  the  night.  Capt. 
Crenshaw,"  who  was  in  command  of  his  battery,  in  front  of  us, 
notified  General  Branch  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy  in  our  front. 
Captain  Turner,  of  the  seventh,  was  immediately  sent  to  the  left 
of  the  battery,  with  his  company,  to  act  as  skirmishers.  Soon  after, 
General  Branch  ordered  me  to  take  command  of  the  twenty-eighth 
and  thirty-third  regiments  and  dislodge  the  enemy,  who  were  in 
the  wood  beyond  the  field  of  corn. 

On  passing  beyond  the  small  cluster  of  woods,  to  the  right  of  the 
Crenshaw  battery,  we  saw  the  enemy  retreating  in  confusion  before 
Captain  Turner's  skirmishers.  We  continued  to  advance  until  we 
eaw  General  Gregg's  brigade  in  ,the  woods  to  our  right.  It  was  here 
that  I  learned  the  enemy  was  in  force  in  the  woods,  and  that  General 
Gregg  had  been  ordered  not  to  press  them.  I  deemed  it  advisable  to 
inforai  General  Branch  of  these  facts,  and  was  ordered  by  him  to  re- 
main where  I  was.  I  had  three  companies  at  the  time  deployed  as 
ekirmishers  along  the  fence  in  front  of  us,  and  connecting  with  those 
first  sent  out  under  Captain  Turner.  The  enemy  advanced  upon 
General  Gregg  in  strong  force  soon  after  we  halted,  and  General 
Branch,  with  the  lest  of  his  command,  advanced  to  his  support.  The 
thirty-seventh  first  became  actively  engaged.  The  enemy  opened  a 
deadly  fire  upon  this   regiment.     The   eighteenth,  under  Lieutenant 


273 

Colonel  Purdie,  and  the  seventh,  under  Cjjptain  McRae,  went  to  lU 
assistance,  and  the  enemy  were  driven  in  disorder  beyond  the  railroad 
cut.  The  enemy  were  repulsed  in  two  subsequent  attempts  to  drive 
these  regimf-nts  from  their  positions.  The  thirty-third,  under  Colonel 
Hok),  also  fought  well  in  the  woods  to  the  left  of  these  re^iraent«i, 
and  once  gjtllantly  advanced  into  the  open  field  in  front  and  drove  the 
«neuiy  back  in  disorder.  Up  to  this  time  the  twenty  eighth  had  not  been 
engaged,  and  ns  the  other  regiments  were  nej^rly  out  of  ammunition, 
General  Branch  ordered  it  to  join  him,  intending  to  make  it  cover  his 
front  The  ordt r  ^'ns  not  delivered  pFoperly,  and  the  regiment  went 
into  acticm  to  the  loft  of  General  Field's  brigade  It  advanced 
boldly  into  the  woods,  driving  the  enemy  before  it,  although  expose<^ 
to  a  left  enfilade  and  direct  five,  butifell  back  when  it  tound  itself 
alone  in  the  woods  and  unsupported.  The  men,  however,  rallied  and 
reformed  in  the  centre  of  the  open  6eld  and  advanced  a  second 
time,  when  the  enemy  was  not  only  driven  beyond  the  cut,  but  entirely 
out  of  the  wootls.  ^ever  have  I  witnessed  greater  bravery  and  det*- 
peration  than  was  that  day  displayed  by  this  brigade.  We 
were  not  actively  engaged  the  next  duy,  but  held  our  position,  under 
«  heavy  artillery  fire  and  very  heavy  skirmishing,  until  late  in  the 
afternoon.  We  then  followed  up  the  enemy  until  about  ten  o'clock^ 
P.  M.,  advancing  in  line  through  a  body  of  woods  nearly  to  a  large 
hospital,  in  which  the  enemy  had  left  many  of  his  woundec^.  Our 
loss  in  this  three  days'  battle  was  thirty  killed,  one  hundred  and  eighty 
five  wounded  and  some  missing. 

Ox  TIiLL,  Skptfmber   Iht. 

The  pursuit  wtis  continued  the  whole  of  Sunday,  and  on  Monday  after- 
noon, about  four  o'clock,  we  came  up  with  the  enemy  again  at  Ox  HilJ^ 
near  Fairfax  Court-IIou«e,  en  the  Alexandria  and  Winchester  turn- 
pike, when  the  engagement  was  immediately  opened.  This  brigade 
pressed  eagerly  forward,  through  an  open  field  and  apieee  of  woods  to 
the  edge  of  another  field,  where  we  were  for  a  short  time  exposed  to 
the  enemy's  infantry  fire,  without  being  able  to  return  it.  An  attempt 
was  made  to  flank  us  on  the  right,  and  the  eighteenth  regiment  was 
immediatly  detached  from  the  centre  of  the  brigade  and  ordered  to 
the  right  to  prevent  the  movement,  which  it  diil,  sustaining  a  deadly  . 
fire,  unsupported.  The  enemy's  direct  advance  was  through  a  field 
of  corn,  in  which  he  sustained  great  loss,  notwithstanding  most  of 
our  guns  fired  badly,  on  account  of  the  heavy  rain  which  fell  during 
the  engagement.  On  learning  that  our  ammunition  was  nearly  out, 
General  Branch  made  known  the  fact,  and  was  ordered  to  hold  his  po- 
sition at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  We  remained  where  we  were 
until  dark,  when  the  whole  command  fell  back  to  the  field  in  rear  of 
the  woods.  The  twenty-eighth,  cold,  wet,  and  hungry,  was  then  or- 
dered back  to  Ihe  field  of  battle  to  do  picket  duty  for  the  night,  \<^ith- 
out  tires.  This  engagement  is  regarded  by  this  brigade  as  one  of 
our  severest.  The  enemy's  infantry  used  a  ^reat  many  explosiyo 
Valla. 

18 


274 

Our  loss  was  fourteen. killed,  ninetj-two  wounded,  and  two  miafl- 
itg. 

Harper'8  Ferrt. 

The  second  day  after  the  engagement  at  Ox  Hill  we  marched 
through  Leesburg,  crossed  the  I'otomac  into  Maryland  on  the  5th  and 
Koved  in  the  direction  of  Frederick,  where  we  remained  several  days. 
Then  recrossed  the  Potomac  at  Williamsport  and  marched  on  Harper's 
Ferry,  througli  Martinsburg.  The  evening  of  the  |4th,  we  advanced 
down  the  Winchester  and  Harper's  Ferry  railroad.  The  seventh  regi- 
ment was  in  advance,  and  its  skirmishers,  commanded  by  Captain 
Knox,  succeeded  in  driving  tlje  enemy's  sharpshooters  from  a  high 
position  overlooking  the  railroad.  The  remainder  of  the  brigade 
reached  this  position  after  midnight  and  there  slept  upon  their  arma 
until  day,  when  every  one  was  in  readiness  and  awaited  the  order  to 
advance.  After  a  short,  but  rapid  and  well-directed,  artillery  fire 
from  our  batteries,  the  enemy  displayed  several  white  flags,  and  we 
Ciarched  into  the  place  without  further  resistance. 

We  captured  several  prisoners  the  evening  of  the  1  4th.  Our  loss 
fas  four  wounded. 

Sharpsburg,  September   1st. 

We  left  Harper's  Ferry  on  the  17th  of  September,  and  after  a  very 
rapid  and  fatiguing  march,  recrossed  the  Potomac  and  reached  Sharps- 
burg in  time  to  participate  in  the  fight.  The  entire  brigade  was  or- 
dered to  the  right,  and  on  reaching  the  field,  the  twenty-eighth  was 
detached  by  General  A.  P.  Hill  in  person  and" sent  on  the  road  to 
the  left,  leading  to  Sharpsburg,  to  repel  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  who 
If  ere  advancing  through  a  field  of  corn.  The  rest  of  the  brigade 
pioved  nearly  at  right  angles  to  our  line  and  on  the  enemy's  flank. 
The  thirty-third,  seventh,  and  thirty-seventh  were  the  regiments 
principally  engaged.  They  fought  well  and  assisted  in  driving  back 
tliree  separate  and  distinct  columns  of  the  enemy.  The  eighteenth 
was  not  actively  engaged.  I  was  ordered,  about  sunset,  to  rejoin  the 
brigade,  and  on  doing  so,  ascertained  that  General  Branch  had  been 
killed.  It  was  after  sunset  when  I  assumed  command  of  the  brigade. 
I  found  the  seventh,  thirty-seventh,  and  thirty-third  posted  behind  a 
atone  fence,  and  the  eighteenth  sheltered  in  a  hollow  in  rear.  I  or- 
dered the  twenty-eighth  to  the  left  of  the  line,  but  the  order  was  de- 
livered to  the  eighteenth,  which  was  posted  to  the  left  behind  a  rail 
fence,  a  portion  of  it  being  broken  hack  to  guard  against  a  flank 
aovement.  The  twenty-eighth  was  posted  to  the  left  of  the  seventh 
ip.  the  opening  caused  by  the  withdrawal  of  a  few  Georgia  troops. 
Although  annoyed  by  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  we  held  our  position 
»ntil  ordered  to  fall  back  on  the  night  of  the  18th.  We  did  not  cross 
■Ihe  river  until  late  next  day.  General  Gregg's,  General  Archer's, 
^^d  this  brigade  formed  the  rear  guard  of  the  army,  and  were  kept  in 


275 

line,  facing  the  enemy,  until  infantry,  artillery,  cavalry,  wagons,  and 
ambulances  had  all  safely  crossed. 

Our  loss  in  this  engagement  was  one  brigadier  general  (L.  O'B. 
Branch)  killed,  twenty  others  killed,  seventy-nine  wounded,  and  four 
missing. 

Shepiierdstown,    September  20th. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th  of  September,  we  were  moved,  with  the 
balance  of  the  division,  back  to  the  ferry  near  Shepherdstown.  Soon 
after  we  had  taken  our  position  in  line,  in  the  field  of  corn  in  rear  of 
the  wheat  stacks,  we  were  ordered  to  advance  in  the  face  of  a  storm 
of  round  shot,  shell  and  grape.  We  moved  forward  in  line  until  we 
reached  General  Pender's  brigade,  sheltered  behind  the  hill  in  front 
of  the  residence  near  the  ferry.  Finding  that  he  was  out-flanked  on 
the  left,  we  then  moved  by  the  left  until  we  unmasked  his  brigade. 
The  men,  on  reaching  the  top  of  the  hill,  raised'  a  yell  and  poured 
a  deadly  fire  into  the  enemy,  who  fled  precipitately  and  in  great  con- 
fusion to  the  river.  Advancing  at  a  double-quick,  we  soon  gained 
the  bank  of  the  river  and  continued  our  destructive  fire  upon  those 
who  were  attempting  to  regain  the  Maryland  shore  at  the  old  dam  just 
above  the  ferry.  We  held  our  position  all  that  day  immediately 
upon  the  bank  of  the  other  river,  though  exposed  to  the  heaviest  can- 
nonading of  the  war  and  in  range  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  who 
were  posted  in  strong  force  on  the  Chesnpeake  and  Ohio  canal. 

Our  loss  three  killed  and  seventy-one  wounded. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Purdie,  who  bravely  commanded  the  eighteenth 
in  most  of  these  engagements,  desires  that  special  mention  should  be 
made  of  Captain  John  D,  Barry,  of  company  I,  for  his  coolness  and 
gallantry  and  devotion  to  duty.  Captains  Turner  and  Knox,  of  the 
seventh,  have  on  all  occasions,  but  especially  as  commanders  of  skir- 
mishers, won  the  admiration  of  the  entire  brigade  by  their  daring 
and  etiiciency.  Lieutenants  Clominger  and  McCauley,  of  the  twenty- 
eighth,  are  also  deserving  special  notice  for  their  great  bravery  and 
faithfulness  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties. 
Very  respectfully, 

JAMES  H.  LANE, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  McGOWAN. 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,      ^ 

A.  P.  IliWs  Light  Division,  Sfcond  Army  Corps ^  \ 

Camp  Gregg,  Va.,  Feb.  9,  iS'CS.  ) 

Major  R.  V.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Major  :  In  compliance  with  the  request  of  Major  General  Hill  to 
send  in  a  report  of  all  military  operations  in  which  this  brigade  was 
engaged,  "  from  the  time  when  General  Lee  took  command  at  Gor- 
donsville,  to  the  time  when  we  left  the  Valley,"  I  have  the.honor  to 
Bubmit  the  following  general  statement,  which  has  been  delayed  on 
account  of  the  absence  of  two  regiments  on  fatigue  duty.  Not 
having  been  in  command  of  the  brigade,  but  only  of  one  of  its  regi- 
ments, (the  fourteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,)  during  these 
operations,  I  have  not  been  able  to  make  such  a  detailed  report  of 
particular  events  as  the  subject  deserved,  but  am  obliged  to  content 
myself  with  a  mere  outline  of  operations — the  most  important. 
Would  that  the  lamented  General  Grego-,  lately  in  command  of  the 
brigade,  was  here  to  make  out  the  report  of  achievements  in  which  he 
performed  so  large  a  part  himself,  and  which  he  could  have  recorded 
better  than  any  one  else.  I  understand  that  the  call  does  not  include 
the  Cedar  Run  or  Slaughter  Mountain  campaign,  which  this  brigade, 
as  part  of  your  division,  made  under  Major  Genei-al  (now  Lieutenant 
General)  Jackson. 

Crossing  the  Rappahannock. 

On  Saturday,  the  16th  of  August,  18G2,  the  second  brigade, 
(Gregg's,  now  under  my  command.)  A.  P.  Ilill's  light  division,  moved 
from  its  bivouac,  1  etween  Gordonsville  and  Orange  Court-IIouse,  to 
Crenshaw's  farm,  near  the  Rapidan  river,  where  it  remained  until  the 
2Uth  of  August,  when,  crossing  the  river  at  Summersville  ford,  we 
advanced,  under  the  orders  of  General  Lee,  against  the  forces  of 
General  Pope,  which  were  ocGup)  ing  the  whole  country  north  of  that 
river.  The  enemy  fell  back  before  us  through  Culpeper  county;  and 
we  reached  the  north  branch  of  the  Rappahannock  at  the  bridge  where 
the  Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad  crosses  it,  on  Thursday,  the  2l8t 
of  August.  The  artillery  of  the  enemy  here  opened  on  us  across  the 
stream,  indicating  that  he  bad  halted  in  his  retreat  and  intended  to 
make  a  stand  there.  The  brigade  slept  on  their  arms  under  the  guns 
of  the  enemy  ;  and  the  next  morning  we  turned  to  the  left  and  pro- 
ceeded up  the  river,  crossing  Hazel  river  at  Wellford,  and  that  night 
reached  a  point  about  opposite  to  the  Fauquier  White  Sulphur  Springs. 
Here  we  also  found  the  enemy,  who,  having  burnt  the  bridge,  waa 
again  opposing  our  passage.  • 

On  Sunday,  the  24th,  the  brigade  was  moved  into  position  on  the 


277 

Rappahannock  hills,  near  the  house  of  Dr.  Scolt,  to  support  our 
artillery,  which  was  engaged  with  that  of  the  enemy  across  the  stream. 
There  the  men  were  subjected  to  a  severe  cannonadinor  for  four 
hours,  and  suffered  a  small  loss  of  five  wounded.  At  the  dawn  of 
day  Monday  morning,  the  26th,  the  regiments  were  turned  out  as 
ordered,  with  the  utmost  promptitude,  without  knapsacks,  and  again 
wheeling  to  the  left,  we  marched  rapidly  several  miles  up  the  river, 
crossed  the  Rapahannock  (Hedgeraan's  river)  without  opposition,  at 
Ilinson's  mill,  and  made  a  forced  march  of  twenty-four  miles  that  day, 
up  the  Salem  A^allc^y  to  Cobbler's  mountain. 

On  the  27th,  wc  continued  the  march,  without  wagons,  or  haggage 
of  any  kind,  turning  to  the  right  at  Salem,  through  Thoroughfare 
Gap,  in  the  Bui!  Run  mountain,  and  slept  at  night  in  rear  of  our 
artillery,  in  the  road  near  Bristoe's  Station,  on  the  Orange  and  Alex- 
andria railroad.  The  next  morning  we  reached  Manassas  Junction, 
where  the  enemt,  attempting  to  recapture  it,  (said  to  be  General 
Taylor's  New  Jersey  brigade,  from  Alexandria,)  were  scattered,  with 
considerable  loss,  and  driven  by  our  forces  across  Bull  Run,  towards 
Centreville.  In  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  the  brigade  returned  from 
pursuit  to  the  junction,  where  three  days'  rations  were  issued  from 
the  vast  supply  of  captured  stores,  and  the  men,  for  a  few  hours, 
rested  and  regaled  themselves  upon  delicacies  unknown  to  our  com- 
missariat, v/h:ch  they  were  in  good  condition  to  enjoy,  having  eaten 
nothing  for  several  days  except  roasting  ears,  taken,  by  order,  from 
the  corn-fiolds  near  the  road,  and  what  was  given  by  the  generous 
citizens  of  the  Salem  Valley  to  the  soldiers  as  they  hurried  along  in 
their  rapid  march. 

I  have  thus  thought  proper  to  state,  somewhat-  in  detail,  the  inci- 
dents  of  this  bold  ilank  movement  by  which  we  crossed  the  Rappa- 
hannock, turned  the  right  of  the  enemy,  got  entirely  into  his  rear, 
and  cut  off  all  his  communications,  seemingly  without  his  knowled<re, 
and  certainly  without  serious  opposition  from  him. 

Wounded  ir^  the  Affair  at  Rappahannock  : 

Thirteenth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,         -         -         -     2 
Fourteenth         <»  <*  a  n  _         .         _     "i 


Total, 


The  Seco.vd  Battle  of  Manassas. 


At  dark,  on  the  evening  of  Wednesday,  the  27th  of  August,  the 
brigade,  in  conjunction  with  that  of  Colonel  (now  General)  Thomas, 
was  thrown  out  on  the  south  side  of  the  Manassas  Junction  as  the 
rear  guard,  and  formed  in  line  of  battle,  facing  the  enemy,  who  had, 
during  the  evening,  been  fighting  General  Ewell  near  Bristoe's  Sta- 
tion. Standing  under  arms  here,  we  had  a  fine  view  of  the  maf^nifi- 
cent  conilagration  caused  by  the  burning  of  sutler's  and  commissary 
stores,  together  with  about  a  hundred  cars  on  the  railroad,  freighted 


878 

with  every   article  necessary  for  the  outfit  of  a  great  army,  all  of 
which  was  set  on  fire  about  midnight  and  consumed. 

About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Thursday,  the  2Sth,  we  si- 
lently retired  from  our  picket  lines  in  front  of  the  enemy,  and,  by  the 
light  of  the  smouldering  ruins,  followed  the  division  across  Bull  Run,  at 
Blackburn's  ford,  to  ("entreville.  Here  we  rested  a  short  time,  and 
thence  turned  bock  towards  Bull  Run,  and,  moving  by  theWarrenton 
turnpike,  erossed  the  run  agnin  near  the  stone  bridge.  At  this  critical 
moment,  the  enemy  falling  back  from  the  Rappahannock,  (caused 
doubtless  by  our  flank  movement,)  were  coming  down  the  turnpike 
from  Warrenton,  meeting  us.  Soon  after  crossing  the  run,  we  turned 
to  the  right,  leaving  the  turnpike,  and  after  going  up  the  river  a  short 
distance,  changed  front  and  were  drawn  up  in  battle  array,  along  the 
line  of  the  unfinished  independent  railroad  track,  facing  the  turnpike, 
along  which  the  enemy  was  moving.  Brisk  firing  was  heard  upon 
our  right,  and  about  dark,  the  brigade  was  hurried  to  the  scene  of  ac- 
tion, and  ordered  to  report  to  General  Ewell,  who  was  directing  the 
engagement.  Arrived  on  the  field  after  dark,  finding  General  Ewell 
badly  wounded.  Soon  after  the  firing  ceased.  We  slept  upon  our 
arms  near  Ewell's  battle-field,  and  the  next  morning,  at  early  dawn, 
returned  near  the  position  first  taken  up  by  us  the  evening  before,  and 
were  placed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  whole  com- 
mand, near  Catharpin  Run.  We  occupied  a  small,  rocky,  wooded 
knoll,  having  a  railroad  excavation  bending  around  the  east  and  north 
fronts,  and  a  cleared  field  on  the  northwest.  This  position  was 
slightly  in  advance  of  the  general  line,  and  besides,  being  on  the  ex- 
treme left,  was  considered  important,  because  of  the  Sudley  ford  road, 
which  it  commanded.  Our  line  made  an  obtuse  angle,  pointing  to- 
wards the  enemy,  one  side  of  which  ran  nearly  parallel  with  the 
railroad  cut,  and  the  other  along  the  fence  bordering  the  cleared  field 
before  spoken  of.  Within  these  contracted  limits  was  the  little  tongue 
of  woodland  which  we  occupied,  and  which  we  were  directed  to  bold 
at  all  hazards.  On  this  spot,  barely  large  enough  to  hold  the  brig- 
ade, we  stood  and  fought,  with  intervals  of  cessation,  from  eight 
o'clock  in  the  morning  until  dark.  We  repulsed  many  successive 
charges,  I  believe  seven,  the  enemy  constantly  throwing  fresh  columns 
upon  us,  and  persisting  in  his  effort  to  carry  the  point  with  the  ut- 
most obstinacy.  During  the  diiferent  struggles  of  the  day,  the  regi- 
ments were  relieved  and  shifted  as  occasion  required.  The  space 
covered  by  the  brigade  was  so  small,  and  the  distance  between  the 
regiments  so  inconsiderable,  that  I  would  not  be  able,  if  it  were  ne-  ^ 
cessary,  to  state  all  the  movements  which  were  made.  I  can  only  advert 
to  the  positions  of  the  respective  reginients  at  one  or  two  important 
junctures  during  the  day.  In  the  morning  the  regiments  of  the  brig- 
ade were  posted  as  follows  :  The  thirteenth  South  Carolina  voiunteera 
(Colonel  Edwards)  on  the  right;  to  his  left,  the  first  South  Carolina  ^ 
volunteers,  (Lieutenant  Colonel  McCready  ;)  to  his  loft,  the  twelfth 
South  Carolina  volunteers,  (Colonel  Barnes;)  to  his  left,  the  four- 
teenth South  Carolina  volunteers,  (Colonel  McGowan,)  the  latter  regi- 
ment being  thrown  back  along  the  fence  bordering  the  field   above 


279 

referred  to,  and  Orr's  regiment  of  rifles  (Colonel  Marshall)  behind 
the  centre,  in  reserve.  General  Gregg  and  his  staff,  and  all  the  field 
officers,  were  on  foot.  The  fight  was  commenced  by  us.  From  the 
noise  which  came  from  the  woods,  across  the  railroad,  and  the  con- 
fitaut  firing  of  the  skirmishers,  we  jinewthat  we  were  in  the  presence 
ef  the  enemy,  and  General  Gregg  sent  out  Lieutenant  Colonel  Me- 
Cready,  with  his  regiment,  to  ascertain  his  location  and  number.  He 
had  gone  but  a  short  distance  into  the  woods  beyond  the  railroad 
cut,  when  he  fell  upon  a  large  column  of  the  enemy  and  returnoJ. 
General  Gregg,  having  thus  discovered  them,  directed  the  first  and 
twelfth  regiments  to  advance  and  "  drive  back  the  enemy."  These 
regiments  commenced  the  advance  together,  but  as  the  enemy  threat- 
ened to  flank  the  line  on  both  the  right  and  left,  they  soon  separated. 
The  first,  in  order  to  protect  its  threatened  right,  inclined  to  the  right, 
and  handsomely  drove  the  enemy  up  the  railroad.  Colonel  Edwards 
(the  thirteenth)  supported  Lieutenant  Colonel  McCready  in  the  move-  . 
ment,  and  galhintly  held  his  exposed  position  on  the  right  near  the 
railroad,  for  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  The  twelfth  being  pressed' 
by  a  heavy  column  on  its  left  flank.  Colonel  Barnes  changed  front  to 
the  left,  and  charging  in  the  most  spirited  manner,  drove  the  enemy 
down  the  railroad,  breaking  and  routing  them  as  often  as  they  at- 
tempted to  make  a  stand.  When  he  had  driven  off  the  enemy  and 
was  returning,  Col.  Barnes  was  joined  by  Col.  Marshal),  who  had  been 
sent  to  his  assistance,  and  the  two  regiments  again  r-harged  and  drove* 
heavy  body,  massing  near  the  railroad.  All  the  regiments  at  thid 
time  were  recalled  by  an  order  not  to  atlvance,  and  in  so  doing  bring 
on  a  general  engagement,  but  to  hold  the  position  and  act  on  the  de- 
fensive. These  dashing  charges  in  advance  were  entirely  successful, 
and  at  twelve,  M.,  our  front  was  cleared  of  the  enemy,  but  they  soo:i 
began  to  close  around  us  again.  It  happened  that  there  was  an  in- 
terval of  about  a  hundred  and  seventy-five  yards  between  our  right  and 
the  left  of  General  Thomas'  brigade.  Opposite  to  this  interval  the 
railroad  cut  was  very  deep,  and  the  enemy  getting  into  the  cut  at 
eome  point  beyond,  crawled,  unobserved,  down  the  excavation  to  a  point 
opposite  this  interval,  and,  in  very  heavy  force,  made  a  sudden  rush  to 
enter  this  gap.  The  attack  from  that  quarter  was  unexpected,  and 
for  a  short  lime  seemed  likely  to  succeed.  The  assailants  succeeded 
in  getting  nearly  across  the  point  of  woods  to  the  field  on  the  north- 
west, thus  for  a  moment  cutting  off  and  isolating  our  brigade,  but  it 
was  only  for  a  moment.  The  fourteenth  regiment  South  Carolina 
volunteers,  which  at  the  time  was  in  reserve,  was  promptly  wheeled 
into  the  gap,  and  assisted  by  the  left  regiment  of  General  Thomas* 
brigade,  (believed  to  be  the  forty-ninth  Georgia,)  and  such  parts  of 
our  brigade  as  were  near  the  point,  drove  them  back  across  the  rail- 
road cut,  with  great  slaughter.  The  opposing  forces  at  one  time  de- 
livered their  volleys  into  each  other  at  the  distance  of  ten  paces. 

About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  another  most  vigorous  effort  for  the  posi- 
tion was  made  from  all  the  points  held  by  the  enemy,  whose  fire  now 
formed  a  semi  circle  of  flame  and  smoke,  extending  at  least  half  round 
the  devoted  hill.     For  the  first  time  they  now  came  through  the  corner 


280 

of  the  opten  field  which  has  been  so  aften  referred  to,  and  pressed 
heavily  ou  Orr"s  rifles,  which  at  thia  nioment  occupied  the  fence. 
Colonel  J.  Foster  Marsh-.Ul  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  D.  A.  Ledbetter, 
together  with  jinmy  other  <.'allant  officers  and  soldicr.5  of  thi» 
regiment  fell  here,  but  the  obstinate  enemy  was  again  repulsed  at  all 
poinid  and  driven  beyond  the  railroad.  From  the  long-ccntinued 
struggle,  the  aiLmunition  of  the  men  was  all  expended,  but  the  reso- 
lution of  General  Gregg  to  hold  the  position  was  unchanged.  When 
Major  General  Hill,  ccnimandiug,  sent  to  enquire  whether  he  could 
hold  out,  he  replied,  modestly,  he  thought  he  could,  adding,  as  if  cas- 
ually, that  ''  his  ammunition  was  about  expended,  hut  he  siiU  bad  the. 
bayonet."  It  was  now^  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  there  was  no  abate- 
aaent  ia  the  fury  of  the  assaults,  when  the  brigades  of  Generals 
Branch  and  Early,  having  been  sent  to  our  as^i.^tance,  came  in  most 
opportunely  and  gallantly.  After  those  reinforcements  had  arrived 
,and  passed  to  the  front,  General  Gregg  collected  the  remnant  of  his 
regiments  and,  placing  them  in  line  behind  the  troops  now  ejigaged, 
gave  thera  instructions  to  lie  down,  and,  if  our  friends  were  overpow- 
ered and  had  to  fall  back  over  them,  to  wait  until  tlie  enemy  was 
very  near,  then  rise  and  drive  them  back  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet. 
The  men  all  lay  down  as  instructed,  resolved,  as  the  last  resort  to  try 
the  virtue  of  the  cold  steel  ;  but,  happily,  the  necessity  did  not  arise. 
The  enemy  were  finally  driven  back  at  all  points,  and  night  closed 
upon  us,  occupying  the  identical  spot  which  we  were  ordered  to  hold 
in  the  morning.  Wq  slept  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  remained  in  po- 
.<?ition  all  the  next  day  whilst  the  great  battle  of  the  second  Manas- 
gas  was  progressing  on  our  right.  The  enemy  m-ade  several  attempts 
to  advance,  but  the  admirable  practice  of  Captain  Mcintosh's  battery 
kept  them  beyond  musket  range,  scattering  them  with  shot  and  shell 
every  time  they  moved  forward.  Some  few  men  were  wounded  by 
pheli,  but  we  were  not  very  actively  engaged  on  that  day. 

Friday,  the  29th,  was  the  glorious  but  bloody  day  for  the  biigade. 
It  may  be  allowed  for  us  to  claim  that,  by  holding  the  left  steady  on 
Friday,  we  contributed  something  to  the  success  of  the  great  battle 
on  Saturday.  The  distinguished  Brigadier  General  who  commanded^ 
and  who  was  present  everywhere  during  the  da.y,  and  exerting  him- 
pelf  to  the  utmost,  was  himself  spared,  only  to  fall  upon  another  vic- 
torious field,  (Fredericksburg,)  but  many  of  our  noblest  and  best  offi- 
cers and  men  fell  there.  The  aggregate  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of 
the  brigade  in  this  battle  "was  six  hundred  and  thirteen,  (613.) 

All  the  field  officers  were  either  killed  or  wounded,  except  two. 
Among  those  who  gloriously  yielded  up  their  lives  on  the  battle-field 
are  the  following  officers:  Colonel  J.  Foster  Marshall  and  Lieutenant 
Colonel  D.  A.  Ledbetter,  Captain  M.  M.  Norton  and  Lieutenant  W. 
C.  Davis,  of  Orr's  rifles ;  Captain  C.  D.  Barksdale  and  Lieutenant 
John  M.  Munro,  of  the  first  Soutb  Carolina  volunteers  ;  Lieutenants 
J.  A.  May  and  Hunnicutt  of  the  twelfth ;  Captain  A.  K.  Smith  and 
Adjutant  W.  D.  Goggins,  of  the  the  thirteenth  South  Carolina  volun- 
teers. 

Among  the  wounded  were  the  following  officers  :  Lieutenant  Cotli- 


281 

ran,  of  Orr's  rifles  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  McOready,  of  the  fifst  So-utTi 
Carolina  volunteers  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  McCorkle.  CaptaTii  Bookter, 
Captain  ^jiist,  and  Lieutenants  Danlop,  Sharpe,  Lingham,  Dornin, 
Gwinn,  White,  Thode,  Hankie  and  Rollins,  of  the  twelfth  South 
Carolina,  volunteers  ;  Colonel  Edwards,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Farron, 
Major  Brockman.  Captain  R.  L  Boudon,  Captain  P.  A.  PJichelber- 
ger,  Captain  J.  VV  Meetze.  and  Lieutenants  Copcland,  Crooker, 
(jrrice,  Thorn  and  Felloes,  of  the  thirteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers  ; 
Col.  McGowan,  Captain  Stuckoy,  Captain  Brown,  and  Licnts.  Rob- 
ertson, Carter  and  Allen,  of  the  fourteenth  Souih  Oiirolina  volun- 
teers. 

Stattmfnt  of  Killed  and  IVouniUd  : 


Orr'a  rifle? , 

First  S.  Carolina  Volunteers, 
Twelfth  S.  Carolina  Vols., 
Thirteenth  S.  Carolina  A^^h^., 
Fourteenth  S.  Carolina  Vols  , 


Killed. 

W 

oundtd. 

Ai:gve*rato 

19 

97 

IKi 

,     24 

119. 

143 

24 

121 

14r) 

,      ^S 

118 

144 

,      8 

57 

05 

1(11  512  6l.'5 


Field  Oficers  Killed  : 

Colonel  J.  Foster  Marshall,  Orr's  Rifles. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  D.  A.  Ledbet!er,  Orrs  Rifles. 

Field  Officers  Wounded : 

Colonel  Dixon,  twelfth  South  Carolina  Volunteere. 
Jiieutenant  Colonel  McCorkle,  twelfth  v'outh  Carolina  Volunteers. 
Colonel  O.  E.  Edwards,  thirteenth  South  Carolina  Voluuteeis. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  T.  S.  Farron,  thirteenth   South  Carolina   Vol- 
unters. 

Major  B.  T.  Erockrcan,  thirteenth  South  Carolina  Volunteers. 
Colonel  S.  McGowan,  fourteenth  South  Carolina  Volunteers. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  E.  McCready,  first  South  Carolina  Volunteers. 

Ox   Kill. 

Being  wounded  at  Manassas,  I  was  not  with  the  brigade  in  the 
campaign  into  Maryland  which  followed,  and  therefore  this  report 
must  be  short  .and  unsatisfactory.  The  brigade  remained  upon  the  , 
battle-field  of  INIanassas  until  Sunday,  the  3 1st  of  August,  when  they 
moved  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  Crossing  Bull  Run  at  Sudley  ford 
and  reaching  Pleasant  Valley  that  night,  the  next  day,  September 
Ist,  they  moved  toward,**  Fairfax  Court  House,  and  late  in  the  even- 
ing, near  Ox  Hill,  suddenly  came  in  contact  with  the  enemy,  who- 
was  already  in  position  on  the  right  an<i  front,  covering  his  line  of 
retreat  from  Centreville  to  Fairfax  Court-House.  Whilst  on  tho. 
march,  the  skirmishers  suddenly  commenced  firing,  and  tho  brigade 
quickly  fqrraed  in  line  of  battle,  under  a  heavy  fire.     The  thirteenth 


288 

and  fonrteentb,  South  Carolinsu  volunteers  were  posted  in  front,  the 
twelfth  Sooth  Carolina  volunteers  supporting  the  fourteenth,  and 
Orrs  rifles  supporting  the  thirteenth,  and  the  first  South  Carolina 
volunteers  in  reserve.  In  this  order,  with  loaded  muskets  and  fixed 
hayourtd,  they  were  immediately  pushed  upon  the  enemy  south  of  the 
turnpike.  Tbey  advanced  lapidly  to  a  fence.  The  twelfth  was  thrown 
out  on  the  left  of  the  fourteenth  to  lengthen  the  line,  and  the  rifles 
were  also  thrown  forward.  After  a  short,  but  very  brisk  and  severe 
contest,  they  drove  the  enemy  back.  A  cold  and  drenching  thunder 
shower  swept, over  the  field  during  the  engagement,  and  rendered 
many  of  the  guns  unfit  for  use.  The  enemy  withdrew  and  we  slept 
upon  the  field.  The  brigade  went  into  action  unexpectedly,  but  be- 
haved  extremely  well.  For  the  time  they  were  engaged,  and  the 
small  numbers  present,  their  loss  was  heavy,  being  in  the  aggregate 
one  hundred  and  four  killed  and  wounded,  including  some  valuable 
officers.  Among  the  killed  were  Lieutenant  W.  C.  Leppard,  of  the 
thirteenth,  and  Adjutant  W.  C.  Buckanuon,  of  the  twelfth  ;  and 
among  the  wounded  were  Captain  A,  P.  West  and  Lieutenant  E.  T. 
Youngblood,  of  the  fourteenth,  and  Robert  Junkins,  of  Orr's  rifles. 
No  field  officers  killed  or  wounded. 

Statement  of  Killed  and   Wounded : 

Killed. 
First  South  Carolina  volunteers,  1     - 

Orr's  rifles,  5 

Twelfth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  I 

Thirteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  5 
Fourteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  3 

CAPTURE  OF  Harper's  Ferrv. 

The  brigade  left  Ox  Hill  on  the  3rd  of  September,  and,  marching 
through  Dranesville  and  Leesburg,  crossed  the  Potomac  into  Mary- 
land at  White's  ford  on  the  5th.  They  rested  at  Monocacy  Junction, 
near  Frederick  City,  until  the  IDth,  when,  in  order  to  perform  their 
part  in  the  investment  and  capture  of  Harper's  Ferry,  they  com- 
menced a  forced  march,  and,  making  a  large  circuit  by  wayof  Boons- 
boro',  AVilliarasport  and  Martinsburg,  reached  the  vicinity  of  Harper's 
Ferry,  from  the  Virginia  side,  on  the  13th.  Sunday,  the  14th,  the 
brigade  moved  down  the  Winchester  railroad,  on  the  left  bank  of  the 
Shenandoah,  and  were  engaged  during  the  night,  until  two  o'clock 
the  next  morning,  in  getting  into  position  on  the  plateau  between 
the  Shenandoah  and  Bolivar  Heights,  the  latter  place  being  held  by  a 
strong  force  of  the  enemy.  Here  morning  dawned  upon  the  com- 
mand, ready  to  storm  the  heights.  The  view  was  magnificent, 
presenting  such  a  spectacle  as  is  rarely  seen.  At  early  dawn  tho 
batteries  of  Mcintosh  and  Davidson  opened  upon  the  left  of  our  posi- 
tion, and  soon  after  other  batteries  commenced  firing  upon  the  enemy 
from  the  Loudoua  Heights,  beyond  the  Shenandoah.     When  every- 


Wounded. 

Aggregate. 

7 

8 

25 

SO     • 

10 

11 

24 

29 

23 

26—104 

283 

ihing  was  ready  for  the  assault,  a  white  flag  was  scan  displayed  by  the 
enemy  as  evidence  of  surrender,  and.  at  half-past  se^4n  o'clock  on 
the  morning  of  the  loth  September,  Major  General  A.  P.  Ilill  en- 
tered the  captured  works,  At  nine  o'clock  the  brigade  was  marched 
up  to  the  heights  and  employed  in  guarding  prisotiers,  arms,  &c.  We 
sustained  no  loss  in  these  brilliant  operations. 

Sharpsburg. 

At  Harper's  Ferry,  during  the  16th,  heavy  cannonading  on  the 
Maryland  side  was  distinctly  heard,  and  on  Wednesday  we  made  a 
forced  march  up  the  river,  crossed  the  river  at  Boteler's  ford,  a  short 
distance  below  Shephcrdptown,  and  arrived  on  the  field  of  Sharpsburg 
in  the  afternoon,  about  two  miles  from  the  Potomac,  reaching  the 
actual  presence  of  the  enemy  at  forty  minutes  past  three  o'clock,  P. 
M.,  which  was  not  a  moment  too  soon  for  the  fortunes  of  the  day. 
The  general  line  of  our  army  seemed  to  be  in  front  of  the  town  of 
Sharpsburg,  facing  the  east,  with  its  right  flank  stretching  towards 
the  Potomac.  The  enemy  were  in  front,  along  the  line  of  the  An- 
tietam  river.  We  came  upon  the  field  on  the  extreme  right  of  our 
line,  perhaps  two  miles  from  the  Potomac.  It  was  seen  at  once  that 
a  large  force  of  the  enemy  (said  to  be  Burnside's  division)  were  in 
the  act  of  sweeping  down  the  Antietam  and  around  our  right,  with 
the  object  manifestly  of  cutting  off"  our  army  from  the  Potomac. 
The  light  division  came  from  the  proper  direction,  and  at  the  right 
moment,  to  meet  this  column  and  drive  it  back  across  the  Antietam. 
Gregg's  brigade  was  placed  in  position  on  the  right.  The  fourteenth 
South  Carolina  volunteers,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Simpson,  being  the 
leading  regiment,  was  thrown  out  to  hold  a  position  on  the  extreme 
right,  being  the  point  of  our  line  nearest  the  Potomac.  The  enemj', 
checked  iu  his  flank  movement,  never  got  so  far  to  our  right,  and 
consequently  that  regiment  was  not  actively  engaged.  The  first 
South  Carolina  volunteers.  Colonel  Hamilton,  the  twelfth.  Colonel 
Barnes,  and  thirteenth,  Colonel  Edwards,  formed  in  line  of  battle, 
were  directed  to  enter  the  field  to  the  left  of  the  fourteenth  and  drive 
back  the  enemy.  This  line  advanced  to  the  top  of  a  hill,  in  a  corn- 
field, and  there  engaged  the  enemy,  who  appeared  advancing  in  force 
upon  the  opposite  hill,  and  held  a  fence  in  the  ravine  between  the 
hills.  They  checked  at  once  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Edwards,  on  the  left,  took  up  a  strong  position  behind  a  stone  fence 
and  held  it.  Colonel  Barnes  advanced  down  the  hill  and,  with  a 
charge,  gallantly  drove  the  enemy  from  the  fence  in  front.  He  was, 
however,  in  a  few  moments,  flanked  by  a  large  body  on  the  right,  and 
bad  to  retire  his  regiment  a  short  distance  up  the  hill,  the  enemy  im- 
mediately re-occupying  the  fence.  Colonel  Barnes  soon  returned  to 
the  attack  and,  upon  the  sam6  ground,  charged  with  his  fine  regiment 
three  times,  and  the  last  time  drove  them  from  the  fence  and  up  the 
hill  beyond,  with  great  slaughter. 

In  the  meantime.  Colonel  Hamilton,  feeling  a  heavy  pressure  upon 
his  right,  obliqued  his  regiment  in  that  direction  and  gallantly  drove 


284 

them,  clearinjjihe  iront,  and  at  the  same  time  covering  the  right  of 
Oolone!  Barnes,  A  heavy  boily  now  appeared  on  the  right  of  Colonel 
Hamilton,  and  Captain  Terrin,  cominuiding  Orr's  rifles,  was  sent  out 
to  sweep  the  field  it;  that  direction.  He  led  his  regiment  up  a  hill, 
discovered  the  enemy  in  the  hollow  beyond,  dispersed  them  at  once, 
and  held  the  position,  which  wi^s  pomewhat  in  advance  of  the  general 
line.  Thus  the  columns' which  wcie  enveloping  the  rightof  our  army 
were  driven  back  at  all  p.ints,  and,  at  the  last  moment,  Sharpsburg 
made  a  victory  for  the  Confederate  arms. 

The  bii^'ade  held  its  position  on  the  field  all  night,  the  next  day, 
and  until  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Friday,  the  19th,  when  they 
joined  the  division  and  moved  towards  Boteler's  ford  on  the  Potomac, 
which  was  crossed  without  losing  a  man.  In  the  critical  operation  of 
crossing  the  river  in  the  face  of  so  large  a  force,  the  light  division, 
Uencral  A.  1'.  Hill,  was  the  rear  guard,  and  Gregg's  brigade  was  in 
rear  of  the  division.  Two  companies  of  the  fourteenth  South  Caro- 
lina volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Brown,  were  thrown 
out  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Simpson  as  skirmishers,  ^n  a  corn-field, 
about  a  mile  from  the  river,  thus  covering  the  passage  of  the  army. 
About  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  whilst  the  light  division  was  crossing, 
Captain  Brown's  small  detachment  was  att.'tcked  by  cavalry,  but,  dis- 
persing them  by  a  single  volley,  they  succeeded  in  reaching  the  river 
a*id  crossing  in  safety. 

The  fighting  at  Sharpsburg  wns  severe,  and  the  loss  considerable, 
being  in  the  aggregate  one  hundred  and  sixty-five.  Among  the  killed 
were  Colonel  Dixon  Barnes,  Cajftain  F.  A.  Erwin  and  Lieutenant 
I'lackman,  of  the  twelfth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  and  Lieutenant 
J.  A.  Mclntyre,  of  the  first  South  Carolina  volunteers.  Among  the 
wounded  were  Captain  M.  P.  Parker,  of  the  first  South  Carolina  vol- 
t.ntecrs  ;  Captain  J.  L.  Miller,  Captain  H.  C.  Davis,  Lieutenant  R. 
M.  Kerr,  and  Captain  J.  M.  Perrin,  commanding  Orr'a  rifles  ;  W.  J. 
Stone  and  S.  0.  Roseborough,  of  the  twelfth  South  Carolina  volun- 
teers, and  Lieutenants  J.  M.  Wheeler  "and  W.  L.  Leitzer,  of  the 
thirteenth.  Where  all  did  their  duty  well,  it  may  not  be  unpardon- 
able to  declare  that,  in  this  battle,  the  palm  was  borne  oft'  by  the 
intrepid  Colonel  Barnes,  who  nobly  fell  whilst  leading  the  invincible 
twelfth  in  their.  last  victorious  charge.  Colonel  .  Barnes  was  as 
amiable  and  generous  in  peace  as  he  was  gallant  and  irresistible  in 
war.  Having  large  wealth  and  high  position  at  home,  he  left  all  to 
fall  at  the  head  of  his  beloved  regiment,  gallantly  struggling  for  the 
independence  of  his  country. 

Statement  of  Killed  and   Wounded. 


First  South  Carolina  volunteers, 
Orr's  rifles, 

Twelfth  South  Carolina  volunteers, 
Thirteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,   1 
*Two  missing. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Aggregate. 

4 

30 

34 

3 

9 

U 

20 

82* 

104 

3,    1 

14 

15     165 

285 

Field  Officer  K.lhd : 
Colonel  Dixon  Barnes,  twelftli  S>uth  Carolina  volunteers. 

SHEPHERPSTOWV. 

After  crossing  the  river  into  Virginia  and  marching  about  five 
miles,  the  brigade  spent  the  night,  and  was  ordered  back  next  morn- 
ing, the  2nth,  to  Botelcr's  ford,  near  Shepherdstown,  to  drive  back 
the  enemy,  who  was  reported  to  be  crossing  at  that  point.  General 
Gregg  formed  line  of  battle,  Orr's  rifles  deployed  as  skirmishers  in 
front,  and  advanced  in  splendid  style.  The  batteries  of  the  enemy, 
on  the  Maryland  side,  poured  upon  them  a  terrible  fire  of  grape, 
round  shot  and  shell.  Their  practice  was  remarkably  fine,  bursting 
shells  in  the  ranks  at  every  discharge.  The  fourteenth  South  Caro- 
lina volunteers.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Simpson,  from  the  nature  of  the 
grouhd  over  which  it  passed,  was  particuhirly  exposed.  When  the 
artillery  made  gaps  in  thtir  ranks,  they  closed  up  like  veterans,  and 
marched  on  without  confusion  or  in  the  least  losing  distance.  The 
rifles  went  down  near  to  the  river  and  drove  the  enemy  into  the 
water,  most  of  them  being  either  killed  or  drowned.  The  brigade  lay 
under  a  terrible  fire  of  shells  all  day,  and  at  daik  returned  to 
bivouac.  The  loss  of  the  brigade  was  b^ixty-thrce  killed  and 
wounded,  mostly  in  the  fourteenth.  Among  the  killed,  being  the 
brave,  generous,  and  efficient  Ciiptain  Jimes  H.  Uunlnp,  of  Laurens, 
South  Carolina,  who  was  blown  to  pieces  by  a  shell  ;  and  among  the 
wounded  was  Lieutenant  1).  IL  llamiliun,  Jr.,  adjutaut  of  the  first 
South  Carolina  volunteers. 

On  Sunday,  the  2nd  November,  occurred  the  affair  at  Castlomaii'a 
ford,  near  Snicker's  Gap.  Gregg's  and  Thomas'  bjigades,  accompa- 
nied by  a  battery  of  artillery,  were  thrown  forward  as  a  sort  of 
picket,  to  secure  that  ford  against  any  effort  General  McClcllan  (who 
was  reported  to  be  at  Snickeisville  in  force)  might  make  to  pass  the 
mountain  there.  Gregg's  brigade  took  position  and,  under  light  firo 
oC  artillery,  awaited  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  who  never  reached 
our  side  of  the  ford.  4n  tins  affair  the  brigade  lost  three  wounded, 
one  mortally. 

Tbe  brigade  remained  in  bivouac,  at  different  places  in  the  lower 
Valley,  until  Saturd;iy,  the  22nd  I'vovember,  when  ihey  moved,  with 
the  light  division,  from  Jordan's  spring,  on  the  Oprquon,  near  Win- 
chester. Marching  up  the  W'inchester  and  Staunton  turnpike,  wo 
turned  to  the  left  at  xJtw  Market,  passed  the  Blue  llidge  at  Milam's 
Gap,  then  covered  with  snow,  and  on  tbe  27th  left  the  beautiful  \^illey 
of  Virginia.  Passing  by  Madison  and  Orange,  we  reached  the  ."^his- 
eap^fniix  Hill,  near  Fredericksbuig,  on  Wednesday,  the  3rd  of 
December,  having  made  a  march  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five 
miles  in  twelve  days.  Again  regretting  much  the  many  imperfections 
of  this  hasty  sketch  of  operations  which  must  be  historical, 
I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.   McGOWAN, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  Secmxd  Brigade^  L.  D, 


286 


STATEMENT  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED. 

Killed.     Wounded.     Aggregate, 


Orr's  rifles,  — 

First  South  Caroliiyi  volunteers,  — 

Twelfth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  — 
Thirteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  — 
Fourteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers,  10 

Snicker's  Gap. 

Killed, 
firr's  rifles,  I 

Twelfth  South  Carolina  volunteers,        — 


1 
4 
1 
2 
45 

Wounded. 


1 
4 
1 

2 
55—63 


Aggregate. 
I 


2—3 


RECAPITULATION— KILLED  AND  WOUNDED. 


en 

i^ 

o 

< 

6 

6t 
o 

n 

M 

•A 

< 

S 

ij 

£ 

n 

X 

A 

e< 

C4 

O 

p. 

•^ 

W 

H 

a, 

hS 

p; 

< 

y. 

2 

S 

a 

M 

QQ 

O 

03 

02 

m 

<J 

Orr's  Rifles,  S   Carolina  Vols 

116 

143 

30 
8 

12 
34 

1 
4 

1 

160 

189 

Vlih.  Rei^imentS.  Carolina  Vol.«... 

145 

11 

104 

1 

2 

263 

Ivlh  Regiments.  Carolina  Vols... 
t4th  Regiments.  Carolina  Vols... 

2 

144 

29 

15 

'^ 

192 

3 

65 

26 

55 

149 

Total 

5 

613 

104 

165 

63 

3 

953 

REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  EVANS. 

Headquarters  Evans'  Brigade,      } 
Near  Winchester,   Fa.j  October   13,   1863.  i 

Major  G.  M,  Sorrel, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Right  Wing  : 

Major  :  In  pursuance  to  the  written  instructions  of  the  Major 
General  commanding,  I  beg  leave  to  report  the  action  of  my  command 
in  the  recent  engagements  in  Virginia  and  Maryland.  On  the  6th  of 
August  last,  I  was  ordered  to  repair,  with  my  brigade,  to  Malvern 
Hill,  and  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  wood  to  the  north  of  the  hill. 
I  deployed  my  troops  in  line  of  battle,  and,  after  marching  about  a- 
mile  through  the  woodland  and  open  field,  encountered  the  cavalry 
pickets  of  the  enemy,  which  were  soon  driven  in  by  the  fire  of  two 
regiments,  killing  several  of  the  enemy,  who  soon  retired,  evacuating 
his  position — four  prisoners  taken. 

On  the  morning  of  the  24th  August,  I  was  ordered  to  support, 
with  my  brigade,  the  batteries  under  the  command  of  Major  Garnett, 
who  was  attacking  the  enemy  at  Rappahannock  Station,  with  further 
instructions  to  attack  the  enemy  should  he  appear  on  the  south  side 
of  the  river.  Receiving  a  message  fro<u  Captain  Squiers,  command- 
ing the  battery,  that  the  enemy  were  in  a  small  redoubt,  which  they 
had  thrown  up  the  night  previous,  I  immediately  ordered  an  advance 
to  drive  him  from  his  position;  but,  on  the  approach  of  my  troops,  he 
soon  retreated  across  the  railroad  bridge,  before  we  were  in  musket 
range.  I  here  ordered  the  Macbeth  artillery,  Captain  Boyce,  to  ad- 
vance, occupy  the  work,  and  to  open  fire  on  the  enemy  across  tho 
river.  This  point,  however.  Captain  Boyce  found  antenablc,  as  the 
enemy's  batteries  swept  the  entire  hill  and  work.  He  was  compelled 
to  retire  with  the  loss  of  four  wounded.  Tho  entire  loss  of  my  brig- 
ade in  this  engagement  was  twenty-one  killed,  (enlisted  men)  ;  seven 
commissioned  officers,  and  seventy-five  enlisted  men,  wounded.  The 
coolness  of  tho  men  and  of  the  ofiicers  of  the  brigade  excited  my 
highest  admiration.  Many  of  them  never  having  been  under  firo 
before,  sustained  a  severe  fire  of  grape  and  shell  for  more  than  three 
hours  without  breaking  line  of  battle. 

On  the  evening  of  the  29th  of  August,  the  brigade  engaged  the 
skirmishers  of  the  enemy,  in  considerable  force,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
road  near  Groveton,  and  rendered  efficient  co-operation  to  the  com- 
mands of  General  Wilcox,  on  the  left,  and  General  Hood,  on  the 
right,  in  driving  the  enemy  from  his  position.  The  enemy  falling  back, 
and  the  darkness  of  the  night  concealing  his  movements,  I  formed  my 
brigade  in  the  camp  of  the  enemy,  until  ordered  to  fall  back  by  the 
Major  General  commanding.  Leaving  a  strong  picket  in  my  front,  I 
withdrew  about  a  mile  to  the  rear. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3()th  August,  the  enemy  presenting  himself 
in  large  force  aear  Groveton,  I  was  ordered  to  take  command  of  the 


283 

troops  formed  immet^intely  on  the  riglit  of  the  rojid,  embracing 
Whitirg"s  division,  Brigjidier  General  J.  B.  Hood,  commanding, 
I'ickett's  brigiidc.  Col.inel  Eppa.  Hiinton  commanding,  and.  my  own 
brigade.  I  would  state  that,  just  before  the  action  commenced,  Pickett's 
brigade  •was  ordered  to  the  support  of  General  Kemper.  My  com- 
mand now  consisted  of  three  bi  igjides,  which  were  disposed  as  follows  : 
Evans'  brigade,  with  the  left  resting  on  the  turnpike,  under  the  im- 
mediate command  of  Colonel  P.  F.  Stevens;  Hood,  with  hia  command, 
on  Steven.^'  light.  In  this  positron  my  command  rested  until  about 
four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  General  Hood  was  ordered  to  advance, 
Colonel  Stevens  suppT)rting  his  left.  The  command  soon  became 
warmly  engaged  with  the  enemy,  who  seemed  to  concentrate  a  heavy 
force  on  tlie  right  of  the  road,  and  opened  a  heavy  artillery 
fire  on  my  whole  line  from  right  to  left.  After  advancing  more 
than  a  mile,  the  command  of  Generj;!  Hood,  after  charging  the  bat- 
teries in  the  centre,  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  which  was  done  in 
good  order.  Stevens'  command  coming  up  immediately  afterwards, 
held  the  enem^'  until  relieved,  timely,  by  Major  General  R  fl  An- 
derson's division.  In  this  engag<-ment  the  loss  of  Evans'  brigade 
was  very  severe — the  loss  being  fourteen  officers  and  ninety-eight  en- 
listed men  kilj^d,  forty-eight  officers  and  four  hundred  and  sixty- three 
enlisted  men  wounded,  and  eight  enlisted  men  missing.  Among  the 
kilb  d  were  the  galiaut  Colonel  J.  H.  Means,  of  the  seventeenth  regi- 
ment South  Carolina  volunteers,  and  Colonel  J.  M.  Gadberry,  of  the 
eighteentli  regiment.  These  brave  men  were  shot  down  while  nobly 
leading  their  regiments  into  action.  Colonel  Gadbeny  was  killed 
instantly  ;  Colonel  Means,  mortally  wounded,  survived  two  days.  It 
is  but  justice  to  the  memory  of  these  noble  and  gallant  officers  to 
mention  my  appreciation  of  their  valuable  services.  Colonel  Means, 
though  much  advanced  in  years,  ever  exhibited  the  energy  of  youth 
in  battling  our  ruthless  foe,  and  devoting  his  whole  ability  to  our 
sacred  cause.  His  death  fully  exemplifies  his  devotion  to  his  country. 
Colonel  (Jadbeny  was  conspicuous  during  the  battle  for  his  dauntless 
conduct  and  unflinching^  firmness.  Among  the  wounded  were  the 
brave  ant'l  energetic  Major  F.  G.  Palmei-,  of  the  liolcomb  legion,  and 
the  gallant  Colonel  II.  L.  Betbow,  of  the  twenty-first  regiment.  The 
list  of  the  other  gallant  dead  and  wounded  officers  is  herewith  en- 
closed, and  I  would  respectfully  refer  the  Major  General  commanding 
to  ihe  reports  of  their  immediate  commands  for  the  history  of  their 
actions.  To  Colonel  P.  F.  Stevens,  of  the  Holcorab  legion,  command- 
ing the  brigade,  I  am  much  indebted  for  his  untiring  zeal  and  daunt- 
less courage,  cheering  his  men,  under  heavy  fire,  during  the  entire 
engagement.  My  comn^and  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  from 
their  batteries  with  great  slaughter,  and  turning  his  own  batteries 
against  his  retreating  forces.  A  large  number  of  small  arras  and 
accoutrements,  and  three  stand  of  colors  were  captured.  For  the  ac- 
tion of  the  Texas  and  third  Georgia  brigades,  I  respectfully  refer  to 
the  reports  of  General  Ilood  and  the  Colonels  commanding. 

On  the  14th  of  August,  my  division  was  ordered  to  support  the 
command  of  Brigadier  General  Rodes,  on  the  left  of  the  road,  near 


289 

South  Mountain. .  On  marching  mj  brigade  ,up  the  mountain,  on  our 
extreme  left,  I  was  informed  that  the  two  brigades,  under  tlie  imwe- 
diate  command  of  Brigadier  general  Hood,  had  been  detached,  by 
order  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  to  support  our  right,  and  I 
was  further  ordered  to  hold  m^  position  on  the  left,  and  that  reinforce- 
ments would  be  sent.  On  my  arrival  at  the  summit  of  the  mountain 
the  skirmishers  of  the  enemy  were  met,  supported  by  several  of  his 
batteries,  which  commanded  my  position.  I  ordered  Colonel  Stevens, 
commanding- brigade,  to  push  over  the  summit  and  engage  the  enemy 
then  firing  on  General  Rodes'  troops,  retiring.  Colonel  Stevens 
soon  becfuno  engaged  with  a  much  superior  force,  two  columns  of  the 
enemy  advancing  rapidlj'^  upon  his  small  command.  This  force,  how- 
ever, was  bravely  met,  and  the  position  held  until  the  troops  on  my 
right  had  retired,  leaving  ray  brigade  nearly  surrounded  by  the  enemy. 
I  then  .directed  my  troops  to  reiiie,  firing,  to  the  east  side  of  the 
mountain,  which  was  ilone  in  good  order.  During  the  night,  I  received 
an  order  to  march  in  the  direction  of  Sharpsburg,  and  my  division 
ordered  to  act  as  rear-guard,  which  duty  was  performed  until  our  ar- 
rival at  the  Antietam'river,  on  the  evening  of  the  15th  September. 

On  the  morning  of  the  IGth,  General  Mood,  with  his  two  brigades, 
were  detached  and  sent  to  the  support  of  Major  General  D.  II.  Hill, 
leaving  me  but  two  brigades,  Colonels  Anderson's  and  Evans'  brig- 
ades. During  the  day  my  command  was  held  as  support  to  Colonel 
Walton's  artillery,  also  with  orders  to  defend  the  bridge  over  the  An- 
tietara,  and  my  skirmishers  were  engaged  throughout  the  day  with 
the  sharpshooters  6f  the  enemy. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  enemy  attacked  our  left  in  force, 
and  about  noon  Colonel  Anderson's  brigade  was  detached  to  support 
General  Hood,  then  supporting  Major  General  D,  H.  Hill,  on  our  left. 
About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  was  ordered  to  rally  the  troops  then  flock- 
ing to  the  town  from  our  left,  and  to  bring  them  into  action.  After 
considerable  exertion,  with  the  assistance  of  my  entire  staff,  I  suc- 
ceeded in  collecting  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  and  ofEcers, 
whom  I  formed  into  two  commands,  and  placed  them  respectively 
under  the  command  of  Colonels  Colquitt  and  Iverson,  of  Major  Gene- 
ral D.  H.  Hill's  division.  At  three  o'clock,  observing  the  enemy  ap- 
proaching my  position,  (directly  on  the  left  o#theroad,)  also  attempt- 
ing to  cross  the  bridge  on  my  right,  I  ordered  an  advance.  Colonels 
Colquitt  and  Iverson  on  the  left,  with  Boyce's  battery,  and  Colonel 
Stevens  on  the  right,  supported  by  two  batteries  of  Colonel  S.  D.  Lee's 
battalion,  who  came  timely,  at  my  request,  to  my  assistance,  and  ren- 
dered material  aid  in  driving  the  enemy  back  across  the  river,  with 
Colonel  Stevens'  command  as  i-kirmishcrs  on  the  right,  while  I  attacked 
the  enemy  with  Colquitt'?  and  Iverson's  commands  on  the  left. 

This  little  command  gallantly  drove  the  enemy  from  his  cover  in 
the  corn-field,  and  caused  him  to  retreat  in  confusion,  leaving  a  num- 
ber of  their  dead  and  two  stand  of  colors,  the  latter  having  been  shot 
down  by  a  well  directed  fire  of  Captain  Boyce's  battery.  I  also  re- 
quested Colonel  Walton,  of  the  artillery,  to  open  fire  on  the  enemy's 
batteries  that  had  crossed  the  bridge,  which,  being  promptly  "done,  had 
19 


29(( 

the  desired  effect  of  driving  them  back.  My  brigade  then  resumed 
its  original  position,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night/sleeping  on  their 
aras.  For  individual  instances  of  gallantry  and  distinction,  I  beg 
leave  to  refer  to  the  reports  of  the  immediate  coramanders. 

To  my  general  and  personal  staff  I  am  much  indebted,  for  their 
bravery  and  fidelity  in  carrying  ray  orders.  Captain  T.  D.  Eason, 
ordnance  officer ;  Captain  A.  L.  Evans,  assistant  a(>jutant  general; 
First  Lieutenant  Samuel  J.  Corrie,  aid-de  camp,  were  often  under 
heavy  fire,  and  executed  their  several  duties  with  intrepidity.  My 
faithful  courier,  Mr.  Farquhar  Trazevant,  was  shot  down  near  me  by 
a  shell,  inflicting  a  wound  from  which  he  haa  since  died.  Ilis  loss 
was  seveio  to  me,  both  personally  and  in  his  official  capacity.  I  am 
also  pained  to  announce  the  fall  of  Captain  Samuel  Jordan,  assistant 
adjutant  "■eneral  ot  Colonel  -Colquitt's  brigade,  who  was  shot  down 
while  crallantly  transmitting  my  orders.  Enclosed  herewith,  please  find 
the  reports  of  regimental  and  battery  commanders. 

■  The  total  loss  of  Evans'  brigade  in  the  above  mentioned  engage- 
ments is  one  thousand  and  twenty-four  aggregate,  from  an  aggregate 
of  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty  on  the  30th  July, 
1862.  It  is  proper  to  state  that  the  aggregate  for  duty  was  afterwards 
increased  to  twenty-two  hundred  by  the  addition  of  the  twenty-third 
regiment  South  Cai"olina  volunteers. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  call  the  attention  of  the  Major  General  com- 
mandinc^  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  the  officers  of  this  brigade. 

In  each  engagement  some  field  officer  was  cither  wounded  or  killed, 
I  had  neglected  to  mention  above  the  loss  of  the  gallant  Lieutenant 
Colonel  T.  C.  Watkins,  of  the  twenty-third  regiment  South  Carolina 
volunteers,  and  Major  R.  S.  Means,  of  the  seventeenth  regiment,  both 
of  whom  were  shot  down  while  cheering  their  regiments.  Colonel 
Watkins  was  killed  instantly,  and  Major  Means,  severely  wounded  in 
both  legs,  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
Respectfully  submitted, 
^  :^.  G.  EVANS, 

Brigadier  General  commanding. 

P.  S. — The  report  of  the  eighteenth  regiment  South  Carolina  vol- 
uateers  will  be  forwarded  to-morrow. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  RANSOM  OF  BATTLE 
OF  SHARPSBURG. 


Headquarters  Ransom's  Brigade,      ) 
Camp  mar  Marlinaburg,  Va.,  September  22,  1862.  ) 

Captain  William  A.  feMiTii, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
performed  by  niy  brigade  in  the  battle  near  Sharpsburg,  Maryland, 
on  the  1 7th  instant : 

The  regiments  present  were  the  twenty-fourth,  twenty-fifth,  thirty- 
fifth  andiorty-ninth  North  Carolina  troops,  commanded  respectively 
by  Lieutenant   Colonel   Harris,    Colonel   Rutledge,  Colonel    Ransom ^ 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel   McAfee.     The  strength  present  was  about 
sixtecn  iiundred  aggregate. 

About  three  o'clock,  in  the  morning  of  the  17th  instant,  the  brigade,, 
followed  by  the  others  of  the  division,  was  moved  to  the  extreme  right 
of  the  position  occupied  by  our  troops,  and  posted  upon  some  hilla 
which  commanded  an  open  country.  Here  it  remained  in  line  until 
about  nine  o'clock,  when  an  oider  from  General  Lee  directed  the  di- 
vision to  the  left, •where  the  enemy  was  pushing  back  our  fof'ces. 

From  the  first  position  the  brigade  moved  Icfi  in  front  until  we 
had  passed  the  town  of  Sharpsburg  some  half  mile  to  the  north,  when 
it  was  formed  into  line  by  inversion,  bringing  the  forty-ninth  over  the 
right.  The  line  was  formed  under  a  severe  fire,  and  in  the  presence 
of  some  of  our  troops,  who  had  been  driven  back.  As  soon  as  formed, 
the  whole  brigade  was  pushed  rapi.lly  forward,  and,  after  passing  some 
two  hundred  yards,  I  received  orders  to  form  to  the  right  and  resist 
the  enemy,  who  were  in  possession  of  a  piece  of  woods.  The  change 
of  posititm  was  effected  with  three  of  the  regiments,  the  forty- ninth, 
twenty-fifth  and  thirty  fifth  ;  but  the  twenty-fourth,  on  the  extreme 
left,  had  come  upon  the  enemy  and  opened  fire,  and  continued  in  the 
first  position,  upon  the  left  of  General  Barksdale's  brigade. 

Upon  reaching  the  livoods,  we  mta  parts  of  Hood's  and  Early's  com- 
mands, and,  leaving  them,  immediately  encountered  the  enemy  in 
strong  force,  flu?hed  with  a  temporary  success.  A  tremendous  fire 
was  poured  into  them  and,  without  a  halt,  the  woods  was  cleared,  and 
the  crest  next  the  enemy  occupied. 

At  this  time,  1  determined  to  charge  across  a  field  in  our  front,  and 
to  a  woods  beyond,  which  was  held  by  the  enemy;  but  h  •  again  ap- 
proached in  force  to  within  a  hundred  yards,  where  he  was  met  by 
the  same  crushing  fire  which  hadflriven  him  first  from  the  position. 
I  now  went  to  recall  the  twenty-fourth,  which  had  passed  on — whichi 
had  been  directed,  as  I  afterwards  heard,  by  General  Stewart,  to  oc- 
cupy a  position  near  the  extreme  left — but  finding  it  was  so  far  away,,. 


292 

returned.  Daring  my  absence,  the  enemy  again  attempted  to  force 
the  position,  after  subjecting  us  to  a  fearful  storm  of  iron  missiles  for 
thirty  minutes.  Colonel  Ransom,  commanding  during  my  absence, 
repulsed  him  signslly  and  put  an  end  to  any  further  attempt  by  in- 
fantry to  dislodge  us.  Immediately  after  this,  fire  from  two  large  bat- 
teries was  opened  upon  us,  and  continued  with  occasional  intermissions  • 
until  nightfall. 

About  noon,  General  Longstreet  sent  me  word  to  take  the  battery 
in  our  front,  and  the  order  to  advance  was  given,  when  General  Mc- 
Laws  arrived,  and  ordered  me  to  desist  from  the  attempt.  Again, 
about  two  or  three  o'clock,  I  received  instructions  to  advance  and  take 
the  battery.  Just  at  this  time  the  enemy  was  observed  to  have  massed 
a  strong  force  about  the  batteries,  and  General  Wa;]ker,  having  arrived, 
forbade  the  movement  until  he  could  communicate  with  General  Long- 
Btreet  in  person.  Shortly  afterwards,  orders  came  to  defer  any  at- 
tempt upon  the  enemy's  position  until  General  Jackson  should  have 
attacked  him  upon  his  right  flank.  This  was  not  accomplished  by 
General  Jackson,  and  the  effort  to  capture  the  two  large  batteries, 
which  had  almost  incessantly  played  upon  us  for  eight  hours,  was  not 
made. 

I  cannot  too  highly  compliment  the  men  and  officers  for  their  gal- 
lant behavior  during  the  entire  day.  They  formed  under  a  galling 
fire,  and,  in  presence  of  our  retiring  troops,  pressed  forward  and  drove 
back  a  far  superior  force,  and  three  times  afterwards  repulsed  deter- 
mined attacks  of  the  enemy,  and  in  largely  superior  numbers  to  our 
own.  But  the  highest  credit  is  due  for  the  perfect  coolness  exhibited 
during  an  eight  hours  exposure  to  an  unparalleled  cannonade,  and 
within  canister  range. 

I  will  not  close  my  report  without  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the 
commanding  General  the  conspicuous  conduct  of  Colonel  Ear,som, 
of  which  the  General  can  learn  more  by  inquiry  of  Colonels  Hall  and 
Jenkins,  forty-sixth  North  Carolina ;  Major  Flemming,  too,  of  the 
forty-ninth,  evinced  a  cool  daring  and  soldierly  presence  of  mind 
eminently  praiseworthy. 

Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  Cooke,  of  the  twenty-fourth,  was  foremost 
in  leading  his  regiment  while  under  my  eye,  and  I  have  had  frequent 
occasions  to  observe  qualities  which  make  him  second  to  none  in  cour- 
age and  capacity. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Bryson,  of  the  twenty-fifth,  was  cool  and  gal- 
lant.    I  cannot  further  particularize. 

To  the  members  of  my  staff  I  owe  much  for  their  prompt  and  un- 
tiring assistance.  Captain  Rowland,  A.  A.  G. ;  Lieutenant  Brod- 
nax,  A.  D.  C.  ;  Mr.  Mason,  volunteer  aid,  and  Lieutenants  Ashe  and 
Thomas,  the  last  my  ordnance  officer,  who  was  ever  in  the  right  place. 
My  orderlies,  privates  Pierson  and  'De  Vom,  of  the  twenty-fourth, 
acted  with  unwonted  intelligence  and  gallantry  throughout  the  day, 
in  bearing  messages,  under  the  hottest  fire.  The  latter  had  his  horse 
shot. 

Though  not  a  part  of  my  brigade,  I  cannot  properly  close  my  report 
without  mentioning  the  f<xrty- sixth  North  Carolina  volunteer?,  'Oolo- 


293 

nel  Kail  commanding.  About  mid-day  lie  reported  to  me,  with  his 
regiment,  and  was  at"  once  ordered  into  position  on  my  right,  which 
was  unfiinchingly  maintained  throughout.  The  conduct  of  the  regi- 
ment was  all  it  should  have  been,  and  the  bravery  of  Colonel  Hall 
and  Lieutenant  ColonelJenkins  reflects  the  highest  credit  upon  them- 
selves and  the  service.  A  list  of  casualties  is  hereunto  appended. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

R.  RANSOM,  Jr., 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT   OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PRYOR  OF  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 

Hf.adquvrters  Prvor's  Brigade, 
Ntar  Winchester,  Oct.  5,  1862. 

Captain:  A  very  brief  narrative  will  suffice  to  exhibit  the  opera- 
tions of  this  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Manassas. 

"When  the  enemy's  attack  on  the  left  of  our  lice  was  repuhed,  I 
was  directed  by  Brigadier  General  Wilcox  to  throw  my  brigade  on 
his  broken  columns.  Disposing  my  troops  in  two  lines,  with  the 
first,  consisting  of  the  third  Virginia,  the  fourteenth  Alabama,  and 
the  eit^hth  Florida  regiments,  I  pushed  across  the  field,  to  the  end  of 
intercepting  the  enemy  in  his  retreat.  Perceiving  my  design,  the 
flying  Federals  turned  to  the  left,  sought  the  shelter  of  a  neighboring 
wood,  and  attempted  to  arrest  our  advance.  But  neither  a  terrific  ' 
artillery  fire  on  their  flank,  nor  an  unexpected  fusilade  iil  front,  could 
check  the  impetuous  onset  of  my  brave  men.  Into  the  woods  they 
dashed  and,  with  little  delay,  dislodged  the  enemy  from  his  cover. 
This  accomplished,  I  changed  front  to  the  right,  with  the  view  of 
charging  the  batteries,  from  whose  fire  my  troops  suffered  so  seriously. 

In  pursuance  of  a  suggestion  from  General  Wilcox,  I  concerted 
with  Brigadier  General  Featherston  a  plan  of  attack  on  these  bat- 
teries. It  was  agreed  that,  while  Qeneral  Featherston  turned  the 
enemy's  flank,  I  should  assail  him  in  front.  In  the  execution  of  this 
scheme  very  little  diiiic'ulty  was  encountered,  the  enemy,  on  our  ap- 
proach, invariably  abandoning  his  position,  almost  without  a  struggle. 
Several  of  his  detached  pieces  and  caissons  we  captured,  but  gen- 
erally he  succeeded,  by  a  timely  flight,  in  escaping  with  his  batteries. 
Indeed,  with  his  expulsion  from  the  wood  where  he  first  sought  shel- 
ter the  fighting  with  us  ceased.  Afterwards  it  was  a  mere  chase,  in 
which  the  enemy  exhibited  such  fleetness  that  we  could  inflict  upon 
him  onlj'  a  trifling  Iocs.  The  pursuit  was  vigorously  pressed,  never- 
theless, until  darkness  arrested  our  further  progress.  The  brigade 
bivouacked  on  the  advanced  position  won  by  our  arms. 

In  the  progress  of  the  action,  1  had  the  misfortune  to  be  separated 
from  my  command  by  a  circumstance  to  which  I  allude  only  in  expla- 
nation of  my  absence.  Returning  from  a  search  after  two  of  my 
regiments,  which,  in  the  confusion  of  the  fight,  had  become  detached 
from  the  brigade,  I  advanced  unconsciously  beyond  the  enemy's  line, 
«nd  was  awhile  detained  in  my  embarrassing  position.  Eventu- 
ally, however,  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  effect  my  escape  and  rejoin  my 
•command. 

Of  the  conduct  of  ofiScers  and  men  in  this  fight,  I  have  to  speak  in 
the  most  complimentary  terms.  The  fifth  and  eighth  Florida  regi- 
ments, though  never  under  fire  before,  exhibited  the  cool  and  collected 
•courage  of  veterans.  Special  mention  of  peculiar  merit  in  individuals 
I  reserve  for  another  communication. 

The  loss  of  the  brigade,  as  shown  by  the  list  of  casualties,  was 


S95  ^ 

coraparatively  inconsiderable,  not  exceeding  one  hundred  and  fifty  in 
killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Among  the  killed,  however,  was  ray 
assistant  adjutant  general,  Captain  Walter  Wrenn,  a  young  gentle- 
man of  the  purest  and  most  amiable  character,  of  a  genius  developed 
and  adorned  by  rare  attainments  in  every  department  of  polite  learn-^ 
ing,  and  of  a  courage  which  had  serenely  confronted  death  on  more 
than  one  battle-field.  lie  fell  in  the  moment  of  victory,  and  in  the 
act  of  cjieering  on  a  charge. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

ROGER.  A  PRYOR, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF    BRIGADIER    GENERAL   FEATHERSTON    OF 
SECOND  BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 

RicHs:oND,  Va.,  September  25,  18G2. 

Major  Sorrel,  A.  A.  G., 

Major   General  LcngstreeV s  Division  : 

Sir  :  I  submit  the  following  report,  showing  the  action  of  my  brig- 
ade at  the  battle  of  Manassas  Plains,  fought  on  the  30th  day  of  Au- 
gust last : 

At  an  early  hour  on  the  morning  of  the  30th,  my  brigade  was  posted 
near  a  fence,  about  half  a  mile  west  of  the  main  road  running  to  the 
village  of  Groveton,  uniting  with  General  Jackson's  command  on  my 
loft  at  the  railroad  embankment.  General  Pryor's  brigade  was  placed 
on  the  right  of  mine,  and  General  Wilcox's  a  short  distance  in  the 
rear  to  support  the  other  two.  The  other  brigades  of  General 'Long- 
street's  division  continued  our  line  of  battle  to  the  light,  and  extend- 
ing a  considerable  distance  beyond  the  turnpike  running  through 
Groveton.  Immediately  in  our  front,  and  extending  a  considerable 
distance  to  our  right,  was  an  old  field,  from  a  half  a  mile  to  a  mile 
wide.  The  troops  remained  in  position  here  from  an  eaily  hour  in 
the  morning  until  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  While  in  this 
position,  my  brigade  was  subjected  to  a  very  heavy  fire  from- the 
enemy's  artillery,  which  was  placed  in  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  field  lying  in  our  front.  Two  of  our  batteries,  placed  on  a 
hill  about  the  centre  of  my  brigade,  and  just  in  the  rear,  returned 
the  enemy's  fire  during  most  of  the  time. 

The  enemy  were  observed  during  the  forenoon  passing  down  the 
turnpike  from  the  direction  of  the  stone  house,  and  filing  to  the  right 
and  left  of  our  lines.  About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  one  brigade  was  seen 
emerging  from  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  field,  advancing 
in  the  direction  of  General  Jackson's  right  and  ray  left.  The  advance 
was  steady  and  unchecked  under  a  very  heavy  fire  of  the  batteries 
supported  by  my  brigade,  as  well  as  from  others  placed  on  the  left  and 
right  of  the  turnpike  road.  This  brigade  of  the  enemy  was  followed 
by  two  others,  (under  the  same  heavy  fire  of  our  batteries,)  which 
advanced  to  within  forty  or  fifty  yards  of  our  lines.  Here  they  came 
to  a  halt,  and  returned  the  fire  of  our  infantry  for  about  thirty  min- 
utes, when  they  commenced  the  retreat  across  the  field. in  great  con- 
fusion. The  fire  of  our  artillery  upon  the  retreating  foe  was  rapid 
and  destructive.  As  soon  as  the  retreat  commenced,  our  troops  were 
ordered  to  advance.  One  of  General  Jackson's  brigades  advanced  on 
our  left,  and  my  brigade,  General  Pryor's  and  General  Wilcox's  moved 
forward  in  line  of  battle  on  its  right.  We  reached  the  woods  in  front, 
and  passed  through  the  sk^rt  of  woods,  over  six  hundred  yards  wide, 
when  we  came  to  another  old  field  some  half  a  mile,  or  three-quarters, 
in  width.  Here  we  found,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  field,  the  enemy 
drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,   with   several   pieces   of  artillery  turned 


297 

upon  our  troops,  and  directing  a  rapid,  heavy  and  destructive  fire 
both  upon  the  right  and  left  of  our  lines.  At  this  time,  General 
Wilcox,  who  had,  as  senior  brigadier,  been  directing  the  movements  -of 
his  brigade,  General  Pryor's,  and  mine,  was  ordered  by  General  Long- 
street  to  move  rapidly  with  his  brigade  to  the  right,  to  the 
support  of  General  Hood.  This  left  me  the  senior  brigadier  on  the 
left  of  our  lines.  .Very  soon  after  General  Wilcox  leftAvith  his  brig- 
ade, Major  Walton,  of  General  Longstrect's  staff,  announced  tome 
that  Colonel  Thomas,  commanding  a  brigade  of  General  Jackson's 
division,  had  been  sent  to  reinforce  me,  and  that  other  troops  were 
coming  up  for  the  same  purpose.  Generals  Pender  and  Archer  very 
soon  arrived  with  their  brigades,  and  I  immediately  directed  my  brig- 
ade to  be  moved  to  the  left,  so  as  to  extend  beyond  the  enemy's  right, 
'and  Generals  Pender  and  Archer  to  form  ou  the  right  of  my  brigade. 
This  was  promptly  done.  Colonel  Thomas'  biigade  was  held  in  re- 
serve, with  one  regiment  of  General  Pryor's.  As  soon  as  our  line 
\f&8  formed,  an  advance  Avas  ordered.  The  whole  line  movad  forivard 
jn  rapid  and  gallant  style.  The  enemy  fled,  after  the  first  well- 
directed  fire,  through  the  woods,  in  the  direction  of  the  stone  house. 
All  the  pieces  of  their  artillery  were  left  upon  the  field  and  captured. 
These  brigades  continued  the  march  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  Pass- 
ing through  a  skirt  of  woods,  they  reached  another  field,-  some  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  on  the  further  side  of  which  the  enemy  were 
discovered  again  in  line  of  battle,  with  one  or  two  pieces  of  arlil||ry 
placed  upon  a  commanding  eminence,  which  were  turned  upon  our 
troops  as  soon  as  thoy  made  their  appearance.  These  brigades  were 
again  put  in  line  of  battle  in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  Colonel 
Thomas  was  directed  to  move  with  his  brigade  to  the  left  of  our  line, 
to  prevent  a  flank  movement  by  the  enemy  and  their  reinforcements 
from  coming  up  a  road  running  on  our  left  and  extendipg  in  front 
to  the  turnpike  near  the  stone  house.  These  dispositions  having 
been  made,  our  lines  advanced.  Tho  enemy  fled  precipitately,  doing  , 
us  no  injury  except  with  their  artillery,  scarcely  returning  the  fire 
of  our  infantry.  Having  driven  them  from  this  position,  any  fur- 
ther movement  was  prevented  by  the  darkness  of  the  night.  It  was 
now  fully  dark,  and  our  troops  bivouacked  upon  the  ground  until 
morning. 

The  enemy's  artillery  was  served  with  great  skill  and  effect  upon 
our  troops  during  the  entire  engagement,  to  which  our  greatest  I6s3 
on  the  left  must  be  attributed.  Our  troops,  whose  conduct  ^came  un- 
der my  observation,  behaved  with  great  coolness  and  courage  during 
the  whole  engagement,  which  lasted  about  four  hours.  The  Dixie 
battery,  under  command  of  Captain  Chaplain,  attached  to  my  brigade, 
was  placed  on  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  near  the  village  of  Groveton, 
where  it  performed  good  service  during  the  day. 

When  General  Wilcox  left  the  field,  and  the  command  of  the 
troop's  on  the  left  devolved  oq  me,  I  placed  the  command  of  my  im- 
mediate brigade  under  Colonel  Posey,  who  was  the  seniijr  colonel 
present. 

To  the  members  of  my  staff,  who  were  with  me  on  the  fieli,  Cap-. 


293 

tain  Barksdale,  Lieutenant  Parker,  and  Captain  C.  N.  Featherston, 
I  feel  indebted  for  their  efficiency  and  promptness  in  executing  my 
orders. 

The  list  of  the  oapualties  in  my  hri^^ado  is  herewith  transmitted, 
as  well  as  lists  of  those  who  particularly  distinguished  themsdves 
durincj  the  engagement. 

All  of  which  Is  respectfully  submitted, 

W.  S.  FEATHERSTON, 
Brigadi':r  General  ccmmanding. 


RErORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BENNING  OF  ACTION 
AT  THOROUGHFARE  GAP. 

Headquarters  Toombs'  Bhigade,  ) 
Camp  near  Winches'er,  October  5',  1S62.      ^ 

Major  A.  Coward,  A.  A.  G.  ; 

Major:  I  respectfully  sulimit  to  you  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  in  the  action  at  Thoroughfare  Gap,  on  the  28th  of  August 
last,  by  the  brigade,  which,  in  the  necessary  absence  of  General  Toombs, 
I  commanded,  as  the  officer  next  to  him  in  rank  : 

The  brigade  marched  into  the  gap  from  Salem  by  the  left  flank. 
This  threw  the  twentieth  Georgia  in  front,  the  second  Georgia  next, 
the  fifteenth  Georgia  next,  and  the  seventeenth  Georgia  in  the  rear. 
When  it  entered  the  gap,  the  enemy  were  pouring  into  the  gap  shot 
I  and  shell  on  the  south  side  from  two  or  three  batteries,  so  situated  as 
to  sweep  much  of  the  railroad  and  more  of  the  turnpike  on  that  side. 
Soon  after  the  twentieth  came  under  this  fire,  I  was  oiviercd,  by  Gen- 
eral I).  R.  Jones,  to  take  two  of  the  regiments  and  to  seize  and  hold 
the  point  of  the  mountain  on  the  right  of  the  gap.  This  mountain 
terminated  quite  abruptly  at  the  gap,  and  was  high  enough  to  com- 
mand its  ■«\hGle  outlet,  as  well  as  most  of  the  approaches  on  the  sWe 
of  the  enemy.  Un  both  sides  the  mountain  was  very  steep,  and  itsvas 
covered  with  a  dense  undergrowth   of  stift"  bushe?,  mostly  ivy. 

As  soon  as  I  received  the  order,  1  sent  forward  the  twentieth,  under 
Major  Waddell,  to  the  point  indicated,  and  went  back  for  the  next 
regiment,  the  second,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  and 
ordered  him  to  follow  the  twentieth  as  quickly  as  possible.  The  second 
was  then  on  the  railroad,  and  separated  some  little  distance  from  the 
twentieth,  and  the  descent  down  the  embankment  of  the  railroad  was. 
difficult.  The  consequence  was  that  the  regiment  did  not  reach  the 
point  from  which  the  twentieth  had  started  until  the  latter  was  out  of 
sight.  Colonel  llolmes,  consequently,  halted  there  for  directions.^ 
^leantime  I  had,  as  soon  as  I  gave  him  the  order,  galloped  forward  to 
the  twentieth,  which  I  overtook  double  quicking  towards  the  mountain 
through  a  field,  exposed  to.  a  hot  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries.  A8 
soon  as  it  reached  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  it  was  formed  in  line  of 
battle,  and  preceded  at  a  short  distance  by  a  company  of  skirmishers, 
under  Lieutenant  Thomas,  it  commenced  the  ascent.  This,  'hough 
the  ground  in  some  places  was  almost  precipitous  and  ever^^where  was 
covered  with  stiff  bushes,  it  accomplished  at  a  rapid  gait.  And  i«".  was 
well  that  it  did  so,  for,  when  the  skirmishers  reached  the  summit,  the 
enemy's  skirmishers,  supported  by  a  line  of  infantry,  were  in  sight, 
coming  up  on  the  other  side.  Fire  was  immediately  opened  on  him 
by  our  skirmishers,  and  by  the  time  the  regiment  itself  arrived  at  the 
summit,  short  as  th<it  was,  the  enemy's  skirmishers  had  commenced 
falling  back,  and  diiectly  their  supporting  line  also  withdrew  and  left 
us  in  possession  of  the  mountaia.     If  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in 


300 

seizing  this  mountain,  he  would  "have  had  complete  (fjmmand  of  the 
gap.  Verj  soon  afterwards  his  batteries  commenced  plajing  on  the 
mountain.  This  they  continued  to  do,  short  intervals  excepted,  until 
the  close  of  the  action. 

The  company  of  skirmishers  was  then  posted  as  pickets  down  the 
side  of  the  mountain.  In  a  short  time,  they  observed  t^^e  enemy  en- 
deavoring to  place  a  battery  on  the  right  of  the  outlet  of  the  gap,  at 
a  point  from  which  it  could  have  commanded  the  south  side  of  the 
gap  as  entirely  as  the  batteries  already  established  commanded  the 
north  side.  This  movement  of  the  enemy  was  reported  to  me  by 
Major  "Waddell,  who,  at  the  same  time,  suggested  the  propriety  of  send- 
ing forward  the  men  of  the  regiment  who  were  armed  with  long-range 
guns  to  fire  on  the  enemy's  party  engaged  in  planting  this  battery. 
At  once  I  adopted  the  suggestion.  These  men,  numbering,  I  think, 
not  more  than  thirty,  immediately  took  such  positions  in  front  as  they 
could  find,  from  which  the  enemy's  party  -was  visible,  and,  at  about 
four  or  five  hundred  yards,  opened  fire  on  it  Just  at  this  time  Col- 
onel Holmes,  with  the  second,  came  up,  he  having  received  the  direc- 
tions he  halted  for  from  General  Jones,  and  I  ordered  those  of  his 
men  who  were  armed  with  longe-range  guns,  about  ten  or  twelve,  to 
join  the  others  so  armed^  The  enemy  withstood  the  fire  from  these 
guns  with  muck  obstinacy,  the  position  being  evidently  one  of  the 
very  highest  value  j,o  him.  Finally,  however,  he  gave  up  the  attempt 
to  establish  the  battery  and  carried  off  his  guns.  But  in  a  short  time 
the  attempt  was  renewed.  This  time  it  was  soon  abandoned,  under 
our  stinging  fire. 

I  beg  leave  to  say  that,  if  this  battery  hod  been  once  established, 
the  effect  would  have  been  to  give  the  enemy  complete  command  of 
both  si'les  of  the  gap  and  a  great  distance  into  it,  and  also  of  the  part 
of  the  mountain  on  which  our  two  regiments  were  posted.  It  is  ob- 
vious that  from  positions  such  as  these  he  could  not  have  been  driven, 
except  at  a  great  cost  of  one  of  two  things — time  or  blood — neither 
of  which  did  the  state  of  affairs  then  existing  admit  of  paying. 

The  second  Georgia  was  ordered  by  me  to  take  post  on  the  right  of 
the  twentieth  and  throw  out  pickets  as  far  to  the  front  as  possible. 
This  order  was  admirably  executed  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ilolmes, 
who  posted  each  picket  himself,  in  person,  and  far  down  the  mountain 
side.  The  two  regiments  were  small,  the  second  very  small,  and,  when 
stretched  to  the  utmost,  they  were  far  from  being  long  enough  to  oc- 
cupy the  line  required  by  the  ground,  and  therefore  the  right  flank 
was  still  without  protection.  1  directed  Colonel  Holmes  to  recon- 
noitre the  ground  in  his  front  as  far  forward  as  he  could,  and,  if  he 
found  the  way  clear,  to  advance  his  pickets  as  skirmishers  out  of  the 
wood  into  an  open  ravine  behind  the  house  at  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tain, the  ravine  being  perpendicular  to  the  mountain  and  running  far 
enough  into  the  field  for  its  mouth  to  be  nearly  or  quite  opposite  the 
left  flank  of  the  enemy's  battery.  In  about  a  half  an  hour,  he  had 
made  the  reconnoissance  and  had  got  his  skirmishers  into  the  ravine. 

I  then  directed  him  to  place  his  regiment  where  the  skirmishers 
Trere,  and  to  send  these  beyond  the  house  to  the  crest  of  the  ravine 


301 

rulge.  from  which  crest  the  enemy  w^ro  visible,  and  then  to  post  his 
regiment  in  line  behind  them  and  near  them.  All  these  orders  were 
executed  by  him  with  great  promptness  and  judgment.  After  giving 
hira  these  orders,  I  put  the  twentieth  in  motion  to  connect  with  him 
on  his  left.  This  movement  was  completed  at  about  sunset.  Thus 
the  two  regiments  had  swung  around  so  that  their  right  was  now  on 
the  flank  of  the  enemy.  Soon  after  the  new  line  of  pickets  showed 
their  heads  on  the  crest  of  the  Sinking  ridge  in  the  field,  the  enemy 
ceased  firing  and  moved  to  his  rear  wath  his  whole  force.  The  two 
regiments  remained  in  their  last  position,  without  any  change,  until 
after  night,  as  I  had  received  an  order,  while  they  were  taking  up  that 
position,  from  General  Jones  to  support  General  Drayton  in  an  at- 
tack which  he  was  about  to  make  on  the  enemy  from  the  front.  The 
retreat  of  the  enemy  prevented  that  attack  from  being  made. 

The  conduct  of  both  officers  and  men  was  everything  that  could  be 
desired,  and  to  particularize  any  of  either  would,  1  aim  )st  fear,  be 
doing  injustice  to  the  rest.  I  will,  however,  venture  to  say  that  the 
conduct  (f  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  Major  Waddeil,  Captain 
Seago,  second  in  command  of  the  twentieth,  and  Lieutenant  Thomas, 
commanding  its  skirmishers,  especially  of  Colonel  Holmes,  repeatedly 
attracted  my  admiration. 

The  two  other  regiments,  the  fifteenth  and  seventeenth,  ceased  to 
be  uncjer  rry  immediate  command  after  I  was  ordered  to  seize  and  hoi  i 
the  mountain.  1  am  certain,  however,  from  trustworthy  information, 
that  th  'y  well  performed  the  part  assigned  them,  which  was  to  remain 
passive  in  their  place,  in  the  gorge,  whilst  the  action  was  going  on  in 
front.  They  did  so.  This  place  was  much  exposed  to  the  sheila  of 
the  enemy,  from  w'bich  they  suffered  considerably. 

I  am,  Major,  your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  L.  BENNING, 
Colonel  Seventeenth  Geor2.ia,  commmuling  Toombs'  Brigade. 

N.  B. — Thoroughfare  and  Manassas  arc  put  in  a  single  report  for 
the  twentieth  Georgia  by  Major  Waddeil,  who  commanded  the  regi- 
ment.    That  report  accompanies  my  Manassas  report. 

HBimY  L.  BENNING, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade, 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BENNING  OF  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 

Headquarters  Toombs'  Brigade,      > 
Camp  near   Winchester,  October  8,  1862,  ) 

Major  Coward,  A.  A.  G.: 

Major  :  Of  the  part  borne  in  the  second  battle  of  ^Lanassas,  on  the 
30th  of  August  last,  by  this  brigade,  which,  in  the  compulsory  absence 
of  General  Toombs  until  late  in  the  battle,  I  carried  into  action,  I 
reBpectfuIly  submit  to  you  the  followinrr  report:     ' 

At  ;ili()ut  four  o'clock,  V.  M.,  of  the  .HOlh  of  August,  in  obedience  to 
the  order  of  General  D.  E.  Jones,  I  put  the  brigade  in  line  of  battle, 
vith  its  right  resting  on  the  road  from  Gainesville  to  Manass^is,  and 
its   left  towards   the  right  of  General  Kemper's   command.     Shortly 
afterwards  I  was  ordered  by    General   Jones  to   advance  in   line  of 
battle,  keeping   my  distance  from   General  Kemper.     1  ordered   the 
brig:tde  accordingly  te  advance,  which  it  did  for  a  mile  and  a  half  or 
two  miles,  Avhen  it  encountered  the  enemy's  infantry.     This  advance 
was  through  fields,  and  for  a  great  part  of  the  way  under  the  shell  of 
tOT  enemy's  artillery.     "When  the  line  reached  the  China  house,  its 
position  was   such  that  the  twentieth  Georgia  regiment  had  to  go  to 
the  left  of  that  house,  and   the  other  regimenis,  the   second  Geoigia, 
the  fifteenth  Georgia  and  the  geventeeTith  Georgia,  to  its  right.     This  . 
caused  a  wide  separation  of  the  twentieth  from  them.     As  the  twen- 
tieth was  passing  the  house,  some  officers  of  other  commands  met 
them,  crying  '*  come  this  way  ;  your  aid  is  needed  ;  the  enemy  are  close 
by."     This  drew  me  to  the  twentieth,  and,  when  the  regiment  passed 
the  house,  I   discovered   the   enemy    a    few  hundred    yaids    distant, 
almost  in  our   front,  but  a  little  to  our  left,  in  a  pine  thicket.     To 
that  thi(  ket  1  carried  the  regiment,  and,  on  reaching  it,  ordered  them 
to  charge  it.     The   lynes  were   found  to    be  very  dense,  and  some  of 
them  of  large  size   fofc^twj^'cond  growth.      The   regiment  obeyed  the 
order  wirh  alacrity,  anCKaWnnced  with  as  much  al  icrity  as  the  thicket 
would  admit  of,  receivim  a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy,  and  rer.urning 
it    '.vi'hout  halting.     Tl^Lhickot  proved   to  be  oneof  conaidoiuble 
Itngt'i,  with  its  If  ft  n-i^ng  on   the  dry  bed  of  a  small  sTrcara    or 
branch.      The  enemy  fell   back  as  we  advan'-ed,  until  we  reached  its 
lower  end.     There  we  obtained    a  good  view  of  them,  and  saw  them 
running  in  complete  rout,  a  huddled   mass.      From  their  appearance, 
there  must  have  been  several  regijnents  of  them.     They  soon  got  out 
of  bight  by  the  epeed  they  made  under  tjie  fire  in  their  rear.     But  on 
emerging  into  the  open   ground,  we  also   d.scovered  a  battery  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  dry  branch   to  which   I  have  referred,  and  not 
more   than   four  hundred  yards  off,-  which,  the  thicket    Uv)g    then 
clear  of  its  own  troops,  oj;encd    its  whole  fire   on  us.     reflected  a 
moment  on  what  was  best  to  be  done.     It  appeared  to  ra«  that  to  stay 
where  we  were  was  certain  destruction  ;   to  retreat  would  be  exposing 


4  •  303 

ourselves  for  a  long  distance  to  the  enemj's  shells,  and  might  have 
other  worse  effects.  I  thought  that  upon  the  whole  it  was  better  to 
try  to  take  the  battery,  especially  as  1  could  not  see  any  infantry 
support  near  it,  I  determined  to  make  the  attempt,  and  accordingly 
gave  the  ord^r  to  chalrge  the  battery.  This  order  was  obeyed  with 
a  shout,  and  on  the  regiment  went,  at  a  run.  At  about  fifty  or  sixty 
yards  from  the  front  of  the  Ibattery  the  level  branch  bottom  termi- 
nated, and  the  ascent  of  the  hill  on  which  the  battery  was  placed 
commenced.  The  ascent,  for  a  short  distance,  was  rather  steep,  and 
then  was  considerablj'-  less  so  up  to  the  guns,  so  that  men  lying  down 
at  the  foot  of  the  hill  would  be  protected,  by  the  intervening  little 
crest,  from  the  battery's  fire.  When  the  regiment  reached  the  foot  of 
the  hill  I  ordered  them  to  halt  and  lie  down,  to  recover  their  breath  a 
little.  This  they  did.  In  about  five  minutes,  during  which  a  terrific 
storm  of  missiles  was  passing  just  over  their  heads,  I  ordered  them  to 
rise  arid  take  the  battery.  They  rose  at  the  word,  and  quickly  ad- 
vanced up  the  hill  and  beyond  the  crest,  and  some  of  them  almost  up 
to  the  guns.  Whilst,  however,  we  had  been  resting  at  the  foot  of  tho 
hill  the  enemy  had  not  been  idle.  They  had  got  several  pieces  into 
position  on  our  right  flank,  at  a  short  distance  from  us,  ^d  with 
these  they  also  opened  upon  us,  thus  subjecting  us  to  a  fire  both  in 
front  and  flank.  This  was  not  all.  Heavy  infantry  supports,  though 
not  to  be  seen  when  the  charfje  was  ordered  at  the  thicket,  had^ow 
become  visible,  in  close  proximity  to  the  battery  in  our  front.  No 
supports  to  us  were  anywhere  in  sight.  Under  these  circumstaaces,  I 
thought  it  would  be  madness  to  let  the  regiment  go  on  ;  that  if  they 
took  the  battery  they  would  not  be  able  to  hold  it,  and  therefore 
would,  after  taking  it,  either  have  to  retreat  or  all  be  captured  or 
exterminated.  I  preferred  to  fall  back  at  once,  although  some  of  the 
men  were  almost  up  to  the  guns,  I  accordingly  gave  the  order  to 
fall  back.  And  then  the  regiment,  in  tolerable  order,  fell  back  about 
two  hundred  yards,  under  a  terrific  fire  from  both  of  the  batteries  and 
from  the  infantry  supports.  When  it  came  to  the  dry  bed  of  the 
branch  already  mentioned,  then  I  halted  it,  ajfid  ordered  the  men  to 
lie  down  in  the  bed  of  the  branch,  and  ^^^fat  as  much  protection 
from  the  enemy's  fire  as  possible,. and  at  fl^^Kiie  time  be  in  a  posiiioa 
from  which  they  could  return  that  fire  wiJ^Bome  efl"ect.  This  they 
did. 

Whilst  the  regiment  was  charging  thiplga  the  piue  thickot,  and 
when  it  had  gotten  about  half  way  through  it,  I  discovered,  close  to 
our  left,  near  the  edge  of  the  thicket,  by  the  branch,  two  or  three 
of  the  enemy's  pieces  of  artillery,  completely  abandoned.  When  or 
why  these  were  abandoned  I  do  not  know.  But  it  is  certain  that, 
abandoned  at  whatever  time  and  for  whatever  cause  they  might  be, 
they  wej^  not  captured  guns  as  long  as  the  large  pine  thicket  close 
by  thenAfts  full  of  the  enemy's  infantry  to  guard  and  protect  them. 
These  ^]^H,  therefore,  I  respectfully  submit,  the  twentieth  Georgia  is 
entitled^Bthe  credit  of  taking.  After  disposing  of  the  regiment  as 
aforesaid^^  the  bed  of  the  branch,  I  thought  it  was  time  for  me  to 


304  • 

Jcave  it  and  seek  tlic  other  regiments  of  the  brigade  and  give  them 
my  service*. 

I  accordin;Tly  left  the  t\rentielh,  and  was  with  it  no  more  during 
the  battle.  It  will  Ic  seen,  however,  from  the  report  of  Major  Wad- 
dcU,  who  commanded  the  regiment,  that  it  continued  to  fight  to  the 
last,  and  not  without  effect.  ^ 

I  cannot  cIofc  this  notice  of  the  part  taken  by  the  twentieth  in  the 
battle  without  as-king  leave  to  bestow  the  tribute  of  my  warmest  admi- 
ration upon  the  conduct  of  both  officers  and  men.  It  was  really 
brilliant;  and  the  name  of  every  officer  and  of  every  man  deserves  to 
be  known,  but  I  have  room  only  for  the  officers.  They  are  :  Major 
J.  1).  Waddoll,  ccmmandin;:  regiment;  Captain  E.  M.  Seago,  second 
in  commaml  ;  Lieutenant  W.  N.  Iluchins,  acting  adjutant;  company 
A,  Captain  A.  n.  Ross  and  Lieutenant  W.  W.  Bra  zeal ;  company  B, 
Captain  Mitchell;  Lieutenant  J.  M.  Granbcrry,  wounded  ;  company 
C,  Captain  W.  Y.  Doarry,  wounded,  Lieutenant  Robert  Jonlan  and 
Lieutenant  J.  II.  Spier,  killed;  company  D,  Captain  S.  W.  Bl  nee, 
I>,ieutenant  J.  L.  Carter  and  Lieutenant  J.  S.  Hammock,  wounded 4 
company  K,  Lieutenant  George  F.  Adams  and  Lieutenant  L.  W. 
Davis;  Company  E,  Captain  R.  D.  Little  and  Lieutenant  J.  A.  Mad- 
don  ;  company  L,  Lieutenants  G.  S.  Thomas,  W.  L.  Abbott  and  J. 
R.  lvichnrd.<?;  company  G,  Lieutenant  T.  S.  Fontaine,  wounded; 
cofnpany  II,  Lieutenant  T.  C.  Iluebreath,  killed  ;  company  I,  Cap- 
tain C.  B.  Mines;  Lieutenant  J.  T.  Scott,  wounded. 

The  loss  of  the  regiment  was  heavy.  The  killed  were  twenty-two, 
the  wounded  one  hundred  and  seven,  and  the  missing  six,  exclusive 
of  officers.  The  number  carried  into  action  was,  exclusive  of  officers, 
only  three  hundred  and  thiity-five;  and  of  these,  nearly  one-third 
were  bare-footed,  without  a  piece  of  leather  to  their  feet.  After  leav- 
ing the  twentieth,  I  went  to  seek  ^the  other  three  regiments."  On 
passing  from  the  pine  thicket  into  the  large  field  in  which  they  com- 
menced the  fight,  no  troops,  except  a  few  small  parties,  were  visible. 
After  some  enquiry,  I  was  told  by  a  man,  who  seemed  well  infoniied, 
that  the  regiments  h^^gone  down  on  the  right,  to  support  Stuart's 
cavalry  in  pursuit  of^k|^nemy.'.  I  galloped  in  that  direction  for 
about  a  mile  and  a  haJ^Ks  I  thought,  when  I  came  in  sight  of  the 
cavalry,  and  saw  that  i^^fantry  was  near  it.  I  then  returned;  and 
soon  after  reaching  the^^^  field,  I  observed  a  brigade  approaching, 
led  by  a  generqil.  To  hii^I  advanced,  and  found  him  to  be  General 
.  D.  11.  Jones,  accompanic'l  by  General  Drayton.  They  wore  biiDging 
General  Drayton's  brigade  into  action.  General  Jones  informed  me 
that  the  three  regiments  were  then  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  Toombs,  who  had  shortly  before  that  time  reached  the  field. 
I  also  learned  that  they  were  not  then  engaged  in  the  action,  and 
would  not  bo  again  ;  that  after  a  long  and  hot  fight,  with  heavy  loss 
to  the  seventeenth,  they  had  been  ordered  back  a  little,  to  baUreplaced 
by  fresh  troops.  I  concluded,  then,  that  instead  of  going  tofl^  seven- 
teenth, which  alone  was,  by  the  recent  arrival  of  General^oombs, 
left  me  to  command,  1  would  report  to  General  Kemper,  and  ask  him 
to  let  me  serve  him  as  an  ^id.     I  did  so,  and  he  kindly  accepted  my 


305 

offer,  and  1  remained  with  him  until  the  battle  was  over  and  he  left  the 
field. 

It  will  have  been  perceived  that  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  have 
any  personal  knowledge  of  the  part  taken  by  these  three  regiments 
in  the  action,  as  I  was  not  with  them.  I  learned,  however,  from  the 
best  sources,  that  their  conduct  was  excellent — in  a  high  degree  pro- 
motive of  the  general  happy  result  on  the  right,  and  in  the  highest 
degree  creditable  to  themselves.  The  loss  of  the  seventeenth  vi'as 
very  heavy,  it  being  one  hundred  and  one,  out  of  not  more  than  two 
hundred  carried  into  action.  Major  Pickett,  who  commanded  the 
regiment,  fell  late  in  the  fight,  desperately  wounded  by  a  ball  through 
the  breast.  Hardly  had  Captain  Jones^  the  next  in  rank,  assumed 
the  command  before  he  was  killed  by  a  ball  through  the  temple.  The 
second  regiment  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  and 
•  the  fifteenth  by  Colonel  Willican.  Both  of  these  gallant  oflicers  have 
since  been  killed  in  battle.  They  fell  at  Sharpsburg.  Major  Pick- 
ett's wound  has  kept  him  from  every  kind  of  duty.  The  consequence 
i6  that  we  have  now,  for  reports  of  the  conduct  of  these  three  regi- 
ments, to  depend  on  ofiicers,  none  of  whom,  except  Captain  French, 
was  in  command  during  the  action,  and  he  but  for  a  short  time,  near  its 
close.  It  is  to  be  expected,  therefore,  that  the  regimental  reports 
must  be  less  full  and  perfect  than  they  would  have  been  but  for  those 
casualties.  I  beg,  however,  to  invite  your  particular  attention  to 
them,  as  they  fill  a  vacuum  in  my  own  report.  They  are  the  reports 
of  Captain  Lewis,  for  the  second  Georgia  ;  that  of  Major  Shannon,  for 
the  fifteenth  Georgia,  and  that  of  Captain  French,  for  the  seventeenth 
Georgia.  It  only  remains  for  me  to  bring  to  your  notice  the  conduct 
of  the  second  company  of  Washington  Artillery,  commanded  by  that 
ever-ready  and  excellent  young  officer.  Captain  Richardson.  And  in 
respect  to  its  conduct  I  must  refer  you  wholly  to  the  report  of  Cap- 
tain Richardson  himself,  for  I  was,  during  the  whole  battle,  so  other- 
wise engaged  that  I  could  not  witness  its  acting.  That  action  was, 
however,  from  all  that  I  hear,  admirable. 

I  am,  Mnjor,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  L.  BENNING, 
Colonel  commanding  Toombs'  brigade. 


20 


• 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  E.  M.   L.VW  OF    SECOND    BATTLE 

OF  MANASSAS. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,  September  10,  1862. 

Oaptaia  W.  H.  Sellers, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General: 

Sir:  I  hnve  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  partici- 
pation of  the  brigade  under  my  command  in  the  action  of  Friday  and 
Saturday,  29th  and  3l)th  August: 

Leaving  Thoroughfare  Gap  at  sunrise,  on  the  29th,  the  brigade 
inarched  in  the  direction  of  Manassas  Junction.  At  Gainesville,  on 
the  Warrenton  turnpike,  the  line  of  march  changed  abruptly  to  the 
left,  along  the  turnpike,  in  the  direction  of  Centrcville.  On  arriving 
about  midway  between  Gainesville  and  the  stone  house,  which  is  sit- 
uated at  the  junction  of  the  turnpike  and  the  Sudley  ford  road,  I  was 
ordered  by  Brigadier  General  Hood,  commanding  the  division,  to  form 
the  brigade  in  line  of  battle  to  the  left  of  the  turnpike  and  almost  at 
right  angles  with  it,  the  right  resting  on  the  road  and  the  left  con- 
necting with  General  Jackson's  line.  The  Texas  brigade  had  been 
previously  formed  on  the  right  of  the  road,  its  left  joining  my  right. 
With  a  strong  line  of  riflemen  in  front,  which  drove  the  enemy's 
pkirraishers  as  it  advanced,  the  brigade  moved  forward,  accompanied 
by  Generals  Longstreet  and  Hood,  until  it  reached  a  commanding 
position  in  front  of  the  enemy,  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
from  Dogan's  house,  which  seemed  to  be  the  centre  of  his  position. 
At  this  point,  a  severe  artillery  fire  was  opened  by  the  enemy's  bat- 
teiies.  A  halt  was  ordered,  and  the  troops  remained Sn  position  until 
our  artillery  could  be  brought  forward.  Our  batteries  took  position 
on  a  ridge  to  my  left  and  rear,  and  opened  fire  with  marked  effect  upon 
the  enemy. 

The  fire  of  the  artillery  and  skirmishers  continued,  almost  without 
intermission,  until  near  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  heavv  musketry 
on  ray  left  announced  an  attack  of  the  enemy  on  general  Jackson's 
position  Soon  after  this  attack  commenced,  a  brigade  of  General 
Jackson's  command  moved  out  of  the  wqod  on  my  left,  drove  the 
enemy  from  his  position  on-  the  bridge,  to  the  left  of  the  hamlet  of 
Groveton,  and  captured  a  piece  of  artillery"  posted  there.  I  imme- 
diately moved  my  line  forward  as  far  as  Groveton,  whereit  was  halted 
on  a  line  with  the  troops  to  ray  left. 

At  about  six  o'clock,  a  Federal  battery,  supported  by  a  large  body 
of  infantry  and  some  cavalry,  was  advanced  along  the  turnpike  to 
■within  four  hundred  yards  of  our  position.  The  guns  had  scarcely 
unlimbercd,  when  I  v,  as  ordered  by  General  Hood  to  charge.  Moving 
rapidly  forward,  the  brigade  came  first  under  fire  of  the  battery,  thea 
in  range  of  the  enemy's  infantry.  Delivering  volley  after  volley,  my 
men  continued  a  rapid  and  uninterrupted  advance  upon  the  battery 
and  its  supports.     As  they  approached  the  guns,  three  of  them  were 


3U7 

• 

limbered  up  and  carried  off  at  a  run,  along  the  turnpike.  One 
remained,  and  continued  to  fire  until  my  men  were  so  near  it  as  to 
have  their  faces  burnt  by  its  discharges.  Without  faltering,  they 
pressed  forward  and  the  piece  was  taken.  At  this  point,  a  flanking  fire 
was  opened  upon  my  right  by  a  body  of  the  enemy,  which  was 
advancing  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  and  passing  to  my  right 
and  rear.  I  at  once  formed  a  portion  of  the  second  Mississippi  regi- 
ment along  the  road  and  at  right  angles  to  the  line  of  advance,  and 
returned  the  fire  with  effect,  the  enemy  breaking  and  retiring. 
The  second  Mississippi  now  pressed  forward  beyond  the  road,  and, 
together  with  the  Texas  brigade  on  the  right,  cleared  the  field  of  the 
enemy.  Meantime,  on  the  left,  my  other  regiments,  fourth  Alabama, 
eleventh  Mississippi  and  sixth  North  Carolina,  reinforced  by  the 
twentj-third  South  Carolina,  Avere  advancing  and  driving  the  enemy 
before  them.  The  advance  was  continued  until  darkness  prevented 
further  operations.  1  ordered  a  halt,  and  established  my  lino  across 
the  turnpike,  half  a  mile  from  the  position  whence  the  advance  began. 
A  charge  of  cavalry  on  the  road  and  an  infantry  attack  on  the 
extreme   left  were  made  after  dark.     Both  were  easily  repulsed. 

The  opposing  force  of  the  enemy,  as  I  learned  fr#n  captured  offi- 
cers, consisted  of  General  King's  division,  of  four  brigades,  and  a- 
battery  of  howitzers.  One  piece  was  captured  and  about  one  hundred* 
prisoners.  Among  the  prisoners  were  Captain  Judson,  assistant  ad- 
jutant general  to  General  Hatch,  and  C;iptain  Garish,  of  the  battery. 

During  the  night  of  the  2itth,  under  orders  from  General  Hood,  T 
resumed  the  position  to  the  roar  of  Groveton,  which  I  had  occupied? 
in  the  morning.  At  daylight  on  the  3iith,  the  enemy  advanced  a 
lieavy  line  of  skirmishers  towards  this' point.  These  were  met  by  my. 
riflemen  and  those  from  the  Texas  brigade,  and  sharp  skirmishing 
continued  until  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  main 
attack  of  the  enemy  began.  This  attack,  which  was  made  by  General. 
MorrelTs  Federal  division  on  General  Jackson's  right,  in  full  view  of 
roy  position,  was  no  sooner  repulsed  than  the  whole  line  was  ordered- 
forward,  and  my  brigade  advanced  to  Groveton,  in  support  of  a  bat- 
tery which  was  placed  at  that  point.  Here  it  remained  for  hnif  ani 
hour  or  more,  under  a  terrific  fire  of  artillery,  when  I  received  orders, 
from  General  Hood  to  move  acrosa  the  turnpike  to  the  left  of  the 
Texas  brigade.  On  reaching  an  eminence  a  few  hundred  yards  to. 
the  right  of  the  road,  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  field,  I  per- 
ceived large  numbers  of  our  troops  pressing  in  to  the  right,  towards 
the  Blackburn  ford  road.  Unable  to  distinguish  the  locality  of  the 
Texas  brigade,  and  seeing  that  the  enemy  was  pushing  a  heavy  forca- 
ir»to  the  ravine  and  pine  thickets  directly  in  front  of  me  and  just 
below  Dogan's  house,  apparently  for  the  purpose  of  securing  their 
formidable  battery  posted  there,  1  carried  forward  three  regiments  to« 
that  point.  Placing  the  sixth  North  Carolina  and  fourth  Alabama  in 
the  pines,  and  the  second  Mississippi  on  their  left  and  at^the  foot  of' 
the  hill  on  which  the  house  is  situated,  I  waited  a  short  time  for  the- 
eleventh  Mississippi,  which  had  been  directed  to  move  upon  the  bat- 
tery from  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  intending  to  attack  at  the  same 


308 

time,  from  the  tiglit,  -with  the  second  Mississippi.  While  in  thi? 
position,  the  enemy  advauced  on  the  right  of  the  house,  but  was 
repulsed  by  a  vrnll  directed  and  destructive  fire  from  the  sixth  North 
Carolina  aud  fourth  Alabama  The  eleventh  Mississippi  not  coming 
up,  I  united  the  sixth  North  Carolina  and  fourth  Alabama  with  the 
second  Mississippi,  and  moved  upon  the  battery,  which,  taking  time 
by  the  forelock,  escaped  when  the  infantry  was  beaten.  The  enemy's 
wounded  and  a  few  prisoners  were  left  in  our  hands.  I  continued 
the  advance  bejond  Dogim's  house,  driving  the  enemy  backward  until 
after  dark,  when,  by  General  Longstreet's  order,  I  halted  for  the  night. 
At  daylight  on  the  S!st  nothing  was  to  be  seen  of  the  enemy,  except 
evidences  of  a  precipitate  retreat, 

A  mistake  in  the  delivery  of  my  order  to  the  eleventli  Mississippi 
regiment,  to  advance  on  the  left  of  the  Warrenton  turnpike,  caused 
it  to  move  to  the  right,  near  Chinn's  house,  and,  by  this  means,  it  was 
detached  from  the  rest  of  my  command.  It  advanced  with  the  troops 
in  that  part  of  the  field,  fighting  gallantly  and  incurring  heavy  loss, 
and  at  night  rested  on  our  most  advanced  line.  Captain  lieilly's 
battery  was  detached  from  the  brigade,  and,  together  with  the  other 
batteries  of  the€[ivision,  was  placed  under  command  of  Major  Frobel, 
chief  of  artillery  of  the  division.  Following  closely  after  the  infantry, 
the  batteries  contributed  their  full  share  to  the  success  of  the  day. 

In  both  actions  the  conduct  of  the  troops  was  admirable.  On  the 
30th  their  manoeuvres,  under  severe  fire,  were  ch:iracterized  by  the 
promptness  and  precision  of  veterans — no  disorganization  or  confusioa 
occurring  while  in  action.  This  was  due,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the 
efficiency  of  my  field  and  staff  officers.  Colonel  Liddell,  of  the 
eleventh,  and  Colonel  Stone,  of  the  second  Mississippi,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  McLemore,  fourth  Alabama,  and  Major  Webb,  sixth  North 
Carolina,  commanding  regiments,  handled  their  men  with  consuraraate 
ability.  The  officers  of  my  personal  staff.  Lieutenants  Terrell  and 
Cussons,  rendered  the  most  valuable  service,  discharging  every  duty 
faithfully  and  gallantly.  Lieutenant  Cussons  was  captured  by  the 
enemy  while  on  a  reconnoissance  in  front  of  the  lines.  Privates 
Smith,  fourth  Alabama,  and  Sharpe,  Hampton  legion,  acting  as  offi- 
cers, also  contributed  valuable  assistance. 

The  following  is  a  recapitulation  of  the  loss  in  the  several  regiments 
composing  the  brigade,  as  shown  by  the  accompanying  lists  of  casual- 
ties: 

Fourth  Alabama, 
Eleventh  Mississippi, 
Sixth  North  Carolina, 
Second  Mississippi, 

56  264 

• 

I  am.  Captain,  yery  respectfully, 

E.  M.  LAW, 
Colonel  commanding  Third  JBrigade. 


Killed. 

Wounded, 

19 

44 

9 

69 

6 

64 

U 

87 

'--Mf 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  E.  M.  LAW  OF  BATTLE  OF  SIIARPS- 

BURG. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,  ) 
October  2,  1862.  \ 

Captain  W.  II.  Sellers, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  by  my  command  in 
the  engagements  at  Sharpsburg,  Maryland,  on  the  16th  and  17th  of 
September : 

When  the  army  arrived  at  the  heights,  on  the  south  side  of  An- 
tietam  river,  on  the  morning  of  the  15th,  I  was  ordered  to  take  position 
about  one  mile  from  Sharpsburg,  on  the  Ilagerstown  turnpike.  The 
right  of  my  brigade  rested  at  St.  Mumma's  church,  and  the  line  ex- 
tended along  the  turnpike,  in  the  edge  of  a  wood  wKich  bordered  it 
on  the  south-west.  Across  the  road  (on  the  northeast)  was  an  open 
field,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  width,  extending  along  the  whole  front  of 
the  line  and  beyond  it  about  six  hundred  yards.  This  open  space 
was  bounded  on  the  northeast  (to  my  front)  and  northwest  (to  my 
left)  by  -woods,  an  opening  being  at  the  north  corner. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  16th,  the  enemy's  skirmishers  advanced 
into  the  wood  in  front  of  my  position.  They  were  held  in  check  by 
ray  riflemen  and  the  Texas  skirmishers.  In  the  meantime,  I  was  or- 
dered by  General  Ilood,  commanding  the  division,  to  move  forward 
and  occupy  the  edge  of  the  wood  in  which  the  skirmishing  was  going 
on.  This  was  quickly  accomplished,  and  the  enemy  was  driven  at 
dark  to  the  further  side  of  the  .wood  towards  the  Antietam.  My 
brigade  was  relieved  during  the  night  and  moved,  with  the  rest  of 
General  Hood's  command,  to  tht  wood  in  rear  of  St.  Mumma's 
church. 

Soon  after  daylight,  on  the  17th,  the  attack  of  the  enemy  com- 
menced. The  battle  had  lasted  about  an  hour  and  a  half,  when  I  was 
ordered  to  move  forward  into  the  open  field  across  the  turnpike.  Oa 
reaching  the  road,  I  found  but  few  of  our  troops  on  the  field  and  these 
seemed  to  be  in  much  confusion,  but  still  opposing  the  advance  of  the 
enemy's  dense  masses  with  determination.  Throwing  the  brigade  at 
once  into  line  of  battle,  facing  northward,  I  gave  the  order  to  ad- 
vance. The  Texas  brigade.  Colonel  Woiford,  had,  in  the  meantime, 
come  into  line  on  my  left,  and  the  two  brigades  now  moved  forward 
together.  The  enemy,  who  had  by  this  time  advanced  halfway  across 
the  field  and  had  planted  a  heavy  battery  at  the  north  end  of  it,  be- 
gan to  give  way  before  us,  though  in  vastly  superior  force.  The  fifth 
Texas  regiment,  which  had  been  sent  over  to  my  right,  and  the  fourth 
Alabama,  pushed  into  the  wood  in  which  the  skirmishing  had  ta'ken 
place  the  evening  previous,  and  drove  the  enemy  through  and  beyond 
it.  The  other  regiments  of  my  command  continued  steadily  to  ad- 
vance in  the  open  ground,  driving  the  enemy,  in  confusion,  from  and 


310 

beyond  his  guns.  So  far  we  had  been  entirely  successful,  and  every- 
thing promised  a  decisive  victory.  It  is  true  that  strong  support  was 
needed  to  follow  up  our  success,  but  this  I  expected  every  moment. 
At  this  stage  of  the  battle,  a  powerful  Federal  force  (ten  times  our 
number)  of  fresh  troops  was  thrown  in  our  front.  Our  losses  up  to 
this  time  had  been  very  heavy;  the  troops  now  confronting  the 
enemy  were  insufficient  to  cover  properly  one-fourth  of  the  line  of 
battle;  our  ammunition  was  expended;  the  men  had  been  fighting* 
long  and  desperately,  and  were  exhausted  from  want  of  food  and  rest. 
Still  they  held  their  ground,  many  of  them  using  such  ammunition  as 
they  Oould  obtain  from  the  b)dies  of  our  own  and  the  enemy's  dead 
and  wounded.  It  was  evident  that  this  state  of  aftairs  could  not  long 
continue.  No  support  was  at  hand.  To  remain  stationary,  or  advance 
without  it,  would  have  caused  a  useless  butchery,  and  I  adopted  the 
only  alternative,  that  of  falling  back  to  the  wood  from  which  I  had  first 
advanced.  The  enensy  followed  very  slowly  and  cautiously.  Under 
direction  of  General  Hood,  I  reformed  my  brigade  in  the  rear  of  St. 
Mumma's  church,  and  together  with  the  Texas  brigade,  which  had 
also  retired,  again  confronted  the  enemy,  who  seemed  to  hesitate  to 
enter  the  wood.  During  this  delay,  reinforcements  arrived  and  the 
brigade  was  relieved  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  ammunition.  At 
one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  having  been  supplied  with  ammunition,  I  was 
again  ordered  to  the  field,  and  took  position  in  the  wood  near  the 
church.  Here  the  brigade  remained,  under  an  incessant  cannonade, 
until  near  night-fall,  when  it  was  moved  half  a  mile  nearer  the  town^ 
of  Sharpsburg,  where  it  lay  during  the  night  and  the  following  day. 

The  good  conduct  of  my  brigade  in  this  battle  has  not  been  sur- 
passed by  it  in  any  previous  engagement.  Weak  and  exhausted  us 
they  were,  and  fighting  against  fearful  odds,  the  troops  accomplished 
and  endured  all  that  w^s  within  the  limits  of  human  capacity.  Our 
loss,  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged,  was  extremely  heavy. 
The  officers  suffered  severely.  Colonel  Liddell,  the  gallant  and  be- 
loved commander  of  the  fourth  Mississippi  regiment,  fell  mortally 
wounded;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Butler,  of  the  same  regiment,  received 
a  painful  wound,  and  Major  Evans  was  killed.  Colonel  Stone,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Humphries  and  Major  Blair,  of  the  second  Mississippi, 
were  all  wounded,  while  leading  that  distinguished  regiment  in  the 
charge.  Major  Webb,  commanding  sixth  North  Carolina,  Captain 
Tate,  an  acting  field  officer  of  the  same,  and  Captain  Scruggs,  com- 
manding fourth  Alabama,  received  wounds  while  gallantly  discharging 
their  duty.  The  members  of  my  staff,  Lieutenant  Terrell,  A.  A.  G., 
Captain  Kirkman,  Lieutenant  Law,  of  the  Citadel  Academy,  and 
private  Smith,  fourth  Alabama,  as  usual,  performed  every  duty  bravely 
and  efficiently.  - 

I  enclose  list  of  casualties. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully, 

E.  M.  LAW, 
Colonel  commanding  brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  J.  WALKER,   COMMANDING  JEN- 
KINS' BRIGADE,  OF  BATTLE    OF  BOONSBORO'. 

Headquarters  Jenkins'  Brigade, 
Camp  near  Winchester,  Oct.  21,  1862. 

Colonel  Robert  Johnson  : 

Sm  :  The  division  of  General  D.  R.  Jones  having,  by  a  forced  march 
from  Hagerstown,  reached  Boonaboro',  Maryland,  near  South  Moun- 
tain, about  four  o'clock  on  Sunday  evening,  September  14th,  was  im- 
mediately thrown  forward  to  the  support  of  the  troopa  engaged  with 
the  enemy  on  the  mountain.  Passing  through  Boonsboro'  and  cross- 
ing a  branch,  this  brigade,  in  conjunction  with  General  Garnett's, 
marched  by  the  right  flank  to  a  church,  some  mile  and  a  half  to  the 
right  and  south  of  the  turnpike,  and  then  filed  off  to  the  left,  about 
one  mile,  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  About  the  time  we  reached 
that  position,  the  firing  having  pretty  well  ceased,  the  two  brigades 
about-faced,  marched  back  within  half  a  mile  of  the  turnpike  and 
filed  off  to  the  right,  and  formed  in*  line  of  battle  midway  up  the 
mountain,  with  General  Garnett's  brigade  on  my  left.  Having 
thrown  out  skirmishers  preparatory  to  an  advance,  I  was  ordered  by 
General  Jones  to  move  the  brigade  along  the  mountain  to  the  White 
House  hotel,  on  the  turnpike,  at  the  summit  of  the  pas3.  Upon  reach- 
ing the  hotel,  I  posted  the  brigade  a  little  in  advance  of  it  and  to  the 
left  of  the  turnpike.  Some  ten  minutes  afterwards,  by  order  of  Gen- 
eral Jones,  I  moved  the  brigade  further  up  the  mountain  and  obiquely 
to  the  right,  in  the  direction  of  Middleburg,  and  formed  it  into  line 
of  battle  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  where  a  fierce  fight  was  raging.  The 
first  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers.  Lieutenant  Colonel  D.  Liv- 
ingston ;  the  sixth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  J.  M.  Steadman,  and  the  fifth  regiment  South  Carolina  vol- 
unteers, Captain  T.  C.  Beckham  commanding,  were  advanced  some 
two  hundred  yards  to  the  front,  behind  a  stone  fence,  where  they  en- 
gaged in  a  desultory  fire  with  the  enemy  until  dark,  when  the  brig- 
ade was  withdrawn  to  the  hotel.  Ordered  by  General  Jones  to  cover 
the  withdrawal  o^the  troops  from  this  portion  of  the  field,  I  advanced 
the  second  rifle  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers  some  distance 
down  the  turnpike,  towards  Middleburg,  and  threw  out  a  heavy  force 
of  skirmishers.  This  position  was  held  by  the  brigade  until  about 
four  o'clock,  A.  M.,  loth  September,  when  it  was  relieved  by  thecav- 
alry  brigade  of  General  Fitzhugh  Lee,  and  rejoined  the  command  of 
General  Jones  at  Sharpsburg. 

Although  but  partially  engaged,  I  commend  the  conduct  of  the  offi- 
cers and  privates  of  the  brigade,  with  but  one  exception,  which  is  as 
mortifying  to  the  feelings  of  a  Carolinian,  as  it  is  unworthy  of 
the  fl«g  they  bear  and  the  cause  which  they  represent.  Lieu> 
tenant  Colonel  Livingston,  of  the  first  regiment  South^Carolina  vol- 
unteers, reports  that  company  A  did  not  enter  the  fight,  shamefully 


312 

deserting   the   regiment   while   marching   through   the   gap.     Why 
charges  have  not  been  preferred  against  oflBcers  and  privates  for  cow- 
ardice, has  not  been  explained. 
In  this  action  the  los3  of  the  brigade  was  as  follows : 

Regiments. 
Palmetto  Sharpshooters, 
First  regiment  S.  Carolina  volunteers, 
Second  regiment  rifles  S.  Carolina  vols, 
Fourth  battalion, 

Fifth  regiment  S.  Carolina  volunteers, 
Sixth         "  "  '* 

Total,  3  29 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOSEPH  WALKER, 
Colonel  commanding  Jenkins'  Brigade. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

0 

2 

1 

15 

,     0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

6 

2 

5 

REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALKER,  COMMANDING  JENKINS' 
BRIGADE,  OF  BATTLE  OF  SHARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Jenkins'  Brigade,      ) 
Camp  near   Winchester^   Virginia,  October  24,   1862.  ) 

Colonel  Robert  Johnson  : 

Sir  :  By  a  rapid  march  from  Boonsboro',  this  brigade  reached 
vSharpsburg,  Maryland,  about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M,,  on  the  15th  of 
September,  and  took  position,  in  line  of  battle,  on  an  eminence  in 
front  of  the  town  and  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike.  Bj  order  cf 
General  Jones,  it  moved,  late  in  the  evening,  across  a  ravine,  to  the 
right,  with  Kemper's  Garnett's  and  Drayton's  brigades,  where  it  re- 
mained, under  a  heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell,  until  three  o'clock  in 
the  evening  of  the  17th,  when  it  moved  back,  by  order  of  General 
Jones,  and  occupied  its  first  position,  in  support  of  Captain  Moody's 
battery  and  a  company  of  the  Washington  artillery.  Captain  Squiers, 
both  from  Louisiana.  Here  the  brigade  endured  a  terrific  fire  of  shot 
and  shell  for  some  half  hour,  when,  the  ammunition  of  the  artillery 
having  been  exhausted,  it  advanced  some  four  hundred  yards  to  an 
apple  orchard,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  small  arms.  Per- 
ceiving the  enemy  in  force  in  several  positions,  from  any  of  which 
we  wore  assailable,  I  threw  out  the  first,  fifth  and  sixth  regiments  of 
South  Carolina  volunteers  to  oppose  him  on  the  lef-t,  and  the  Pal- 
metto sharpshooters  and  the  second  regiment  rifles,  South  Carolina 
volunteers,  to  meet  him  in  th.e  centre  and  on  the  right.  From  this 
position  we  continued  to  pour  a  destructive  fire  into  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy,  at  short  range,  until  he  recoiled  and  retreated  out  of  sight 
among  the  timber  on  Antietara  creek. 

At  this  juncture,  perceiving  that  the  enemy  had  advanced  three 
iieavy  columns  some  four  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  brigade  and 
to  the  right,  across  a  ravine  leading  up  from  the  creek,  and  was 
steadily  driving  back  the  brigades  of  Generals  Kemper  and  Drayton, 
I  moved  this  brigade  into  line  parallel  with  the  turnpike  and  ravine, 
and  near  to  the  latter,  .and  opened  a  destructive  enfilade  fire  upon  the 
enemy,  which  assisted  materially  in  driving  back  his  columns. 

Changing  the  front  of  the  brigade  again  towards  Antietam  creek, 
and  at  right  angles  to  the  turnpike  and  ravine,  I  threw  forward  a  line 
of  skirmishers  to  a  fence,  near  to  the  timber  on  the  creek,  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night.  This  position  the  brigade,  alone  and  un- 
supported, hold  during  the  18th,  burying  the  dead  and  caring  for  the 
wounded — the  skirmishers,  in  the  meanwhile,  keeping  up  a  brisk  fire 
upon  the  enemy.  Just  after  dark  on  the  18th,  I  received  orders  from 
General  D.  R.  Jones  to  cover  the  retreat  of  his  division.  Strength- 
ening my  lino  of  pickets  and  extending  it  further  to  the  right  and 
left,  1  held  the  position  until  nearly  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the 
19th  of  September,  when  1  was  relieved  by  the  cavalry  brigade  of 
General  Fitzhugh  Lee,  and  withdrew  the  brigade  across  the  Potomac, 


illed. 

Wounded 

^8 

57 

4 

36 

4 

17 

6 

27 

4 

47 

di4 

efTecting  the  passage  a  little  after  sunrise,  in  perfect  safety.  The  loss 
of  the  brigade  in  killed  and  wounded  was  hcavj^  in  view  of  the  num- 
ber carried  into  action,  and  was  as  follows : 

Palmetto  Sharpphooters,         -  -  - 

First  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers. 

Second  regiment  rifles,  S.  Carolina  vols., 

Fifth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers, 

Sixth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers, 

Fourth  bdttalion  South  Carolina  volunteers,    -       .  . 

Total, 2G  18i 

In  this  action  Captains  Lee  and  Harbin,  of  the  Palmetto  Sharp- 
shooters, were  killed.  •  They  were  brave  and  promising  officers. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Livingston,  of  the  first  regiment;  Captain  Can- 
try,  commanding  sixth  regiment ;  Lieutenant  McFadden,  of  the 
sixth;  and  Lieutenant  W.  N.  Majors  and  Lieutenant  IL  H,  Thomson, 
of  the  Palmetto  Sharpshooters,  were  seriously  wounded.  I  commend 
to  your  favorable  notice  Captains  Squiers  and  Moody,  who  handled 
their  guns  with  a  skill,  daring  and  endurance  seldom  equalled  and 
never  surpassed.  The  officers  and  men  of  the  several  regiments  are 
vorthy  of  the  highest  praise  for  their  coolness  and  daring  in  battle, 
and  their  patient  endurance  of  hunger  and  fatigue.  I  regret,  how- 
ever, to  be  called  again  to  refer  to  the  conduct  of  a  large  portion  of 
the  officers  and  privates  of  the  first  regiment  South  Carolina  volun- 
teers, in  this  battle,  in  terms  of  censure.  The  commanding  officer 
reports  that  the  regiment  entered  the  fight  with  one  hundred  and  six 
men,  rank  and  file,  lost  forty  men  killed  and  wounded,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  day  but  fifteen  enlisted  men  and  one  commissioned  officer 
answered  to  their  names.  Such  officers  are  a  disgrace  to  the  service 
and  unworthy  to  wear  a  sword,  for  I  must  believe  that  their  desertion 
of  their  companies  alone  induced  such  conduct  upon  the  part  of  thei'r 
privates.  If  such  conduct  is  not  checked  by  exemplary  punishment, 
the  efficiency  of  the  regiment  will  be  destroyed. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOSEPH  WALKER, 
Colonel  commanding  Jenkins^  Brigade.. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL   G.  T.  ANDERSON,   COMMANDING 

BRIGADE. 


Headq'rs  Anderson's  Brigade,  D.  R.  Jones'  Division,  ) 

September  SOth,   1862.  \ 

Major  A.  Coward,  A.  A.  General : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  a  report  of  the  actions  of  my 
brigade  in  the  afl'aira  at  Rappahannock,  23d  August,  Thoroughfare 
Gap,  August  23th;  Manassas,  August  3;)th  ;  Turner's  Gap,  Maryland, 
September  Nth,  and  Sharpsburg,  September  17th,  1862,  with  the  list 
of  casualties  in  each  engagement : 

On  the  morning  of  August  23d,  I  was  ordered  to  support  Brigadier 
General  Evans,  on  the  right  of  our  line,  our  batteries  at  that  time  en- 
gaging the  enemy,  who  had  planted  a  battery  on  the  hill,  near  the 
railroad  bridge  across  the  Rappahannock  river.  I  moved  ray 
command  forward  promptly,  and  reported  to  General  Evans.  He  first 
ordered  me  to  advance  one  regiment,  in  conjunction  with  one  of  his, 
to  storm  the  hill  occupied  by  the  enemy's  battery.  Before  the  order 
was  executed,  he  ordered  me  to  advance  my  whole  brigade  in  line  of 
battle  to  the  west  of  a  Avooded  slope,  in  front  and  to  the  right  of 
this  hill.  On  reaching  this  position,  he  ordered  me  to  continue  to 
advance,  through  the  open  field,  towards  the  hill  referred  to.  The 
enemy,  in  the  meantime,  had  withdrawn  their  battery  and  crossed  the 
river.  On  reaching  the  open  field,  I  saw,  in  rear  of  this  hill,  about 
one  hundred  of  the  enemy,  moving  by  their  left  flank,  and  supposed 
I  would  have  the  pleasure  of  an  open  field  fight,  but  this  small  party 
was  all  of  the  enemy  I  saw  on  our  side  of  the  river,  and,  long  before 
we  were  in  range  of  them,  they  disappeared,  and  in  a  few  momenta 
me  railroad  bridge  was  blown  up  and  set  on  fire.  Continuing  to  ad- 
vance across  the  open  field  for  nearly  half  a  mile  under  the  fire  of 
four  batteries,  I 'placed  my  brigade  in  line  on  the  field,  my  left  regi- 
ment (the  eighth  Georgia,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Towers,  commanding) 
and  the  Ilolcombe  legion,  of  Evans'  brigade,  occupying  the  hill  where 
the  battery  of  the  enemy  had  been  posted.  Wo  remained  in  this  po- 
sition, my  right  extending  across  the  open  field,  for  at  least  five  hours, 
under  heavy  fire  of  shell,  grape  and  canister  ;  the  officers  and  men 
behaving  in  the  most  gallant  manner.  My  own  horse  was  killed  near 
to  the  position  the  enemy  had  occupied  on  the  hill.  Continuing  our 
inarch,  we  reached  Thoroughfare  Gap  August  2Sth.  My  brigade  was 
in  front.  I  ordered  Colonel  Beck,  with  his  regiment,  (ninth  Georgia.) 
in  advance,  and  to  send  forward  two  companies  as  skirmishers.  Mov- 
ing in  this  order,  the  brigade  was  halted,  by  order  of  General  Long- 
street,  some  half  mile  from  the  gap,  and  Colonel  Beck  ordered  to  pro- 
ceed through  fte  gap  on  a  reconnoissance.  Proceeding  cautiously, 
he  drove  a  mounted  picket  before  him,  killing  three  of  them,  and 
cleared  the  pass,  moving  some  quarter  of  a  mile  beyond,  and  held  his 
position  until  attacked  and  driven  back  by  a  whole  brigade  and  a  bat- 


316 

tery.  The  brigade  was  ordered  forward,  and,  moving  rapidly  to  the 
front,  I  found  Colonel  Beck  falling  back  very  slowly  before  the  large 
force  of  the  enemy,  and  caused  hira  to  form  his  regiment  on  the  right 
of  the  railroad,  and  formed  the  other  regiments  on  the  left  as  fast  as 
they  came  up,  in  the- following  order:  The  first  Georgia  regulars, 
Major  Walker  commanding ;  eighth  Georgia,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Towers  ;  seventh  Georgia,  Colonel  Wilson,  and  eleventh  Georgia, 
Lieut.  Colonel  Luffraan.  Having  thus  formed  my  line  and  advanced 
my  skirmishers  to  the  front,  I  ordered  the  line  to  advance,  which 
was  done  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  the  men  climbing  the  rough 
mountain  sides  on  their  hands  and  knees,  to  reach  the  enemy  occu- 
pying the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  delivering  a  murderous  fire  in  their 
faces  as  they  made  the  perilous  ascent.  From  the  nature  of  the 
ground,  and  the  impenetrable  thickets  of  laurel  and  brush,  none  of 
the  regiments  except  the  first  Georgia,  obtained  a  favorable  position  ; 
but  the  regulars  succeeded  in  getting  a  good  position,  and  inflicted  a 
very  severe  chastisement  on  the  superior  force  of  the  enemy.  Cap- 
tain Patten  brought  down  five  with  his  pistol,  killing  three  of  them. 
The  regulars,  in  this  affair,  officers  and  men,  behaved  with  distin- 
guished gallantry,  as  they  have  on  every  occasion  in  which  they  have 
met  the  enemy,  and  I  only  regret  that  our  army  is  not  composed  of 
just  such  men. 

On  the  29th  of  August,  w0  bivouacked  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Ma- 
nassas battle-ground,  but  were  not  engaged  during  that  day. 

On  the  3()th,  I  was  ordered  to  advance  in  line  of  battle,  near  the  Chinn 
house,  and  moving  in  this  direction.  Lieutenant  C.  C.  Ilardwick,  A. 
A.  A.  General,  a  noble  and  gallant  officer,  was  severely  wounded  in  the 
thigh,  and  compelled  to  leave  the  field.  In  a  few  moments  my  horse 
was  shot  under  me,  leaving  me  on  foot  and  without  an  aid.  Arriving 
in  front  of  the  Chinn  house  and  perpendicular  to  it,  I  found  that  I 
must  change  my  front,  which  I  did,  making  the  left  the  pivot,  and  then 
continued  my  advance,  by  order  of  Brigadier  General  Jones,  com- 
manding division.  I  soon  marched  to  the  position  to  which  I  was  or- 
dered, to  the  right  of  Colonel  Benning,  commanding  Toombs'  brig- 
ade. The  men  were  now  in  front  of  the  enemy  and  under  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery  ;  but  with  all  the  coolness  of  veterans  they  went  to 
work,  and  soon  drove  the  biigade  in  front  of  them,  from  the  field.  A 
fresh  brigade  was  soon  brought  up,  and  the  fight  resumed  with  all  its 
intensity;  but  the  men  and  officers  stood  to  their  posts  under  the  most 
murderous  fire  I  ever  witnessed,  with  the  resolve  to  fall  rather  than 
yield.  My  right  flank  being  exposed,  the  enemy  succeeded  so  far  in 
turning  it,  as  to  enfilade  that  portion  of  my  line,  when  I  drew  back  my 
right,  so  that  I  could  keep  my  front  to  the  enemy.  Fresh  troops  com- 
ing up,  soon  after  the  enemy  were  again  and  finally  driven  from  the 
field,  when,  with  the  remnant  of  my  brigade,  I  moved  back  a  short 
distance  to  the  rear  to  rest  the  men,  and  finally  bivouacked  for  the 
night  in  front  of  Chinn's.  For  the  desperation  of  theiights  and  the 
fierce  tenacity  with  which  my  men  held  the  ground,  let  the  list  of 
casualties  testify,  I  can  bear  testimony  to  the  good  conduct  and  gal- 
lantry of  the  whole  brigade,  without  exception.     Seven  out  of  eight 


Bit 

of  the  field  officers,  and  over  fifty  company  officers  being  killed  an«l 
wounded.  Among  the  mortally  wounded  wag  Colonel  W.  T.  Wilson, 
seventh  Georgia,  who  so  gallantly  led  the  charge  at  dam  No.  1,  near 
Yorktown,  the  ICth  of  April  last.  Always  at  the  post  of  duty  and 
danger,  he  fell  with  his  face  to  the  foe,  gallantly  cheering  his  men  to 
the  onset.  liieuttnant  Hardwick,  A.  A.  A.  General,  had  only  joined 
the  command  the  day  before,  from  sick  leave,  and  was  wounded  before 
the  command  was  engaged. 

In  the  engagement  at  Turner's  Gap,  near  Boonsboro',  Maryland, 
my  brigade,  in  conjunction  with- General  Drayton's,  was  ordered  for- 
ward to  report  to  Major  General  D.  H.  Hill.  I, found  General  Hill 
at  the  Mountain  Huuse,  and  he  conducted  us,  in  person,  to  the  right 
of  our  line,  and,  after  giving  the  necessary  orders,  left  for  other  parts 
of  the  field.  Brigadier  General  Ripley,  the  next  senior  officer,  was 
then  left  in  command  of  the  four  brigades,  viz:  Brigadier  General 
G.  B.  Anderson's,  his  own,  my  brigade,  and  General  Dra}' ton's,  in 
line  from  right  to  left,  as  enumerated.  Before  Drayton  had  formed 
his  line,  General  Ripley,  ordered  the  whole  Ijne  to  move  by  the  right 
flank,  and  about  this  time,  the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  fire  on  Drayton. 
I  had,  by  moving  to  the  right,  under  General  Ripley's  order,  become 
separated  at  least  three  hundred  yards  from  General  Drayton's  right, 
when  General  R.  came  by  and  ordered  me  to  move  by  the  left  flank 
into  the  wood,  which  I  did,  my  skirmishers,  (the  right  wing  of  the 
Georgia  regulars.  Captain  Wayne  commanding,)  not  having  the  com- 
mand to  change  direction,  had  continued  moving  by  the  flank  and  un- 
covered my  front.  Having  moved  some  distance  over  the  mountain's- 
slde,  I  halted  and  sent  forward  to  find  Captain  Wayne,  but  could  not, 
for  the  reasons  above  given,  and  finding  that  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
was  more  to  ray  left  than  front,  T  changed  front,  forward  on  the  left, 
and  had  the  left  wing  of  the  Georgia  regulars,  under  direction  of 
Colonel  Mngill,  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  as  I  was  in  the  act  of 
advancing  to  find  the  enemy.  Lieutenant  Shellman,  a<ljataiit  eighth 
Georgia  regiment,  reported  the  enemy  as  having  turned  Drayton's 
right  flank,  and,  being  on  our  left  and  rear,  a  few  of  them  were  taken 
prisoners  and  several  of  Drayton's  men,  who  had  been  captured,  re- 
leased. 

To  prevent  the  enemy  from  cutting  ofl"  my  small  brigade,  being  at 
the  time  alone,  (General  Ripley's  brigade,  on  my  right,  being  several 
hundred  yards  away,  as  I  found  by  sending  Captaii\  Montgomery, 
first  Georgia  regulars,  to  report  for  orders,  who  reported  him  at  least 
one-fourth  of  a  mile  from  my  right,  after  a  long  search,)  I  ordered 
my  brigade  to  move  by  the  left  flank  and  recross  the  road  in  our 
original  rear,  and  there  reformed  my  line  of  battle  and  was  advancing 
to  find  the  right  of  Drayton's  brigade,  when  Captain  Twiggs  and 
Lieutenant  Lamar,  first  Georgia  regulars,  in  charge  of  skirmishers, 
called  my  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  enemy  were  crossing  the  road 
in  considerable  force  on  my  left  flank.  Seeing  this  myself,  and  to 
prevent  my  left  from  being  turned,.  1  moved  by  the  left,  diagonally  to 
the  rear,  to  intercept  them,  and  at  this  time  found  General  Hood's 
two  brigades  coming  up  to  support  that  part  of  the  line.     He  engaged 


318 

the  enemy  and  drove  him  back.  Not  knowing  where  to  find  General 
Kipley  or  General  Drayton,  I  reported  to  General  Hood  for  instruc- 
tions, and  was  requested  by  him  to  hold  my  position,  to  protect  his 
left  flank,  and  remained  there  until  drawn  off  the  field  after  night. 
In  consequence  of  being  separated  from  Drayton's  right,  by  the  order 
of  General  Ripley,  and  having^to  recross  the  road  to  avoid  being  sur- 
rounded, my  men  were  not  engaged  in  the  fight,  except  the  first  line 
of  skirmishers,  under  Captain  Wayne.  For  casualties  see  accompa- 
nying lists.  Falling  back  from  this  place,  I  was  ordered  to  report  to 
Brigadier  General  Hood,  commanding  the  rear  guard,  and  remained 
with  him  until  our  ^rival  at  Sharpsburg.  I  was  ordered  into  position 
in  rear  of  the  Washington  artillery,  and  remained  there,  except  about 
three  hours,  being  moved  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  for  that 
length  of  time,  until  the  morning  of  the  17th.  About  half-past  seven 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  17th,  I  was  ordered  to  the  left  to  support  Gen- 
eral Hood,  without  a  guide  or  direction  how  to  find  him.  I  moved  off 
und  directed  my  course  by  the  sound  of  the  musketry,  and  succeeded 
in  finding  General  Hood  who  pointed  out  the  position  he  wished  me 
to  occupy.  I  remained  in  this  position  but  a  few  moments;  other 
troops  he  moved  in  front  of  me,  and  I  moved  by  the  left  flank,  some 
two  hundred  yards,  and  engaged  the  enemy,  and  drove  them  for  about 
half  a  mile,  my  men  and  officers  behaving  in  the  most  gallant  man- 
ner. By  this  time  the  enemy  had  disappeared  from  before  us,  and, 
while  I  was  at  a  different  part  of  the  line,  some  mounted  officer,  un- 
known, reported  the  enemy  turning  our  right  flank  and  ordered  the 
men  to  fall  back,  and  some  confusion  was  created,  but  I  soon  reformed 
the  line  and  moved  to  the  right,  near  the  first  position  I  had  held. 
F-rom  this  point  I  was  ordered  to  the  Hagerstown  road  hy  a  staff  offi- 
cer of  General  Longstreet,  and  moved  to  that  place,  taking  position 
behind  the  stone  fence,  a  large  number  of  the  enemy  being  in  front 
of  us  in  a  corn-field.  In  a  short  time  the  enemy  opened  an  enfilade 
tire  on  my  position  with  long-range  artillery,  and  I  was  forced  to 
change,  moving  down  the  road  tawards  Sharpsburg,  ujider  the  crest 
of  the  hill.  At  this  point  I  founnd  a  six-pounder  gun,  and,  getting 
ft  few  men  to  assist  in  placing  ic  in  position,  a  lieutenant  of  infantry, 
whose  name  or  regiment  I  do  not  know,  served  it  most  beautifully, 
until  the  ammunition  was  exhausted.  Parts  of  several  brigades  by 
this  time  had  been  collected  at  this  point,  and,  by  direction  of  General 
D.  H.  Hill,  wg-e  formed  in  line  peipendicularly  to  and  on  the  ri^ht 
of  the  road,  near  the  position  occupied  by  IJodes'  brigade  early  in 
the  morning.  This  was  about  two  or  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  Placing 
me  in  command,  General  Hill  ordered  me  to  occupy  the  crest  of  the 
hill  to  my  right  and  rear.  I  moved  to  the  position  and  sent  forward 
skirmishers,  but  failed  to  find  the  enemy.  The  enemy  opening  a 
cross  fire  of  artillery  from  the  left  on  us,  1  moved  back  to  the  other 
position,  which  was  approved  by  General  Hill,  who,  riding  forward 
to  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  our  front,  called  my  attention  to  a  line  of 
the  enemy  advancing,  apparently,  to  attack  us.  Suffering  them  to 
come  near  us,  I  ordered  my  command  to  charge  them,  which  they  did 
in  splendid  style  and  good  order,  killing  and  wouading  many  of  the 


819 

<»nemy,  taking  several  prisoners,  and  routing  the  remainder.  Wo 
could  not  pursue  them  as  far  as  I  wished,  because  of  the  severe  fire 
of  artillery  directed  against  us  from  long-range  guns,  which  we  could 
not  reach.  In  this  charge  parts  of  Wilcox's,  Featherston's  and 
l*ryor's  brigades  participated  with  mine,  and,  I  am  proud  to  say  all, 
officers  and  men,  behaved  admirably. 

The  eleventh  Georgia  regiment,  Major  Little  commanding,  had 
been  detached  at  Hagerstown,  on  the  1 4th,  by  order  of  Brigadier 
General  D.  R.  Jones,  commanding  division,  and  did  not  join  me  until 
the  18th.  Major  Little,  with  five  companies,  reached  Sharpsburg  on 
the  morning  of  the  17th,  and  participated  in  the  fight  on  our  right, 
under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Toombs.  General  D.  R. 
Jones  speaks  in  high  terms  of  their  good  conduct,  I  forward  Major 
Little's  report,  leaving  it  to  the  officers  under  whose  command  he 
fought  to  do  him  and  his  men  justice. 

The  battery  attached  to  my  brii»ade,  the  Wise  artillery,  Captain  J. 
S.  Brown  commanding,  was  not  with  me,  nor  have  I  received  any  re- 
port from  it.  Captain  Brown  was  severely  wounded  by  a  musket  ball 
passing  entirely  through  4iis  foot. 

1  can  but  say  that,  in  each  of  these  engagements,  all  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  brigade,  with  a  few  exceptions,  have  behaved  in  the 
most  gallant  manner,  nearly  the  whole  of  each  action  being  con- 
ducted under  my  own  eye.  I  know  of  no  particular  case  of  indi- 
vidual bravery,  and  can  make  no  discrimination  where*  all  have  done 
so  well,  it  appearing  to  be  the  determination  of  every  one  to  do  hia 
whole  duty,  aa  the  list  of  casualties  accompanying  this  report  will 
testify,  showing  a  los^  of  eight  hundred  and  ninety-four  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  out  of  about  two  thousand  two  hundred,  with 
which  I  reached  Gordonsville. 

1  must  express  ray  many  obligations  to  Lieutenant  H.  L.  D. 
McDaniel,  eleventh  Georgia  regiment,  acting  assistant  adjutant  gen- 
eral during  the  Fickness  of  Lieutenant  Hardwick,  for  his  universal 
good  conduct  and  gallantry.  IIo  was  relieved  by  Lieutenant  Hard- 
wick on  the  28th  of  August,  Lieutenant  McDaniel  having  been 
appointed  assistant  quartermaster  to  his  regiment. 

Lieutenant  Hardwirk  being  wounded  on  the  3l)th  August,  at  Chinn's 
bouse,  Lieutenant  BLickwell,  eighth  Georgia  regiment,  has  filled  the 
position  of  acting  assistant  adjutant  general  very  much  to  my  satis- 
faction, and  I  have  found  him  at  all  times  prompt  and  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties. 

I  am  also  under  many  obligations  to  Captain  Thomas  G.  Jackson, 
volunteer  aid  and  acting  ordnance  officer  of  the  brigade,  for  his  good 
conduct  and  ability  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  ;  and  also  to  Cap- 
tain Frederick  West,  volunteer  aid,  who  has  been  with  me  since 
the  affair  at  Thorougufare  Gap,  and  has  nobly  and  faithfully  dono 
hia  duty. 

Many  thanks  are  due  to  Captain  Holliday,  assistant  quartermaster 
of  the  seventh  Georgia  regiment,  for  invaluable  services,  ren- 
dered on  the  banks  of  the  Bappahannock,  in  the  capacity  of 
Tolaoteer  aid. 


320 

I  must  also  express  my  obligations  to  Lieutenant  Tennible,  ninth 
Georgia  regiment,  who  aided  me,  and  bore  himself  gallantly  under 
the  murderous  fire  at  Manassas,  after  Lieutenant  Hardwick,  acting 
assistant  adjutant  general,  was  wounded. 

I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEORGE  T.  ANDERSON, 
Colonel  Eliventk  Georgia  Volunteers,  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER   GENERAL  TOOMBS. 

Washington,  Georgia,  October  25,  1862. 

Brigadier  General  D.  R.  Jones  : 

General  :  The  day  that  the  army,  commanded  by  General  Lee,  left 
Leesburg  and  marched  towards  Maryland,  you  notified  me  that  I  was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  a  division  composed  of  my  own  brigade, 
General  Drayton's  and  Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson's  brigades.  Whea 
Mil  jor  General  Longstreet's  command  arrived  within  four  or  five  milea 
of  Hagerstown,  I  was  ordered  to  send  forward  one  of  my  brigades  to 
that  point,  take  possession  of  Hagerstown  and  to  hold  it  until  further 
orders.  I  asked  permission  to  accompany  this  brigade,  which  wa9 
granted  by  Major  General  Longstreet.  I  took  with  me,  for  the  exe- 
cution of  this  order,  my  own  brigade,  then  under  the  command^! 
Colonel  Benning,  of  the  seventeenth  Georgia  volunteers,  leaving 
Brigadier  General  Drayton's  and  Colonel  Anderson's  brigades  with 
the  main  body  of  the  army. 

On    Saturday  night,  the   13th   September,  while  in  command   si 
Hagerstown,  1  received  orders  to  hold  my  command  in  readiness  to 
march  at  daylight  next  morning.     I  received  no  further  orders  until 
about  ten  o'clock,  on  Sunday  night,  the   14th  September;  I  then  re- 
ceived orders  to  march  immediately  to  Sharpsburg,  which  I  did,  audi 
reached  there  before  daylight  Monday  morning.     On  that  day,  I  re-> 
ceived  orders  from  you  to  detail  two  regiments  from  ray  own  brigade, 
the  only  one  then  with  me,  and  to  order  them  to  Williamsport,  for  thd 
protection  of  the  waggon  train,  which  left  me  with  but  two  regiments 
only,  and  one  of  those  (the  second  Georgia)  was  very  small,  having 
less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty  muskets  present  for  duty.     With 
these  two  regiments  I  was  ordered  by  you  to  occupy  the  most  eligible 
position  I  could  find  on  the  Antietam  river,  near  the  bridge  on  the 
road  to  Harper's  Ferry,  in  order  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  crossing 
the  river.    From  this  position  I  was  ordered  to  fall  back  when  it  should 
become  necessary,  by  my  right  flank,  and  to  hold   a  hill  about  four 
hundred  yards  belcw  the  bridge  and  immediately  on  the  river,  as  long 
as  it  might  be  practicable,  and  then  to  fall  back  and  take  position  om 
your  right  in  line  of  battle,  with  four  other  brigades  of  your  com- 
mand, about  six  or  eight  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  bridge.     With 
these  orders,  I  took  possession  of  the  ground  indicated  in  your  orders, 
on  Monday,  the  15th  of  September,  with  the  twentieth  Georgia  vol- 
unteers, commanded  by  Colonel  John  B.  Cumming,  and  the  second 
Georgia  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes, 
(about  four  hundred  muskets  strong,)  and  both  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Colonel  Henry  L.  Benning,  commanding  the  brigade — at 
this  time  no  notice  having  been  given  me  of  what  disposition  was  in- 
tended to  be  made  of  the  rest  of  the  division,  which  had  been  assigned  , 
to  me.     I  subsequently  underatood  from  you  that  Anderson's  brigade 
21 


322 

bad  been  attached  to  Brigadier  General  Hood's  command,  and  Briga- 
dier General  Drayton's  brigade  was  retained  by  you  in  your  line  of 
battle  on  the  heights  in  niy  rear,  except  one  regiment  ( the  fiftieth 
Georgia  volunteers,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kearse,)  hereafter  referred  to. 
The  Autietam  river  rune  comparatively  straight  from  a  point  about 
one  hundred  paces  above  the  bridge  to  a  point  about  three  hundred 
paces  below  the  bridge,  and  then  curves  suddenly  around  a  hill  to  a 
fcrd  on  a  neighborhood  road,  about  six  hundred  yards  to  my  right  and 
rear.  The  road  from  Sharpsburg  to  Harper's  Ferry  from  the  foot  of 
the  bridge  over  the  Antiotam  turns  suddenly  down  the  river  and  runs 
nearly  upon  its  margin  for  about  three  hundred  paces,  then  leaves  the 
river  nearly  at  right  angles.  Upon  examining  the  positiDn,  I  found 
a  narrow  wood  upon  the  margin  of  the  river,  just  above  the  bridge, 
(an  important  and  comroanding  position,)  occupied  by  a  company  of 
Texans,  from  Brigadier  General  Hood's  command.  I  then  ordered  the 
tTrentieth  to  take  position,  with  its  left  near  the  foot  of  the  bridge  on 
the  Sharpsburg  side,  extending  down  the  river  near  its  margin,  and 
the  second  Georgia,  on  its  right,  prolonging  the  line  down  to  the  point 
lylllire  the  road  on  the  other  side  from  the  mountain  approached  the 
river.  This  required  a  more  open  order  than  was  de-sirable  on  account 
of  the  smallness  of  the  regiments,  both  together  numbering  but  a  little 
over  four  hundred  muskets. 

On  Tuesday,  you  placed  under  my  command  the  fiftieth  Georgia^ 
(Lieutenant  Colonel  Kearse,)  numbering,  I  should  suppose,  scarcely  . 
one  hundred  muskets.  1  ordered  this  regiment  on  the  right  of  the 
Becond  Georgia,  extending  it  in  open  order,  so  as  to  guard  a  blind  plan- 
tation road  leading  to  a  ford  between  the  lower  ford  before  referred  to 
»nd  the  right  of  the  second  Georgia  volunteers. 

On  Tuesday  evening  I  received  notice  of  the  withdrawal  of  the 
company  belonging  to  Brigadier  General  Hood's  brigade  from  the 
rcsition  on  Colonel  Cummings'  left,  above  the  bridge,  and  was  com- 
pelled to  detail  a  company  from  the  twentieth  to  take  its  place. 

On  Wednesday  morning  I  ordered  a  company  from  General  Jenkins' 
brigade,  whom  you  had  placed  under  my  command,  to  relieve  this 
company  from  the  twentieth,  and  occupy  its  position,  that  it  might 
resume  its  position  below  the  bridge.  This  order  was  not  obeyed, 
sad  subsequently  I  placed  the  captain  and  one  half  of  this  company 
bstween  the  second  Georgia  and  fiftieth  Georgia,  and  the  other  half 
isnder  a  lieutenant  near  the  lower  ford,  to  prevent  or  retard  the  passage 
of  the  enemy  at  this  point.  This  command  held  its  position  with 
fidelity  and  firmness  until  withdraAvn  by  my  order.  This  position  was 
iaaportant  and  had  been  guarded  by  a  cavalry  regiment  with  an  in- 
fantry brigade  in  its  rear,  up  to  Tuesday  evening,  when  both  were 
removed  to  another  position  on  the  field  of  battle  and  left  the  crossing 
unprotected  except  by  the  small  force  I  was  thus  enabled  to  place 
tliere.  Finding  that  the  battery  belonging  to  my  brigade  (Captain 
Eichardson)  was  placed  too  far  in  my  rear  to  render  me  efficient  ser- 
vice in  defending  the  passage  at  the  bridge,  I  applied  to  General 
Longatreet  for  another  battery.  He  ordered  Captain  Eubank's  to  re- 
)p^rt  to  me,  who  was  placed  ia  my  rear  about  half  way  between  the 


323 

river  and  Captain  Richardson's  battery,  and  rendered  cflBci.ent  service 
a.3  long  as  he  remained  in  th;it  position. 

The  enemy  opened  on  my  position  with  his  artillery,  on  Tuesday 
evening,  and  continued  it  until  dark.  The  damage  was  but  slight. 
My  own  skirmishers  and  the  company  from  General  Hood's  brigade 
crossed  the  river,  and  were  actively  engaged  with  the  enemy's  skirm- 
ishers the  most  of  this  day. 

On  Tuesday  night  the  enemy  advanced  his  artillery  and  infantry 
much  nearer  my  position,  and  on  Wednesday  morning  threw  forward 
hid  skirmishers  and  light  infantry,  in  greatly  increased  numbers,  and 
bef)re  eight  o'clock,  drove  in  my  pickets  and  advanced  with  heavy 
columns  to  the  attack,of  my  position  on  the  bridge.  This  position 
was  not  strong,  the  ground  descended  gently  to  the  margin  of  the 
river  covered  with  a  narrow  strip  of  woods,  affording  slight  protection 
to  the  troops  ;  its  chief  strength  lay  in  the  fact  that,  from  the  nature 
of  the  ground  on  the  other  side,  the  enemy  were  compelled  to  approach 
mainly  by  the  road  which  led  up  the  river  for  near  three  hundred 
paces,  parallel  with  my  line  of  battle,  and  di.stant  therefrom  from-fifty 
to  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  thus  exposing  his  iiank  to  a  destructive 
tire  the  most  of  that  distance.  At  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  tho 
enemy  made  his  first  attempt  to  carry  the  bridge  by  a  rapid  assault^ 
and  was  repulsed  with  great  slaughter,  and,  at  irregular  iatervah,  up 
to  about  one  o'clock,  made  four  other  attempts  of  the  sair,e  kind,  all 
of  which  were  gallantly  met  and  successfully  repulsed  by  the  twentieth 
and  second  Georgia. 

The  fiftieth  Georgia  and  the  half  company  from  General  Jenkins- 
brigade,  before  referred  to,  were  on  the  right  of  the  second'Georgia^ 
lather  below  the  main  point  of  attack,  and  rendered  little  or  no  ser- 
vice in  this  fierce  and  bloody  struggle.  After  these  repeated  and 
disastrous  repulsce,  the  enemy.despair.irgof  wresting  the  bridge  from. 
the  grasp  of  its  heroic  defenders,  and  .thus  forcing  his  passage  across 
the  river  at  this  point,  turned  his  attention  to  the  fords  before  referred 
to,  and  commenced  moving  fresh  troops  in  that  direction  by  his  left 
flank.  The  old  road,  by  the  upper  (jf  the  two  fords  referred  to,  led 
over  a  hill  on  my  right  and^in  my  rear,  which  completely  commanded 
ray  position,  and  all  iogress  and  egress  to  and  from  it,  below  the 
bridge.  My  communications  with  the  rear,  above  the  bridge,  were 
beset  with  other,  but  scarcely  less  difficulties.  This  approach  could 
have  been  very  successfully  defended  by  a  comparatively  small  force, 
and  it  was  for  this  purpose  ttiat  I  so  often  and  urgently  asked  the  aid 
of  a  regiment  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  not  having  another  man  availa- 
ble for  that  purpose.  Wot  being  able  to  get  any  reinforcements  for 
the  defense  of  these  two  fords,  and  seeing  that  the  enemy  was  moving 
upon  thetn  to  cross,  thus  enabling  him  to  attack  my  small  force  ia 
front,  right  flank  and  rear,  and  m^'  two  regiments  having  been  con- 
stantly engaged,  from  early  iu  the  morning  up  to  one  o'clock,  with  & 
vastly  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  aided  by  three  heavy  batteries^ 
the  commaading  oificer,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  ot  the  second,, 
having  been  killed  in  the  action,  and  the  only  remaining  field  o  i  cefp 
Major  Harris,  being  painfully  wounded,  and  fully  one  half  of  thiv 


S24 

regiment  being  killed  or  wounded,  and  the  twentieth  having  also  suf- 
fered severely  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  ammunition  of  both 
regiments  being  nearly  exhausted,  and  Eubank's  battery  having  been 
withdrawn  to  the  rear  nearly  two  hours  before,  I  deemed  it  my  duty, 
in  pursuance  of  your  original  order,  to  withdraw  my  command  and 
place  it  in  the  position  designated  by  you,  opposite  the  two  lower 
fords,  somt!  half  mile  to  the  right  and  front  of  your  line  of  battle. 
In  pursuance  of  this  order,  Colonel  Benning,  who  had  commanded  the 
remnant  of  the  brigade  during  the  action  with  distinguished  gallantry 
and  skill,  withdrew  these  gallant  regiments  to  their  new  position,  ready 
again  to  confront  and  battle  with  the  enemy.  The  fiftieth  Georgia  and 
the  company  from  General  Jenkins'  brigade  were  at  the  same  time 
ordered  to  the  same  position,  and  were  led  back  by  their  respective  officers. 
This  change  of  position  was  made  to  my  entire  satisfaction,  and  with 
but  small  loss  in  the  face  of  greatly  superior  numbers.  Before  these 
troops  had  reached  their  new  position,  the  fifteenth  Georgia  volunteers, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Milligan,  the  seventeenth,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  McGregor,  of  my  brigade.  Major  Little,  with 
five  companies  of  the  eleventh  Georgia,  (Colonel  Anderson's  brigade,) 
all  of  whom  had  leen  detached  several  days  before  to  guard  ammuni- 
tion and  other  trains,  arrived  on  the  field,  and  were  also  placed  in  the 
new  position  before  designated.  The  twentieth  and  second  were  then 
ordered  to  the  ammunition  train  to  replenish  their  cartridge-boxes. 
Though  the  bridge  and  upper  ford  were  thus  left  open  to  the  enemy, 
he  moved  with  such  extreme  caution  and  slowness  that  he  lc»8t  nearly 
two  hours  in  crossing  and  getting  into  action  on  our  side  of  the  river; 
about  which  time  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division  arrived  from  Harper's 
Ferry.  I  then  received  your  order  that  as  soon  as  General  Gregg, 
(of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division,)  arrived  and  relieved  me,  to  move 
my  command  and  take  position  immediately  on  your  right  on  th"& 
heights  then  occupied  by  the  rest  of  your  command.  Before  I  was 
relieved  by  General  Gregg,  I  received  from  you  another  order  to 
move  up  my  command  immediately  to  meet  the  enemy,  who  had 
already  commenced  his  attack  upon  your  position.  I  immediately 
put  my  command  in  motion,  then  consisting  of  the  fifteenth  and  sev- 
enteenth Georgia,  (lessened  by  one  company  from  each  sent  out  as 
Bkirmishers,)  Major  Little's  battalion  of  the  eleventh,  a  small  number 
of  Kearse's  regiment,  and  on  the  way  I  found  Colonel  Cumming  and 
a  part  of  the  twentieth,  who  had  returned  from  supplying  themselves 
with  ammunition,  and  joined  me,  and  hastened,  with  all  speed,  to  your 
position.  On  my  arrival,  I  found  the  enemy  in  possession  of  the 
ground  I  was  ordered  by  you  to  occupy  on  your  right.  He  had 
driven  off  our  troops,  captured  Mcintosh's  battery  (attached  to  Gen- 
eral Drayton's  brigade)  and  held  possession  of  all  the  ground  from 
the  corn-field  on  your  right,  down  to  the  Antietam  bridge  road,  in- 
cluding the  eastern  suburbs  of  the  town  of  Sharpsburg.  All  the 
troops  defending  it  having  been  driven  back,  and  retired  to  the  rear  or 
through  the  town.  Under  this  state  of  facts,  I  had  instantly  to  deter- 
mine either  to  retreat  or  fight.  A  retreat  would  have  left  the  town  of 
Sharpsburg  and  General  Longstreet'a  rear  open  to  the  enemy,  and 


•  325  ' 

•was  inadmissible.  I,  therefore,  with  less  than  one  fifth  of  the  enemy's 
numbers,  determined  to  give  him  battle,  and  immediately  and  rapidly 
formed  my  line  of  battle  in  the  road,  within  one  hundred  paces  of  the 
enemy's  lines.  While  forming  in  the  road,  Captain  Troupe,  my  aid, 
on  my  extreme  left,  rallied  a  portion  of  General  Kemper's  brigade 
■who  were  retiring  from  the  field,  attached  it  to  my  line  of  battle,  and 
led  them  into  action  with  conspicuous  gallantry  and  skill. 

As  soon  as  possible,  I  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy's  columns,  who 
immediately  advanced  in  good  order  upon  me,  until  he  approached 
within  sixty  or  eighty  paces,  when  the  effectiveness  of  the  fire  threw 
his  columns  in  cousiderable  disorder,  upon  perceiving  which  I  im- 
mediately ordered  a  charge,  which  being  brilliantly  and  energetically 
executed  by  ray  whole  line,  the  enemy  broke  in  confusion  and  fled. 
Mcintosh's  battery  was  recaptured,  and  our  position  retaken,  within 
less  than  thirty  minutes  after  the  commencement  of  this  attack  upon 
him.  The  enemy  fled  in  confusion  towards  the  river  and  bridge, 
making  two  or  three  efforts  to  rally,  which  were  soon  defeated  by  the 
vigorous  chargesof  our  troops,  aided  by  Captain  Richardson's  battery, 
which  I  ordered  up  immediately  upon  the  recovery  of  the  heights,  and 
which,  with  its  accustomed  promptness  and  courage,  was  rapidly 
placed  in  position  and  action.  The  enemy,  to  cover  his  retreating 
columns,  brought  over  the  bridge  a  battery,  and  placed  it  in  position. 
I  ordered  Richardson's  battery  to  open  upon  it,  and  at  the  same  time 
ordered  the  fifteenth  and  twentieth  Georgia  forward,  who  pursued  the 
enemy  bo  close  to  his  guns  as  to  bring  them  within  range  of  musketry, 
which  compelled  his  battery,  after  a  few  shots,  to  join  his  flying 
infantry,  and  retreat  across  the  bridge.  I  desired  to  pursue  the 
enemy  across  the  river,  but  being  deficient  in  artillery  to  meet  his 
heavy  batteries  on  the  other  side,  I  sent  my  aid,  Captain  Troup,  to 
General  Lee,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  myself,  who  ordered  Cap- 
tain Squiers  to  report  to  me  immediately,  which  he  was  unable  to  do, 
(from  not  receiving  the  order  in  time,)  until  nearly  night,  when  it 
was  too  late  to  risk  the  movement.  Therefore,  I  ordered  him  to  hold 
himself  in  readiness  for  the  movement  in  the  morning,  if  the  action 
should  be  renewed.  I  then  determined  to  move  my  troops  upon  and 
occupy  the  position  held  by  me  on  the  river  at  the  beginning  of  the 
action  ;  but  before  the  execution  of  this  purpose,  I  received  your  order 
to  change  my  position,  and  to  occupy  the  heights  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  road  leading  to  the  bridge  from  Sharpsburg,  on  the  left  of  your 
command,  whirh  order  Avas  immediately  executed,  and  the  troops 
bivoumked  for  the  night, 

I  am  happy  to  report  that  our  loss  in  this  last  attack  was  unex- 
pectedly small.  Such  was  the  heroic  vigor  and  rapidity  of  the  assault 
upon  the  enemy  he  was  panic  stricken,  and  his  fire  was  will  and 
comparatively  harmless.  Having  been  compelled  to  leave  ray  com- 
mand before  official  returns  could  bo  brought  in,  I  am  unable  to  state 
it  accurately.  Colonel  Benning  has  doubtless,  before  this  time, 
furnished  you  with  them.  Among  the  casualties  of  the  day  I  had  ta 
deplore  tlie  loss  of  two  commanders  of  regiments.  Colonel  Milligan, 
of  the  fifteenth  Georgia,  who  greatly  distinguished  himself  both  at 


'  326- 

Manassas  and  in  this  action  for  personal  gallantry  and  efficiency  as  a 
soldier  and  field  officer,  fell  while  gallantly  leading  his  regiment  in 
the  final  charge,  (and  nearly  its  close,)  which  swept  the  enemy  from 
this  part  of  the  field  of  battle.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holmes,  who  com- 
manded the  second  Georgia  volunteers,  fell  near  the  close  of  his 
heroic  defence  of  the  pasisage  of  the  Antietam  ;  and  it  is  due  to  him 
to  say  that,  in  my  judgment,  he  has  not  left  in  the  armies  of  the  Re- 
public a  truer  or  braver  soldier,  and  I  have  never  known  a  cooler, 
more  efficient,  or  more  skillful  field  officer.  The  conduct  of  the 
officers  and  men  generally,  under  my  command  in  the  battle  of 
Sharpsburg,  was  so  strongly  marked  with  the  noble  virtues  of  the 
patriot  soldier,  that  a  narration  of  this  day's  deeds  performed  by  them, 
however  simple  and  unadorned,  if  truthful,  would  seem  like  the*lau- 
guage  of  extravagant  and  unmerited  eulogy.  The  reports  of  the 
regimental  commanders  will  bring  to  your  attention  the  meritorious 
conduct  of  officers  and  men,  which  it  might  not  have  been  my  good  for- 
tune to  witness  ;  and  as  I  have  not  the  benefit  of  their  reports  before  me, 
I  shall  have  to  content  myself  with  bringing  to  your  attention  the  most 
conspicuous  cases  of  individual  merit  which  fell  under  my  personal 
observation.  Every  opportunity  for  conspicuous  gallantry  and  valua- 
ble services  which  presented  itself  seemed  to  be  eagerly  embraced  by 
those  whose  good  fortune  it  was  to  fall  in  with  it.  Cok^nel  Bcnning 
stood  by  his  brigade  on  the  Antietam,  guiding,  directing  and  anima- 
ting his  officers  and  men,  with  distinguished  coolness,  courage  and 
skill;  withdrew  them  from  that  perilous  condition  ;  again  led  them, 
"with  equal  skill  and  courage,  in  the  final  conflict  with  the  enemy. 
He  deserves  the  special  consideration  of  the  Government.  Colonel 
Cumming,  with  marked  gallantr}"- and  skill,  led  his  regiment  through- 
out the  day,  and  after  the  long  and  bloody  conflict  at  the  bridge, 
brought  up  one  of  its  fra-gments  to  the  last  charge,  and  was  among 
the  foremost  in  it.  Major  Harris,  of  the  second,  after  the  fall  of 
Colonel  Holmes,  though  sufi'ering  from  a  painful  wound,  stood  firmly 
and  gallantly  by  his  cummand  during  the  whole  day.  Colonel  Ben- 
ning  being  in  •  command  of  the  brigade,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Hodges  and  Major  Pickett  both  being  absent  from  severe  wounds 
♦received  by  them  in  former  battles,  Captain  McGregor  led  the  seven- 
teenth regiment  with  ability,  courage  and  skill.  Major  Little  led  his 
battalion  cf  the  eleventh  Georgia  with  a  dashing  courage  and  success 
"which  won  the  admiration  of  his  comrades.  The  offif^ers  and  men  of 
his  battalion  deserve  especial  mention  for  their  gallantry  and  good 
conduct.  Captain  Richardeon  and  his  officers  and  men,  of  the  com- 
pany of  the  Washington  Artillery  attached  to  my  own  brigade,  wera 
•conspicuous  throughout  the  day  for  courage  and  good  conduct. 
Captain  Richardson  clung  to  the  infantry  amid  every  danger,  and, 
'being  nobly  seconded  on  every  occasion  by  his  officers  and  men, 
largely  contributed  to  every  success.  During  the  whole  connectiom 
of  ih]A  battery  with  my  command,  its  officers  and  men  have  so  con- 
ducted themselves  everywhere — on  the  march,  in  the  camp  and  on  tho 
battle-field — as  to  meet  and  receive  my  special  approbation.  The 
duties  of  my  staff,  from  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  operations  of  my 


327 

command,  and  its  distance  from  the  main  body,  were  peculiarly  ardo-^ 
€us  and  dangerous;  and  I  am  much  indebted  to  them  for  their  extra- 
ordinary efforts  on  that  occasion.  Every  difficulty  was  met  by 
increased  energy  and  exertion,  and  every  increased  danger  with  a 
higher  courage  and  devotion  to  duty.  During  the  combat  on  the 
river,  they  were  all  constantly  engaged  in  arduous  and  dangerous 
duties.  In  the  final  conflict,  Captain  Troup  was  on  the  left  of  my 
line,  Captain  DuBose  on  my  right.  Cadet  Lamar  accompanied  me 
personally,  and  Captain  Hill,  of  the  first  Georgia  regulars,  (assigned 
to  me  for  special  duty.)  and  Lieutenant  Grant,  were  actively  executing 
my  orders  in  carr^-ing  orders  and  bringing  up  troops.  It  happened 
to  my  aid,  Captain  J,  il.  Troup,  on  three  occasions  during  the  day, 
while  in  the  performance  of  his  ordinary  duties,  to  pass  troops  which 
had  broken  and  left  their  positions,  on  all  of  which  occasions  he  ral- 
lied them  with  great  skill  and  energy,  succeeded  on  one  occasion  in 
leading  them  back  into  position,  and  on  another  inspired  them  with 
his  own  courage  and  enthusiasm,  and  lec^  them  successfully  in  the 
charge  on  the  enemy's  columns.  Captain  Troup's  conduct  through- 
out the  day  was  conspicuous  for  ability  and  courage,  and  is  entitled 
to  marked  and  special  approbation.  Tb'3  conduct  of  one  of  my 
couriers,  Mr.  Thomas  Paschal,  of  Cobb's  legion,  deserves  special 
mention  for  his  courage  and  fidelity  to  dufy,  under  circumstances  ct* 
peculiar  difficulties  and  danger. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

R.  TOOMBS. 


KEPORT    OF  BRIGADIER    GENERAL  GARNETT  OF  BAT- 
TLE  OF  BOONSBORO'. 

Camp  near  Culpeper  Court-House, 
November  6th,  1862. 

Major  A.  Coward, 

A.  A.  G.  to  Brigadier  General  D.  R.  Jones  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  tho 
•part  taken  by  Pickett's  brigade,  of  General  D.  R.  Jones'  division,  which 
I  commanded,  in  the  battle  of  Boonsboro : 

This  command,  consisting  of  the  eighth,  eighteenth,  nineteenth, 
twenty-eighth  and  fifty-sixth  regiments  of  Virginia  volunteers,  com- 
nanned  respectively  by  Colonel  Ilunton,  Major  Cabell,  Col.  Strange, 
Captain  Wingfield  and  Colonel  Stuart,  left  the  neighborhood  of  Ha- 
gerstown,  Maryland,  on  the  morning  of  the  1 4th  September  last,  and 
reached,  Boonsboro',  on  the  Hagerstown  and  Frederick  turnpike,  in 
the  afternoon,  after  a  hot,  dusty  and  fatiguing  march  of  some  eighteen 
Eniles. 

A  short  distance  beyond  the  village,  Kemper's,  Pickett's  and  Jen- 
kins' brigades  (the  latter  commanded  by  Colonel^  Walker,)  in  the  or- 
der named,  were  moved  in  a  southerly   direction,  on  a  road  running 
perpendicular   to    the    pike.     Having   proceeded    over  a  mile,  these 
troops  were  directed  on  another  route,  parallel  to  the  turnpike  leading 
towards  a  gap  in  the  South  Mountain,  further  south  than  that  through 
which  the   Hagerstown   and    Frederick  road  run.     After  marching 
Kcarly  half  a  mile,  Kemper  filed  to  tho  left  and  again  moved  in  the 
direction  of  the  pike.     At  this   time  I  received  an  order,  by  Major 
Mayo,  of  General  Jones'  staff,  to  bring  my  troops  to  an  about-face, 
and  to  return  the  way  I  came,  until  I  reached  a  path  which  I  must 
take.     He  was  unable  to  give  mo  any  information  respecting  the  path 
in  question,  but  said  he  would  go  forward  and  try  to  obtain  some.    I 
did  not,  however,  see  him  again.     I  followed  Jenkins'  brigade,  which 
was  now  in  front,  some  distance,  but  hearing  musketry  open  on  the 
csountain,  I  took  what  I  supposed  to  be  a  near  cut  in  the  direction 
where   I   presumed  I  was  wanted.     This   took  me   over  rough   and 
ploughed  ground  up  the  mountain  side  ;  I  at  length  found  an  old  and 
broken  road  along  which  General  Kemper  must  have  moved.     Here 
E  met  Captain  Hugh  Rose,  of  General  Jones'  staif,  who  had  orders 
for  me  to  return  to  the  turnpike.     When  I  got  back  to  this  road,  my 
troops  were  almost  exhausted ;  I  consequently  lost  the  services  of  a 
Dumber  of  men  by  straggling.     After  a  short  rest  I  proceeded  up  the 
mountain,  and  having  gained  the  summit  on  the  main  road,  I  was  sent 
*  by  a  narrow  lane,  bearing  to  the  left,  to  a  higher  position.     A  portion 
of  this  route  was  commanded  by  several  pieces  of  the  enemy's  artil- 
lery, which  opened  upon  my  column,  marching  by  the  flank,  as  soon 
as  it  came  in  sight,  which  they  were  enabled  to  do  with  considerable 
accuracy,  as  they  had  previously  been  practising   on   other  troops 
which  had  preceded   mine.     Several   casualties   occurred  from   this 


329 

cause  whilst  I  was  approaching  and  forming  my  line  of  battl<»,  which 
I  did  by  filing  my  command  to  the  right  through  an  open  field.  My 
right  rested  in  a  thick  woods,  which  descended  quite  abruptly  in  front, 
and  my  left  in  a  field  of  standing  corn.  As  soon  as  my  troops  were 
formed,  I  sent  forward  a  line  of  skirmishers  to  ascertain  the  position- 
of  the  enemy.  When  these  dispositions  had  been  completed,  which 
W3S  only  a  short  time  before  sunset,  I  received  an  order  from  Gene- 
ral Jones  to  detach  my  left  regiment  to  Kemper's  right,  (he  being  on 
my  left,)  and  to  withdraw  the  rest  of  the  brigade  to  a  wooded  ridge  a 
little  to  the  left  and  rear.  The  first  part  of  this  order  had  scarcely 
been  executed,  when  the  Federal  skirmishers  made  their  appearance, 
immediately  followed  by  their  main  body,  so  that  the  action  at  onco 
became  general.  The  brigade  sustained,  for  some  time,  a  fierce  at- 
tack of,  doubtless,  many  times  their  numbers.  It  has  been  i?ubse- 
quently  ascertained  that  General  McClcllan's  army,  consisting  of  at 
least  eighty  thousand  men,  assailed  ouh  position,  only  defended  by 
General  D.  H.  Hill's  division,  and  a  part  of  General  Longstreet's 
corps.  The  left  was  the  first  to  fiall  back,. and  finally  the  right  was 
forced  to  retreat,  being  without  support.  Many  renewed  the  contest 
•ji  little  further  to  the  rear,  and  stoutly  disputed  the  approach  of  the 
enemy  ;  but  it  had  now  become  so  dark  it  was  impossible  to  distin- 
guish objectii,  except  at  a  short  distance'.  About  this  time,  two  regi- 
ments of  Jenkins'  brigade  came  up,  and  the  probable  position  of  tho 
enemy  being  pointed  out,  they  advanced  to  the  attack  with  great  gal- 
bntry.  Just  as  these  troops  moved  forward,  I  Avas  ordered  to  bring 
oft"  my  brigade,  which  I  did.  It  is  due  to  the  brigade  to  say,  that  it 
went  into  the  battle  of  Boonsboro'  under  many  serious  disadvantages. 
It  had  marched  (a  portion  of  the  time  rapidly)  between  twenty-two 
3iud  twenty-three  miles,  before  it  went  into  action  ;  much  oppressed 
by  heat  and  dust,  reached  its  position  a  short  time  before  sunset,  un- 
der a  disheartening  fire  of  artillery,  and  was  attacked  by  a  much  su- 
perior force  as  soon  as  it  was  formed  in  line  of  battle.  That  it  bravely 
discharged  its  duty,  is  fully  attested  by  the  number  of  casualties 
which  occurred  during  the  engagement.  I  had  been  placed  in  com- 
mand of  the  brigade  only  a  few  days  before  the  battle  of  Boonsboro', 
and  therefore  was  personally  acquainted  with  only  a  few  of  the  ofii- 
cers,  save  the  regimental  commanders,  I  cannot,  therefore;  mention 
names,  but  can  only  say,  I  saw  several  ip  connection  with  them,  both 
by  word  and  example,  encouraging  and  cheering  on  their  men 
in  the  hottest  of  the  fight.  For  further  information  on  this  sub- 
ject you  are  referred  to  the  sub-reports  herewith  enclosed. 

Colonel  Stuart,  as  I  formerly  mentioned,  was  detached,  with  his 
regiment,  (the  fifty-sixth  Virginia,)  before  the  action  commenced  ; 
his  accompanying  official  report  will  show  the  part  taken  by  his  com- 
mand. Lieutenant  Mclntyre,  eighth  Virginia  volunteers,  A.  A.  A. 
G.  ;  Lieutenant  Elliott  Johnston  and  Lieutenant  A.  C.  Sorrell,  first 
Georgia  regulars,  acting  A.  D.  C,  composed  my  staff.  It  ia  with 
much  pleasure  that  I  acknowledge  the  zeal,  intelligence  and  bravery 
with  which  they  discharged  their  duties  pending  the  battle. 

We  have  to  mouru,  in  this  action,  many  of  our  companions  as 


sso 

killed  an<l  wounded,  who  go  to  swell  the  list  of  noble  martyrs,  v?ho 
have  suffered  in  our  just  cause.  It  was  my  lot  to  be  acquainted  ■with 
but  one  of  the  officers  who  fell  on  this  occasion,  Colonel  John  Y*. 
Strange,  nineteenth  Virginia  volunteers.  His  tried  valor  on  other 
.fields,  n'.id  heroic  conduct  in  animating  his  men  to  advance  upon  the 
enemy  v.  ith  his  latest  breath,  and  after  he  had  fallen,  mortally  wounded, 
will  secure  imperishable  honor  for  his  name  and  memory. 

I  herewith  furnish  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  have  the 
honor  to  state  that,  the  delay  and  imperfection  of  my  report  with  re- 
gard to  details  have  been  occasioned  by  my  being  relieved  from  the 
commands  of  Pickett's  brigade  before  the  reports  of  regimental  com- 
manders could  be  made  out,  and,  although  I  applied  for  them  some  weeks 
since,  1  received  eeyeral  of  them  only  yesterday. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  B.  GARNETT, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL   GARI^ETT  OF    BAT- 

Camp  near  Cui.peper  Court  IIoUi^E,  Va.,  ) 
Noveniber  7,  1862.      S 

Major  A.  Coward,  ^         ,  ^    t>     t        . 

A.  A.  G.  to  Brigadier  General  D.  R.  Jones. 

Major-     I  have  the  honor  to  forward   the  following  report  of  the 
battle  of  Sharpsburg   as  far  as  participated  in  by  my  command,  lick - 

^"Earh^tn  die  forenoon  of  the  17th  September,  1S62,  these  troop., 
composed  of  the  eighth,   eighteenth,   nineteenth     tw^^ty-cighth   anu 
fifty-sixth  Virginia  volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hanton    Major 
Cabell,  Lieutenant   Wm.   N.    Wood,  Captain  Wingfield  and    Captain 
McPhail,  were  ordered  to  the  southeastern  side  of  the  village  to  sup- 
port several  batteries  of  the  Washington   artillery,   coiumanding  the 
easterly  and  southerly  approaches  to  the  town.     As  far  as  practicable, 
the  command  was  sheltered  in  a  hollow    in  the   rear  ot  the   artiiiery. 
For  some  four  or  five  hours  it  was  subjected  to  an   almost  uninter- 
rupted fire  of  solid  shot,  shell  and  spherical  case,  by  which  a  number 
of  men  were  kitled  and  wounded,  which  casualties  were  borne  by  the 
troops  with  remarkable  firmness  and  steadiness.     I  was  subsequently 
ordered  forward,   on   the  brow  of  the  hill,  to  dislodge  the  enemy  s 
skirmishers,  who  befran  to  annoy  our  artillery  to  the  eastwaVd.     Here 
we  were    more    exposed   to  the    Federal  artillery  than  in  our  former 
position,  and  suffered    considerably.       At   length,    tor  some    cause 
unknown  to  me,  a  large  portion  of  the  pieces  were  withdrawn   and  i 
moved  my  command  further  back  to  a  more  secure  place.       saving 
been    here  a    short  time,  I  was  informed   that  a   portion  of  Colonel 
Stephen  D.  Lee's  battalion  had  taken   the   place  of  the  Washing  on 
artillery,  and  wished  some  skirmishers  to  protect  his  pieces  trom  tlie 
sharpshooters  of  the  enemy.       1  sent  forward  the  fifty-sixth  regiment, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  McPhail,  for  this  purpose.     I^ot  Ion- 
after  I  learned  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  Antietam    a  stream 
in  our  front,  in  very  large  force,  and   was   moving   tovvard  the  point 
occupied  by  the  artillery.      1  again  moved  forward  my  force  and  took 
up  a  position  in   front  of  two   pieces  of  Colonel   Lee's  battalion  in  a 
corn-field,  with  space  enough  between  the  wings  for  them  to  be  used 
with  effect.     The  fifty-sixth  regiment,  which  was  in  front  was  recalled 
and  rejoined  the  left  wing  of  the  main  body.       Soon  a  large  number 
of  the  enemy's  skirmishers  were  seen  to   our  left,  as  it  to  tiank  us , 
there  were  none  of  our  forces  in  sight  in  that  direction.     A  brisk  fare 
from  the  left  checked  and  finally  caused  them  to  retire,     ^ow  a  large 
force  made  its  appearance,  marching  to  the  front   having  debouched 
from  the  wooods  on  the  banks  of  the    Antietam,  which  had   partially 
concealed  them,  at  the  same  time  heavy  bodies  were  observed  moving 
to  attack  our  troops  on  the  right,  composed  of  Drayton  a  and  a  por- 


332 

tion  of  Kemper's  brigade  ;  I  moved  ray  command  some  distance  to  the 
front  in  the  standing  corn,  (as  many  ot"  my  guns  were  short  range,) 
m  order  that  they  could  produce  more  effect,  and  opened  fire.  At 
this  time  I  do  not  think  my  effective  force  could  have  exceeded  two 
hundred  men,  yet  these,  with  two  rilled  pieces,  most  gallantly  and 
skillfully  served,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Moody,  and  superin- 
tended by  Colonel  Lee,  checked  and  held  at  bay  a  force  of  the  enemy 
many  times  our  number.  When  this  unequal  contest  had  lasted  over 
an  hour,  I  discovered  tliat  the  Federals  had  turned  our  extreme  right, 
which  be^ran  to  give  way;  and  a  number  of  the  Yankee  fliigs  appeared 
on  the  hill  in  rear  of  the  town  and  not  far  from  .our  only  avenue  of 
escape.  I  ordered  the  brigade  to  fall  back,  deeming  it  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  surrounded  and  captured,  as  it  would  have  been  im- 
possible for  it  to  have  held  its  position  without  the  support  of  the 
troops  on  the  right.  There  being  some  delay  in  withdrawing  Moody's 
section  of  artillery,  I  take  pleasure  in  saying  I  saw  Major  Cabell  halt 
and  face  bis  men  about  to  await  its  removal,  as  mentioned  in  his  offi- 
cial report.  The  main  street  of  the  town  was  commanded  by  the 
Federal  artillery,  my  troops  passed,  therefore,  for  the  most  part,  to 
the  north  of  the  town,  along  ths  cross  streets.  la  this  direction  I 
found  troops  scattered  in  squads  from  various  parts  of  the  army,  so 
that  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  men  of  the  different  commands. 
Having  reached  the  rear  of  the  town,  and  learning  that  General  Toombs 
ha?l  reinforced  our  right  just  after  it  was  driven  back,  and  restored 
the  fortunes  of  the  day  in  that  quarter,  I  gathered  as  many  men  as  I 
could  get  to  follow  me  from  among  the  dispersed  forces,  (which  did 
not  amount  to  a  large  number,  as  many  said  they  were  looking  for 
proper  commands,)  and,  accompanied  by  Captain  William  Berkley,  of 
the  eighth  Virginia  regiment,  and  Lieutenants  Mclntire  and  Sorrel, 
of  my  staff,  I  joined  General  Drayton's  command  south  of  the  vil- 
lage. I  found,  on  my  arrival,  that  the  enemy  had  been  successfully 
repulsed,  only  a  few  skirmishers  remaining  in  sight,  which  were  being 
driven  back  by  our  troops  of  the  same  description. 

The  conduct  of  the  brigade  during  this  most  trying  day,  under 
destructive  fires  from  artillei'y  and  musketry,  is  deserving  of  the 
highest  commendation,  officers  and  men  generally  acting  with  the 
utmost  bravery  ond  coolness.  The  names  of  those  pariicularly  men- 
tioned by  regimental  commanders  will  be  found  in  their  reports,  here- 
with furnished. 

My  staff,  Lieutenants  Mclctyre,  Johnston  (who  Avas  wounded  in 
the  foot,  shortly  after  the  infantry  engagement  commenced,  and,  in 
consequence  of  which,  he  lost  his  leg)  and  Sorrel,  are  entitled  to 
my  thanks  for  meritorious  and  gallant  services  during  the  day. 

I  feel  it  a  duty,  and  grateful  to  my  feelings,  again  to  recur  to  the 
part  taken  by  Captain  Moody's  section  of  artillery.  It  is  partly  due 
to  the  brave  and  energetic  manner  with  which  it  was  handled  that 
the  infantry  were  enabled  to  hold  their  position,  and  it  is,  therefore, 
entitled  to  a  full  share  of  the  credit  for  whatever  success  attended  our 
efforts  on  that  part  of  the  field.  Colonel  Lee,  at  times  during  the 
action,  personally  assisted  at  his  pieces.     His  bravery  and  intrepidity 


333 

at  the  battle  of  Sharpsburg  should  add  fresh  foime  to  the  high  reputa- 
tion he  has  already  won. 

In  this  battle,  as  in  former  ones,  we  are  called  on  to  deplore  the 
loss  of  many  brave  spirits,  who  have  sealed  their  devotion  to  the 
Southern  cause  with  their  life's  blood. 

May  their  memories  ever  be  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  their  coun- 
trymen ! 

This  report  has  been  delayed  for  the  reasons  assigned  in  my  report 
of  the  battle  of  Boonsboro'.  A  list  of  killed,  wounded,  &c.,  is  here- 
with furnished  as  far  as  could  be  obtained. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  ' 

R.  B.  GARNETT, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  RIPLEY. 

ITcAPQUARTrRS  Ripley's  Beigadf..      ) 
Camp  on  Opquon  Creilc,  September  21,  1362.  j 

Miijor  Arhcer  Anoerson, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General: 

Major  :  On  the  evening  oi'  September  13th,  I  received  orders  from 
Major  General  I).  II.  Hill  to  march  with  my  brigade  and  take  a  posi- 
tion, with  it  arid  a  battery  of  artillery,  on  the  eminence  immediately 
en  the  northeast  of  Boonsboro',  and  to  send  a  regiment,  at  daylight 
on  the  following  morning,  to  occupy  the  il.'.mburg  pass.  This  was 
accomplished,  and  on  the  following  morning,  at  an  early  hour,  Colonel 
Dole  s,  with  the  fourth  Georgia  regiment,  was  in  position  at  the  pass. 
vVt  abyut  nine  o'clock,  I  received  orders  to  send  forward  my  artillery, 
nnd,  soon  after,  to  move  with  the  whole  force  to  the  main  pass  east  of 
Hoonshoro'.  Upon  arriving,  I  was  ordered  to  follow  the  rorid  leading 
to  Braddock's  G;ip  and  place  myself  in  ccramunication  with  Brigadier 
Ireneral  Anderson,  who  had  preceded  roe  in  that  direction.  Upon 
foming  up  and  communicating  with  that  officer,  it  was  arranged  that 
he  should  extend  along  the  Braddock  road  and  make  room  lor  the 
troops  of  my  command,  and  that  an  attack  should  be  made  upon  the 
i:'Tiemy,  then  occupying  the  heights  to  the  south.  While  taking  posi- 
'.icn  Generiil  Hill  arrived,  and,  with  him.  Brigadier  General  Dray- 
u.n's  command.  General  Hill  directed  General  Anderson's  an<l  ray 
command  to  extend  still  further  on  this  road,  making  room  for  General 
Drayton's  tro<  ps,  and  that  the  attack  should  be  made  as  soon  as  all 
were  in  position.  j 

Gent');il  Anderson's  and  ray  own  brigade  got  into  position  on  the 
road,  and  General  Drayton's  command  was  rapidly  forming,  when  the 
uctiori  commenced  by  the  enemy  attacking  him  in  force.  This  ho  aus- 
'iiined  for  (^ome  time,  General  Anderson's  and  my  own  brigades  pusii- 
;ngforwa)d  through  dense  thickets  and  up  very  steep  acclivities  to 
outflank  the  enemy  and  come  in  to  General  Drayton's  support  The 
ivatur:il  difficulties  of  the  ground  and  the  condition  of  the  troops  pre- 
vented these  movements  from  being  made  with  the  rapidity  v;hi/n  v/as 
tlesinible,  ar.d  the  enemy  forced  his  way  to  the  Braddock  road  between 
Geneial  Drayton's  force 'and  my  own,  and  sent  a  column  of  troops 
down  the  road  ar?  if  to  cut  oif  the  troops  forming  our  riglit.  ]n  this 
cbject  he  was  thwarted  by  two  pieces  of  artillery  belonging  to  (.olonel 
H-oeser's  cavalry,  which  was  speedily  placed  in  position  a  shoit  dis- 
tance in  our  rt-ar,  on  the  Braddock  road*  A  few  well  directed  shot 
and  shell  drove  the  enemy  up  the  hill,  leaving  the  road  in  our  pos- 
session. Meantime,  General  Anderson  had  extended  to  the  right  and 
came  up  with  the  enemy,  with  whom  he  had  a  short  engagement.  My 
own  brigade  had  pressed  up  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  crest  of 
the  heights  and  held  its  position,  under  a  noi^y  but  comparatively 
harmless  fire ;  but,  Anderson's  brigade  having  extended  far  to  the 


535 

right,  it  was,  for  the  time,  unsupported  by  any  other  troop?.  Soon 
after,  Brigadier  General  Hood's  command  came  from  the  main  pns3  and, 
forming  upon  my  left,  the  troops  pressed  up  the  road,  driving  the  ene- 
my before  them,  until  they  occupied  their  first  position,  and  darkness 
put  an  end  to  the  operations.  I  found,  soon  afterwards,  that  General 
Andersoh's  command  had  been  withdrawn,  at  night-fall,  from  the 
heights  to  the  Braddock  road.  Orders  were  received  from  Major  Gene- 
ral Longstrcet  to  renew  the  attack  as  early  as  practicable,  and  arrange- 
ments were  in  progress  when  further  orders  were  received  to  move  back 
to  the  main  road  and  follow  the  army.  The  movement  was  made  with- 
out confusion,  and,  upon  coming  on  the  road  near  Boonshoro',  the 
route  was  taken  following  the  main  army  to  Sharpsburg. 

Upon  arriving  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Antietam  rivtr,  on  thj  15th, 
tinder  orders  from  Major  General  Longstrcet,  during  the  temporary 
absence  of  the  division  commander,  I  posted  my  own,  Anderpon's  and 
McRcie's  brigades  on  the  heights  overlooking  the  river,  with  the  right 
resting  on  the  road  from  Boonshoro'  to  Sharpsburg,  facing  the  river. 
The  troops  bivouacked  during  the  remainder  of  the  1 5th  and  the  16th 
in  this  position. 

On  the  morning  of  the  lOth,  the  enemy  made  his  appearance  in 
force  in  our  front,  and,  from  about  nine  o'clock  until  nigh'fi!',  wo 
were  subjected  to  annoying  artillery  fire.  During  the  evening  I  re- 
ceived orders  to  move  my  brigade  to  the  left  of  our  division,  and  tako 
up  a  position  to  cover  a  road  leading  from  our  left  to  the  turnpike 
leading  from  Sharpsburg  to  Hagerstown,  and  in  support  of  certain 
batteries  of  artillery  in  our  vicinity.  The  troops  rested  on  thc-ir  arras 
during  the  night  of  the  16th. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  skirmisheis  of  Colonel 
Walker's  brigade,  of  Jackson's  corps,  immediately  on  my  left,  became 
engaged,  and  the  enemy,  from  his  batteries  on  the  eastern  bank  of 
the  Antietam,  opened  a  severe  enfilading  fire  on  the  troops  of  my 
command,  the  position  which  we  had  been  ordered  to  occupy  being  in 
full  view  of  nearly  all  of  hi.^  batteries.  This  fire  inflicted  sevt-re  loss 
before  the  troops  were  called  into  positive  action,  the  men  laying  under 
it  without  flinching  for  over  an  hour,  while  the  enemy  plied  his  guns 
unceasingly.  During  this  while  a  set  of  farm  buildings  in  our  front 
were  set  on  fire  to  prevent  their  being  made  use  of  by  the  eu'^rny.  At 
about  eight  o'clock,  I  received  orders  to  ckse  in  to  my  left  and  ad- 
vance. The  troops  sprung  to  their  arras  with  alacrity  and  moved 
forward  tlirough  the  burning  buildings  in  our  front,  reformed  on  the 
further  side,  and  opened  a  rapid  fire  upon  the  enemy.  While  engaged 
in  reforming  the  brigade  I  leceived  a  shot  in  the  neck,  which  disiblod 
me,  and  the  troops  moved  forward  under  command  of  Colonel  Doles, 
of  the  fourth  Georgia  regiment.  After  an  absence  of  an  hour  and  a 
lialf,  I  returned  to  the  field,  with  such  force  as  I  could  collect  from 
detachments,  and  found  my  brigade  relieved  and  in  position  to  the 
west  of  Sharpsburg.  I  remained  with  it  until  the  afternoon,  when, 
finding  myself  faint  and  exhausted,  I  relinquished  the  command  to 
Colonel  Doles,  to  whose  report  I  must  refer  for  the  operations  of  the 
brigade  while  uader  his  commaad. 


336 

I  noticed  the  gallant  and  efficient  conduct  of  officers  and  men, 
■which,  in  many  instances,  was  admirable,  especially  in  consideration, 
of  the  hardships  to  which  they  had  been  subjected,  many  having  been 
■without  food  for  twenty-four  and  some  for  forty-eight  hours. 

The  commanding  officers  of  regiments.  Colonel  Doles,  of  the  fourta 
Georgia;  Colonel  DeRosset,  of  the  third  North  K^arolina,  (severely 
wounded  ;)  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brown,  of  the  first  North  Carolina, 
and  Captain  Key,  of  the  forty-fourth  Georgia,  all  led  their  troops 
gallantly.  They  were  ably  seconded  by  their  respective  field  officers, 
and  I  concur  in  the  remarks  of  the  legimental  commanders  concern- 
ing their  various  officers. 

Captain  B.  II.  Read  and  Lieutenant  H.  IL  Rogers,  acting  on  cay 
Btaft',  rendered,  throughout  the  operations,  valuable  and  efficient  ser- 
vice. Captain  Read  remained  on  the  field  after  I  had  been  disabled. 
Lieutenant  Rogers  was  severely  wounded  while  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duties. 

The  return  of  killed,  wounded  and  miesing'will  be  forwarded  with 
the  report  of  Colonel  Doles,  upon  whom  the  command  of  the  brigade 
will  devolve  during  my  absence, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Yery  respectfully,  your  obd't  serv't, 

R,  S.  RIPLEY, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT    OF    COLONEL    COLQUITT,  COISnrANDING    BRI- 
GADE, OF  BATTLE  OF  SOUTH  MOUNTAIN. 

Bkig^de  IIeadquartkrs,      > 
Near  Bunker  Hill,   Va.,  Octuhtr   13,   1862.} 
Major  J.  W.  Ratciiford,^  A.  A.   G.  : 

Sir  :  Herewith,  I  submit  a  report  of  the  action  of  my  brigade  in 
the  battle  of  South  Mountain,  September  1  -Ith,  Oa  the  night  of  Sep- 
tember i2th  1  left  the  camp  of  the  division,  ^yi!:h  the  brignde  and 
Captain  l^ane's  b;ittery,  with  instructions  to  occupy  the  coinin;iuding 
poiritr^  at  Boonville.  four  raih^s  to  the  rear.  ^The  march,  a.nd  the  una- 
voidable delay  in  selecting  positions  in  the  dark,  co.isuined  most  of 
the  night.  Early  the  next  morning  General  Hill  arrived.  While 
engaged  in  making  a  reconnoissance,  he  received  information  that 
General  Stuart,  commanding  the  cavalry  in  rear,  stood  in  need  of 
support.  1  was  ordered  to  move  at  once,  with  my  brigade  and  the 
battery  of  artillery.  Proceeding  along  the  turnpike  two  and-a-half 
or  three  miles,  I  reached  the  summit  of  South  Mountain,  and  dis- 
covered the  enemy's  cavalry  advancing  and  ours  gradually  giving 
back.  I  reported  ray  arrival  to  General  Stuart,  and  consulted  with 
him  as  to  the  best  disposition  of  the  forces.  Two  pieces  of  artillery 
were  ordered  to  the  front,  to  a  position  commanding  the  turnpike 
leading  down  the  valley.  The  continued  advance  of  the  enemy  ren- 
dered the  execution  of  the  order  impracticable.  They  were  thrown 
rapidly  into  position  at  the  most  available  points,  and  the  infantry 
disposicd  upon  the  right  and  left  of  the  road.  The  enemy  made  no 
furttier  efforts  to  advance,  and,  at  dark,  withdrew  from  my  immediate 
front.  To  the  right  and  left  of  the  turnpike,  a  mile  distant  on  either 
side,  were  practicable  roads  leading  over  the  mountain,  and  connect- 
ing a  cross-road  along  the  ridge  with  the  turnpike.  Upon  each  of 
thiHC  roads  1  threw  out  strong  infantry  pickets,  the  cavalry  being 
withdrawn,  and  my  main  body  was  retired  to  the  rear  of  the  cross- 
road, leaving  a  line  of  skirmishers  in  front.  Early  next  morning  my 
pickets  were  called  in,  being  relieved  by  other  forces  which  had 
arrived  during  the  night,  and  my  brigade  advanced  to  the  position  it 
occupied  the  day  previous.  Upon  the  right  of  the  road  across  the 
valley,  and  upon  the  hillside,  three  regiments  were  placed,  with  in- 
structions to  connect  with  (General  Garland's  line  on  the  right.  The 
force  was  insufficient  to  reach  that  distance,  and  there  was  a  gap  left 
of  three  or  four  hundred  yards  between  the  two  brigades.  The  re- 
maining regiments  of  my  brigade,  to-wit :  the  twenty-third  and 
twenty-eighth  Georgia,  were  put  in  position  on  the  left  of  the  turn- 
pike, under  cover  of  a  stone  fence  and  a  channel  worn  by  water  down 
the  mountain  side.  The  first  attack  of  the  enemy  was  made  upon  the 
extreme  right  of  my  line,  as  with  the  view  to  pass  in  the  opening 
betwi'cu  Garland's  and  my  command.  This  was  met  and  repulsed  by 
a  small  botly  of  skirmishers  and  a  few  companies  of  the  sixth  Georgia. 
At  four  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  a  large  force  had  been  concentrated 
22 


333 

in  my  front  and  was  moving  up  the  vallc}',  along  each  side  of  the 
turnpike.  I  informed  General  IliH  of  the  movement,  and  asked  for 
supports.  Being  pressed  at  other  points,  he  had  none  to  give  me. 
The  enemy  advanced  slowly,  but  steadily,  preceded  by  skirmishers. 
Upjon  the  right  of  the  road,  four  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  my 
line,  there  was  a  thick  growth  of  woods,  with  fields  opening  in  front 
and  around  them.  In  these  I  had  concealed  four  companies  of  skir- 
mishers, under  the  command  of  Captain-  Arnold,  As  the  enemy 
advanced,  the  5-kirmishers  poured  upon  his  flank  a  sudden  and  unex- 
pected lire,  which  caused  the  troops  on  this  part  of  his  line  to  give 
back  in  confusion.  They  were  subsequently  rallied  and  thrown  to 
the  right,  strengthening  the  attack  to  be  made  upon  my  lefc.  Two 
regiments  here  were  to  meet  at  least  five,  perhaps  ten  times,  their 
numbers.  Kobly  did  they  do  it.  Confident  in  their  superior  num- 
bers, the  enemy's  forces  advanced  to  a  short  distance  of  our  lines, 
when,  raising  a  shout,  they  came  to  a  charge.  As  they  came  full  into 
view  upon  the  rising  ground,  forty  paces  distant,  they  were  met  by  a 
terrific  volley  of  musketry  from  the  stone  fence  and  hillside.  This 
gave  a  sudden  check  to  their  advance.  They  rallied  under  cover  of 
the  uneven  ground,  and  the  fight  opened  in  earnest.  They  made  still 
another  efibrt  to  advance,  but  were  kept  back  by  the  steady  fire  of 
our  men.  The  fight  continued,  with  fury,  until  after  dark.  Not  an 
inch  of  ground  was  yielded;  the  ammunition  of  many  of  the  men 
was  exhausted,  but  they  stood  with  bayonets  fixed. 

I  am  proud  of  the  officers  and  men  of  my  command,  for  their  noble 
conduct  on  this  day.  Especial  credit  is  due  to  Colonel  Barclay,  of 
the  twenty-third  Georgia,  and  Major  Graybili,  twenty-eighth  Georgia, 
who,  with  their  regiments,  met  and  defeated  the  fiercest  assaults  of 
the  enemy.  My  thanks  are  due  Lieutenants  Jordan  and  G rattan,  of 
my  staff,  for  their  assistance  this  day. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

-     "  ^A.  n.  COLQUITT, 

Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF    COLONEL    COLQUITT,   COMMANDING    BRI- 
GADE,  OF  BATTLE  OF  SIIARPSBURG. 

Brigade  Headquarters,      ) 
Near  Bunker  Hill,    Va.,  October   13,    1SG2.  \ 

Major  Eatchford,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  I  I  give  you  below  an  account  of  the  part  taken  by  this  brigade 
ill  the  buttle  of  September  17th  : 

About  seven  o'clock,  in  the  morning,  ray  brigade  entered  the  fight. 
It  was  moved  to  the  front  and  formed  on  the  right  of  General  Ripley's 
brigade,  which  was  then  engaged.  After  a  few  rounds  had  been  dis- 
charjied,  I  ordered  an  advance,  and  at  the  same  time  sent  word  to  the 
regimentB.on  my  left  to  advance  simultaneously.  The  order  w'as  re- 
sponded to  with  spirit  by  my  men.  and,  with  a  shout,  they  moved 
through  the  corn-field  in  front,  two  hundred  yards  wide,  and  formed 
on  ihe  line  of  fence.  The  enemy  was  near  and  in  full  view.  In  a 
moment  cr  two  his  ranks  began  to  break  before  our  fire,  and  the  line 
soon  disappeared  under  the  crest  of  the  hill  upon  which  it  had  been 
ostablished,.  It  was  soon  replaced  by  another,  and  the  fire  opened 
with  renovred  vigor.  In  the  meantime,  Garland's  brigade,  which  had. 
been  ordered  to  my  right,  had  given  way  and  the  enemy  were  ad- 
vancing, unchecked.  The  regiments  upon  in}  left  having  also  failed 
to  advance,, we  were  exposed  to  a  fire  from  all  sides  and  nearly  sur- 
rounded,. I  sent  in  haste  to  the  rear  for  reinforcements,  and  comma- 
nicated  to  General  Hill  the  exposed  condition  of  my  men.  With 
steady  supports  upon  the  right,  we  could  yet  maintain  our  position. 
The  supports  were  not  at  hand,  and  could  not  reach  us  in  time.  The 
enem}'  closed  in  upon  the  right  so  near  that -our  ranks  were  scarcely 
(listinguishabie.  At  the  same  time,  his  line  in  front  advanced.  My 
men  stood,  firm  until  every  field  ofiicer  but  one  had  fillen,  and  thea 
made  the  best  of  their  way  out.  '  In  this  sharp  and  unequal  conflict, 
1  lost  maay  of  my  best  officers  and  one-half  of  the  men  in  the  ranks. 
If  the  brigades  upon  the  right  and  Icit  had  advanced,  we  should  have- 
tlriven  the  enemy  from  the  field.  He  had  at  one  time  broken  in  our 
front,  but  we  had  not  strength  to  push  the  advantage.  Colonel  Smith, 
of  the  tvyenty-seventh  Georgia,  Colonel  Barclay,  of  the  tAventy-third 
Georgia,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Newton,  commanding  the  sixth 
Georgia,  fell  at  the  head  of  their  regiments  Their  loss  is  irrepara- 
ble. UpoQ  every  battle-field  they  had  distinguished  themselves  for 
I'oolness  and  gallantry.  Colonel  Fry,  of  the  thirteenth  Alabama, 
and  Captaia  Garrison,  commanding  twenty-eighth  Georgia,  were  se- 
verely wounded.  Subsequent  to  the  action  of  the  forenoon,  portions* 
of  my  brigade  encountered  the  enemy  .in  two  desultory  engagements,, 
in  "whicbi  they  stood  before  superior  numbers  and  gave  a  check  to  their 
advance.  In  one  of  these,  a  small  party  were  placed  under  the 
•'ommaad  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Betts  and  directed  to  deploy  as  skir- 


340 

9 

mishers  along  the  crest  of  a*  hill  upon  which  the  enemy  was  advan- 
cing. They  did  so,  with  good  effect,  keepiug  back  a  large  force  by 
their  annoying  fire  and  the  apprehension,  excited  by  their  boldness, 
that  they  were  supported  by  a  line  in  rear.  During  the  engagement 
of  this  day,  I  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  ray  acting  assistant  adjutant 
general,  Lieutenant  R.  P.  Jordan.  He  fell  while  gallantly  dashing 
towards  the  enemy's  line.  I  have  not  known  a  more  active,  efficient 
and  fearless  officer.  Lieutenant  Grattan,  ray  aid-de-cainp,  was  con- 
spicuously bold  in  the  midst  of  danger  and  untiring  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duties.  1  regret  that  I  cannot  here  mention  the  names  of  all, 
dead  and  living,  who  are  entitled  to  a  tribute  at  my  hands. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  II.  COLQUITT, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  E.  E.  RODES. 


Headquarters  Rodes'  Brigade, 


.1 


Wrights  Farm,  Va.,  October  13,  1882 

Major  J.  W.  Ratchford, 

A.  A.  G.  to  Major  General  D.  H.  Hill's  Division  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor,  herewith,  to  report  the  operations  of  this 
brigade  during  the  actions  of  the  14th  and  17th  Septeinber,  in  Mary- 
land. 

On  the  morning  of  tjie  14th,  my  brigade  relieved  Anderson's  about 
a  half  mile  west  cf  Boonsboro',  Towards  noon  it  was  ordered  to  follow 
Ripley's  brigade  to  the  top  of  the  South  Mountain.  Overtaking  Rip- 
ley's brigade  on  the  mountain  it  was  halted,  and  I  immediately  re- 
ported to  Major  General  llill.  After  looking  over  the  field  of  battle, 
I  was  ordered  by  Majur  General  Hill  to  take  position  on  the  ridge 
immediately  to  the  left  of  the  gap  through  which  the  main  road  runs. 
Remaining  there  for  three-fourths  of  an  hour,  part  of  the  time  under 
artillery  lire,  and  throwing  out  scouts  and  skirmishers  to  the  left  and 
front,  1  was  then  ordered  to  occupy  another  bare  hill  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  still  further  to  the  left.  The  whole  brigade  was 
moved  to  that  hill,  crossing,  in  doing  so,  a  deep  gorge  which  separated 
the  hills.  This  movement  left  a  Vide  interval  between  the  right  of 
my  brigade,  which,  in  its  last  position,  rested  in  the  gorge,  and  the 
balance  of  the  division,  which  being  reported  to  General  Ilill,  together 
with  the  fact  that  no  troops  supported  the  battery  on  the  first  men- 
tioned ridge,  by  -his  order,  I  sent  back  one  of  my  fegiments  (the 
twelfth  Alabama)  to  support  the  battery. 

By  thi's  time  the  enemy's  line  of  battle  was  pretty  well  developed, 
and  in  full  view.  It  became  evident  that  he  intended  to  attack  with  a 
line  covering  both  ridges  and  the  gorge  before  mentioned,  and  extend- 
ing some  half  a  mile  to  my  left.  1  had,  immediately  after  my  arrival 
on  the  extreme  left,  discovered  that  the  hill  there  was  accessible  to 
artillery,  and  that  a  good  road  passing  by  the  left  of  said  hill  from  the 
enemy's  line  continued  immediately  in  my  rear,  and  entered  the  main 
road  about  a  half  mile  west  of  the  gap.  Under  these  circumstances, 
I  sent  for  artillery  and  determined  upon  the  only  plan  by  which  the 
enemy  could  beprevented  from  immediately  obtaining  possession  of 
said  road,  and  thus  marching  entirely  in  our  rear  without  difficulty, 
and  that  was  to  extend  my  line  as  far  as  I  could  to  the  left,  to  let  the 
right  rest  in  the  gorge  still,  and  to  send  to  my  superiors  for  reinforce- 
ments to  continue  the  line  from  my  right  to  the  gap  on  the  main  road, 
an  interval  of  three  quarters  of  a  mile  at  least.  Having  thrown  out 
skirmishers  along.-the  whole  front  and  to  the  left,  they  very  soon  be- 
came engaged  with  the  enemy's  skirmishers.  This  was  about  three, 
P.  M.,  and  it  was  perfectly  evident  then  that  my  force  of  about  twevle 
hundred  muskets  was  opposed  to  one  which  outflanked  mine  on  either 


342 

side,  by  at  least  half  a  mile*  I  thought  the  enemy's  force  opposed  to 
my  brigade  was  at  least  a  division.  In  a  short  time  the  firing  became 
steady  along  the  whole  line,  the  enemy  advancing  very  slowly,  the 
danger  of  his  possessing  the  top  of  the  left  hill  and  thus  being  in  my 
rear,  becaiLe  so  imminent,  that  I  had  to  cause  ray  left  regiment  (tho 
sixth  Alabama,  under  Colonel  Gordon.)  to  move  along  the  brow  of  the 
hill  under  fire,  still  further  to  the  left.  He  did  so  in  good  style,  and 
having  a  fair  opportunity  to  do  so  with  advantage,  charged  and  drove 
the  enemy  back  a  short  distance.  By  this  time  the  enemy,  though 
met  gallantly  by  all  of  the  regiments  with  me,  had  penetrated  bet^veen 
them  and  had  begun  to  swing  their  extreme  right  around  towards  my 
rear,  making  for  the  head  of  the  gorge,  up  the  bottom  and  sides  of 
which  the  whole  of  my  force,  except  the  sixth  Alabama,  had  to  retreat, 
if  at  all.  I  renewed  again  and  yet  again  my  application  for  reinforce- 
ment?; but  none  came.  Some  artillery,  under  Captain  Carter,  who 
was  moving  up  without  orders,  and  some  of  Colonel  Cutis',  under  a 
gallant  lieutenant,  whose  name  I  do  not  now  recollect,  was  reported 
by  the  last  named  officer  to  be  on  its  way  to  my  relief;  but  at  this 
time  the  enemy  had  obtained  possession  of  the  summit  of  the  left  hill 
before  spoken  of,  and  had  command  of  the  road  in  rear  of  the  main 
mountain,  the  artillery  could  onl}'^  have  been  used  by  being  hauled  up 
on  the  high  peaks,  which  arose  upon  the  summit  of  the  ridge  just  at 
the  head  of  the  gorge  before  mentioned.  This  they  had  not  time  to 
do,  and  hence  I  ordered  it  back.  Just  before  this,  I  heard  that  some 
Confederate  troops  had  joined  my  right  very  nearly. 

Finding  that  the  enemy  were  forcing  my  right  back,  and  that  the 
only  chance  to  continue  the  fight  was  to  change  my  front  so  as  to 
face  to  the  left,  I  ordered  all  the  regiments  to  fall  back  up  the  gorge 
and  sides  of  the  mountain,  fighting,  the  whole  concentrating  around 
the  high  peak  llefore  mentioned.  This  enabled  me  to  face  the  enemy's 
right  again,  and  to  make  another  short  stand  with  Gordon's  excellent 
regiment,  which  he  had  kept  constantly  in  hand,  and  had  handled  in 
a  manner  I  have  never  seen  or  heard  equalled  during  this  war,  and 
with  the  remainders  of  the  fifth,'third  and  twelfth  Alabama  regiments, 
I  found  the  twelfth  had  been  relieved  by  other  troops  and  closed  in 
towards  my  right ;  but  had  passed  in  rear  of  the  original  line  so  far 
that,  upon  re-establishing  the  line  on  the  main  peak,  I  found  that 
the  third  Alabama  came  up  on  its  right.  The  twenty-sixth  Ala- 
bama, which  had  been  placed  on  my  right,  was  by  this  time 
completely  demoralized ;  its  colonel  (O'Neal)  was  wounded,  and 
the  men  mingled  in  utter  confusion  with  some  South  Carolina  strag- 
glers, on  the  summit  of  the  hill,  who  stated  that  their  brigade  had  been 
compelled  to  give  way,  and  had  retired.  Notwithstanding  this,  if 
true,  left  my  rear  entirely  exposed  again,  I  had  no  time  or  means  to 
examine  the  worth  of  their  statement.  I  determined  in  accordance 
•with  the  orders  I  received  about  this  time,  in  reply  to  my  last  request 
for  reinforcements,  to  fight  on  on  the  new  front. 

My  loss  up  to  this  time  had  been  heavy  in  all  the  regiments  except 
the  twelfth  Alabama.  The  fifth  Alabama,  which  had  occupied  the  left 
centre,  got  separated  into  two  parts  in  endeavoring  to  follow  up  the 


343 

flank  movement  of  Gordon's  regiment,  both  parts  became  engaged 
again  before  they  could  rejoin,  and  the  right  battalion  was  finally  cut 
off  entirely,  the  left  and  smaller  battalion,  under  !\Iajor  Ilobson's 
gallant  management,  though  flanked,  wheeled  against  the  flanking 
party  and,  by  desperate  fighting,  silenced  the  enemy  so  far  as  to  enable 
his  little  command  to  make  its  way  to  the  peak  before  mentioned.  In 
the  first  attack  of  the  eneiry  up  the  bottom  of  the  gorge,  they  pushed 
on  so  vigorously  as  to  catch  Captain  Ready  and  a  portion  of  his  party 
of  skirmishers,  and  separate  the  third  from  the  fifth  Alabama  regiment. 
The  third  made  a  most  gallant  resistance  at  this  point,  and  had  ray  line 
been  a  continuous  one,  it  could  never  have  been  forced. 

Having  re-established  my  line,  though  still  with  wide  intervals, 
necessarily,  on  the  high  peak,  (this  was  done  under  constant  fire  and 
in  full  view  of  the  enemy,  now  in  full  possession  of  the  extreme  left 
hill  and  of  the  gorge.)  the  fight  at  close  quarters  was  resumed,  and 
again  accompanied  by  the  enemy's  throwing  their,  by  this  time  ap- 
parently interminable  right,  around  towards  my  rear.  In  this  posi- 
tion the  sixth  Alabama  and  the  twelfth  suffered  pretty  severely  ;  the 
latter,  together  with  the  remainder  of  the  third  Alabama,  Avhich  had 
been  well  handled  by  Colonel  Battle,  was  forced  to  retire,  and  in  eo 
doing  lost  heavily  ;  its  colonel  (Gavle)  was  seen  to  fall  and  its  lieu- 
tenant colonel  (rickens)  was  ^hot  throgh  tlie  lungs.  The  former  was 
left  on  the  field,  supposed  to  be  dead;  Pickens  was  brought  off.  Gor- 
don's regiment  retired  slowly,  now  being  under  an  enfilading  as  well 
as  direct  fire,  and  in  danger  of  being  surrounded  ;  but  was  still,'fortu- 
nately  for  the  whole  command,  held  together  by  its  able  commander. 

After  this  I  could  meet  the  enemy  with  no  organized  force,  except 
Gordon's  regiment;  one  more  desperate  stand  was  made  by  it  from  an 
advantageous  position.  The  enemy  by  this  time  were  nearly  on  top 
of  the  highest  peak,  and  were  pushing  on  when  Gordon's  regiment, 
unexpectedly  to  them,  opened  fire  on  their  front  and  checked  them. 
This  last  stand  was  so  disastrous  to  the  enemy  that  it  attracted  the 
attention  of  the  stragglers  even,  many  of  whom  Colonel  Battle  and  I 
had  been  endeavoring  to  organize,  and  who  were  just  then  on  the 
flank  of  that  portion  of  the  enemy  engaged  with  Gordon,  and  for  a 
few  minutes,  they  kept  up  a  brisk  enfilading  fire  upon  the  enemy;  but 
finding  his  fire  turning  from  Gordon's  upon  them,  and  that  another 
body  of  Federal  troops  were  advancing  upon  them,  they  speedily  fell 
back. 

It  was  now  so  dark  that  it  was  diSicult  to  distinguish  objects  at 
sl*ort  musket  range,  and  both  parties  ceased  firing.  Directing  Colonel 
Gordon  to  move  his  regiment  to  his  right  and  to  the  rear  so  as  to  cover 
the  gap,  I  endeavored  to  gather  up  stragglers  from  the  other  regiments. 
Colonel  Battle  still  held  together  a  handful  of  his  men.  These,  to- 
geiher  with  the  remnant  of  the  twelfth,  fifth  and  twenty-sixth  Ala- 
bama regiments,  were  assembled  at  the  gap,  and  were  spee<lily  placed 
alon<T  side  of  Gordon's  regiment,  wh'ch  by  this  time  had  arrived  in  the 
road  ascending  the  mountain  from  the  gap,  forming  a  line  on  the  edge 
of  the  woods  parallel  to,  and  about  two  hundred  yards  from,  the  main 
road.     The  enemy  did  not  advance  beyond  the  top  of  the  mountain  ; 


344 

but  to  be  prppnre'l  for  them,  skirmishers  were  thrown  out  in  front  of 
the  line.  This  position  we  held  uutil  about  eleven  o'clock  at  night, 
when  we  were  ord'Ted  to  take  the  Sharps'ourg  road,  and.  to  stop  at 
Keedaraville,  which  we  did.  We  had  rested  about  an  hour,  when  I 
was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Sharpsburg  with  all  the  force  under  my  com- 
mand, Colquitt's  brigade  and  nniie,  to  drive  out  a  Federal  cavalry 
force  reported  to  be  there.  On  the  way  Colonel  Chilton,  chief  of 
General  Lee'e  staff,  met  me  with  contrary  orders,  which  required  me 
to  send  only  a  part  of  my  force.  The  fifth  and  sixth  Alabama  were 
sent.  In  a  few  minutes,  hov/ever,  we  received  orders  form  General 
Longstrect  to  go  ahead,  and  did  ao.     .Found  no  cavalry. 

In  this  eiigagement  ray  loss  v.a3  as  follows  :  killed,  sixty-one  ; 
wounded,  one  haiulred  and  fifty-seven  ;  missing,  two  hundred  and 
four;  total,  four  hundred  and  twenty-two. 

The  men  and  officers  generally  behaved  well  ;  hut  Colonel  Gordon, 
sixth  Alabama,  M'.ijor  lIobKon,  fifih  Alabama,  and  Colonel  Battle, 
third  Alaboma,  deserve  especial  mention  for  admirable  conduct  dur- 
ing the  \^hole  fight.  We  did  not  drive  the  enemy  back,  or  whip  him, 
but  with  twelve  hundred  men  we  held  his  whole  division  at  bay,  with- 
out assistance,  during  four  hours  and  a  half  steady  fighting,  losing 
in  that  time  not  over  a  half  a  mile  of  ground,  I  was  most  ably  and 
bravcl}"  served  during  the  v*hoIe  day  by  Captains  Whiting  and  Pey- 
ton, and  Lient'jnant  John  Berney,  who  composed  my  statT. 

On  the  loth,  after  resting  on  the  heights  south  of  Sharpsburg  long 
enough  to  get  a  scanty  meal  and  to  gather  straggler,-.-;,  we  moved  back 
through  that  ].>lace  to  the  advanced  po>ii-tiou  in  the  centre  of  the  line  of 
battle  before  the  town.  Here,  subsisting  on  green  corn,  mainly,  and 
under  an  occasional  artillery  fire,  we  lay  until  the  morning  of  the 
17th  September,  when  began  the  engagement  of  that  day. 

The  fight  opened  early  on  the  left,  but  my  brigade  was  not  eniTaged 
until  late  in  the  forenoon.  About  nine  o'clock,  I  was  ordered  to 
move  to  the  left  at.d  front,  to  assist  Ripley,  Colquitt  and  McRae,  who 
had  already  engaged  the  enemy,  and  1  had  hardly  begun  the  move- 
ment before  it  was  evident  that  the  two  latter  had  met  with  a  reverse, 
and  that  the  best  service  I  could  render  them  and  the  field  generally, 
would  be  to  for:n  a  line  in  rear  of  them,  and  endeavor  to  rally  thorn 
before  attacking  or  being  attacked.  Mojor  General  Hill  held  the  same 
view,  for  at  this  moment  I  received  an  order  from  him  to  halt  and  to 
form  line  of  battle  in  the  hollow  of  an  old  and  narrow  road,  just  be- 
yond the  orchard,  and  with  my  left  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
from  and  east  of  the  Hagerstown  road.  In  a  short  time  a  stnali  po* 
tion  of  Colquitt's  brig^ide  formed  on  my  left,  and  I  assumed  the  com- 
mand of  it.  This  brought  ray  left  to  the  Hagerstown  road.  General 
Anderson's  brigade,  occupying  the  same  road,  had  closed  up  on  my 
right.  A  short  time  after  my  brigaile  assumed  its  new  position,  and 
whilst  the  men  were  busy  improving  their  position  by  piling  rails 
along  their  front,  the  enemy  deployed  in  our  front  in  three  beautiful 
lines,  all  vastly  outstretching  ours,  and  commenced  to  advance  stead- 
ily. Unfortunately,  no  artillery  opposed  them  in  their  advan'se. 
Carter's  battez'y  had  been  sent  to  take  position  in  rear  by  me  whoa  I 


S-io 

fibancloncd  my  first  position,  because  lie  was  left  without  support,  and 
because  my  own  position  had  not  then  been  fiillj  determined.  Three 
j'icces,  which  occupied  a  fine  position  immediately  on  my  front,  aban- 
doned it  immediately  after  the  enemy's  skirmishers  opened  on  them. 
The  enemy  came  to  the  crest  of  the  hill  overlooking  my  p'lsition,  and 
for  five  minutes  br%vely  stooil  a  galling  fire  at  about  eighty  yards, 
%vhich  my  whole  brigade  delivered  ;  they  then  fell  back  a  short  die>- 
'.iince,  rallied,  were  driven  back  again  and  again,  and  finally  lay  down 
just  back  of  the  crest,  keeping  up  a  steady  fire,  however.  In  this 
position,  receiving  an  order  from  Greneral  Longstreet  to  do  so,  I  en- 
deavored to  charge  them  with  ray  brigade,  and  that  portion  of  Col- 
quitt's which  was  on  luy  immediate  left ;  the  charge  failed,  mainly 
because  the  sixth  Alabama  regiment,  not  hearing  the  commaml,  did 
not  move  forward  with  the  others,  and  because  Colquitt's  men  <lid  not 
advance  far  enough  ;  that  part  of  the  brigade  wliich  moved  forward 
found  themselves  in  an  exposed  position,  and,  being  outnumbered  and 
unsustained,  fell  back  before  1  could,  by  personal  effort,  which  was 
duly  made,  get  the  sixth  Alabama  to  move;  hastening  back  to  the 
left,  I  arrived  just  in  time  to  prevent  the  men  from  failing  liack  to 
the  rear  of  the  road  we  had  just  occupied.  It  became  evident  to  me, 
then,  that  an  attack  by  us  must,  to  be  successful,  be  made  by  the  whole 
of  Andeiieon's  brigade,  mine,  Colquitt's  and  any  troops  that  had  anived 
on  Anderson's  right.  My  whole  force  at  this  moment  did  not  amount  to 
over  seven  hundredracn,  most  probably  not  to  that  number.  About  this 
time,  I  notice*!  troops  going  in  to  tiie  support  of  Anderson,  or  to  his 
right,  and  that  one  regiment  and  a  portion  of  another,  instead  of  pass- 
ing on  to  the  front,  stopped  in  the  hollow  immediately  in  my  rear  and 
near  the  orchard.  As  the  fire  on  both  sides  was,  at  ray  position  at 
least,  now  desultory  and  slack,  1  went  to  the  troops  referred  to  and 
i'ound  that  they  belonged  to  General  Pryor's  brigade  ;  their  ofiicers 
stated  that  they  had  been  ordered  to  halt  there  by  somebody,  not 
General  Pryor.  Finding  General  P.  in  a  few  moments,  and  inform- 
ing him  as  to  their  conduct,  he  immediately  ordered  them  forward, 
P.eturning  towards  the  brigade,  I  met  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lightfoot, 
of  the  sixth  Alabama,  looking  for  me.  Upon  his  telling  me  that  the 
right  wing  of  his  regiment  was  being  subjected  to  a  terrible  enfilading 
fire,  which  the  enemy  were  enabled  to  deliver  by  reason  of  their  gain- 
ing somewhat  on  Anderson,  and  that  he  had  but  few  men  left  in  that 
wing,  I  ordered  him  to  hasten  back,  and  to  throw  his  right  wing  back 
out  of  the  old  road  referred  to.  Instead  of  executing  the  order,  he 
moved  briskly  to  the  rear  of  the  regiment,  and  gave  the  command — 
"  Sixth  Alabama,  about-face — forward,  march."  JMajor  Ilobson,  of 
the  fifth,  seeing  this,  asked  him  if  the  order  was  intended  for  the 
whole  brigade.  lie  rc[  lied,  "  Yes,"  and,  thereupon,  the  fifth,  and 
immediately  the  other  troops  on  their  left,  retreated.  1  did  not  see 
their  retrograde  movement  until  it  was  too  late  for  me  to  rally  them  ; 
for  this  reason,  just  as  I  was  moving  on  after  Lightfoot,  1  heard  a 
shot  strike  Lieutenant  Berney,  who  was  immediately  behind  me. 
AVheeling,  I  found  him  falling,  and  that  he  had  been  struck  in 
the  face.     He  found  that  he  could  walk,  after  I  raised  him,  though  he 


846 

thought  a  shot  or  piece  of  shell  had  penetrated  hia  head  just  under 
the  eye.  I  followed  him  a  few  paces  and  watched  him  until  he  had 
reached  a  barn,  a  short  distance  to  the  rear,  where  he  first  encoun- 
tered some  one  to  help  hira,  in  case  ho  needed  it.  As  I  turned  to- 
wards the  bri<radc,  I  was  struck  hc.ivily  by  a  piece  of  shell  on  my 
thigh.  At  first  I  thought  the  wound  was  serious,  but  finding,  upon 
examination,  that  it  wa^  slight,  I  again  turned  towards  the  brigade, 
when  1  discovered  it,  without  visible  cause  to  me,  retreating  in  con- 
fusion. I  hastened  to  intercept  it  at  the  Hagerstown  road.  I  found, 
though,  that  with  the  exception  of  a  few  men  from  the  twenty-sixth, 
twelfth  and  third,  and  a  few  under  Major  llobson,  not  more  than  forty 
in  all,  the  brigade  had  completely  disappeared  from  this  portion  of  the 
field.  This  small  number,  together  with  some  Mississippians  (under 
Colonel )  and  North  Carolinians,  making  in  all  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  (150)  men,  1  rallied  and  stationed  behind  a  small  ridge 
leading  from  the  Hagerstown  road  eastward,  towards  the  orchard  be- 
fore spoken  of,  and  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  (loU)  yards  in  rear  of 

my  last    position,  leaving    them  under  the    charge    of  Colonel  . 

[It  is  proper  for  me  to  mention  here  that  this  force,  with  some  slight 
additions,  was  afterwards  led  through  the  orchard  against  the  enemy 
by  General  D.  II.  Hill,  and  did  good  service,  the  General  liiraself 
handling  a  musket  in  the  fight.  Major  Hobson  and  Lieutenant  Gofi, 
of  the  fifth  Alabama,  the  latter  with  a  musket,  bore  distinguished 
parts  in  this  fight.]  After  this,  my  time  was  spent  mainly  in  direct- 
ing the  fire  of  some  artillery  and  getting  up  stragglers. 

In  this  engagement,  the  brigade  behaved  very  handsomely  and  sat- 
isfactorily, and,  with  the  exception  of  the  right  wing  of  the  sixth  Ala- 
bama, (where  Colonel  Gordon,  whilst  acting  with  his  customary 
gallantry,  was  wounded  desperately,  receiving  five  wounds,)  had  sus- 
tained almost  no  loss,  until  the  retrograde  movement  began.  It  had, 
together  with  Anderson's  troops,  stopped  and  foiled  the  attack  of  a 
whole  corps  of  the  enemy  for  more  than  an  hour,  and  finally  fell  back 
only  when,  as  the  men  and  officers  supposed,  they  had  been  ordered 
to  do  so.  We  might  have  been  compelled  to  have  fallen  back  after- 
wards, (for  the  troops  on  my  right  had  already  given  away  when  we 
began  to  retreat;)  but,  without  the  least  hesitation,  I  say  that  but  for 
the  unaccountable  mistake  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lighlfoot,  the  re- 
treat would  not  have  commenced  at  this  time,  if  at  all.  He  was 
wounded  severely  in  the  retreat. 

I  saw  but  little  of  the  operations  of  Carter's  battery  during  the  bat- 
tle. I  only  know  that  it  was  actively  engaged  the  whole  day,  and  with 
some  loss.  The  gallant  captain  received  a  slight  wound  in  the  foot, 
and  one  of  his  Lieutenants,  Dabney,  received  one,  from  which  he  has 
since  died.  I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  his  report,  which  is  submitted 
herewith. 

My  force  at  the  beginning  of  the  fight  was  less  than  eight  hundred 
(800)  effective  men.  The  loss  was  as  follows  :  Killed,  fifty  ;  wounded, 
one  hundred  and  thirty-two  ;  missing,  twenty-one ;  total,  three  hun- 
dred and  three. 

The  aggregate  loss  in  the  two   engagements  is  as  follows :  Killed, 


347 

one  hundred  and  eleven  ;  wounded,  two  hundred  and  eighty-nine  ; 
missing,  two  hundred  and  thirty-one;  total  six  hundred  and  twenty- 
five.  The  missing  are  cither  prisoners  or  killed;  most  of  them  were 
captured  on  the  mountain  on  the  14th.  Captain  Whiting  and  Lieu- 
tenant Jolm  Berney,  C.  S.  A.,  of  my  staif,  were  both  wounded. 
They,  with  Captain  Green  Peyton,  A.  A.  General,  discharged  their 
respective  duties  with  ability  and  gallantry. 

The  subjoined  tabular  statements  will  exhibit  the  loss  in  the  respec- 
tive regiments  of  the  brigade  in  both  engagements.  The  enemy's 
loss  in  both  engagements  was  far  heavier  than  mine  ;  I  believe  they 
lost  three  to  my  one  at  Sharpsburg,  and  at  least  two  to  one  on  the 
mountain. 

Ecspectfully  submitted, 

*  R.   E.  RODES,  Brigadier  Genera!. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  SEMMES  OF  BATTLE 
OF  SHARPS  BURG. 

Headquarters    Sf.mmes'   Brigade,   McLaws'  Division,  ) 
Camp  near  Martinahiirg,  Va.,  September  24,  1802.      S 

Major  J.  M.  Goggin, 

Assistant  Adjutant.  General  : 

Major  :  I  have  tlic  lienor  to  report  briefly  the  part  enacted  by  luy 
brigade,  composed  of  the  fifteenth  and  thirty-second  Virginia  and 
the  tenth  and  fifty-third  Georgia  volunteers  and  Manly's  battery,  in 
the  battle  of  Sharpsburg,  on  the  17th  of  September  instant; 

Moving  forward  by  the  flank  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  before 
coming  in  view,  two  brigades  were  met  retiring  from  the  front,  appa- 
rently badly  cut  up.  An  incessant  current  of  wounded  flowed  to  the 
rear,  showing  that  the  conflict  had  been  Revere  and  well  contested. 
Coming  in  full  view  of  the  enemy's  lines.  Major  General  McLaws,  in 
person,  ordered  me  to  move  forward  in  lii^e  to  the  support  of  Major 
General  Stuart,  on  cur  extreme  left.  Lnmediately  the  order  was 
given,  "  By  company  into  line,"  followed  by  "  Forward  into  line," 
both  of  which  mGvem'.^its  were  executed  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy, 
under  a  fire  occasioning  severe  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.  The  bri- 
gade advanced  steadily  for  two  hundred  yards  under  fire  before  the 
order  was  given  to  commence  firing.  This  order  was  then  given,  .at 
long  range  for  most  of  our  arras,  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  our 
troops  and  disconcerting  the  enemy.  The  troops,  it  h  true,  needed 
little  encouragement.  Their  officers  had  already  inspired  them  with 
enthusiasm,  and  they  continued  to  advance  with  vivacity.  The  effect 
on  the  enemy's  fire,  of  the  order  to  the  r^jgiments  of  the  brigade  that 
had  formed  in  line,  to  commence  firing,  was  distinctly  visible  in  the 
diminished  numbers  of  killed  and  wounded.  The  enemy  at  first  met 
cur  advance  by  a  corresponding  one.  Our  troops  continued  to  press 
steadily  forward,  pouring  a  deadly  fire  into  his  ranks,  and  ho,  after 
advancing  an  hundred  yards,  gave  way,  and  we  continued  to  drive 
him  from  position  to  position,  through  wood  and  field,  for  a  mile,  ex- 
pending not  less  than  forty  rounds  of  ammunition.  My  brigade  was 
thrown  farther  to  the  front  than  the  troops  on  my  right  by  about  three 
hundred  yards,  and,  for  a  time,  was  exposed  to  a  terrible  front  and 
enfilading  fire,  inflicting  great  loss. 

It  gives  me  satisfiiction  to  be  enabled  to  state  thatr  my  brigade 
fought  under  an  inspiration  of  enthusiasm  which  impelled  the  men 
forward  with  the  confidence  of  victory.  Had  it  been  possible  to  have 
strengthened  it  by  a  supporting  force  of  two  or  three  thousand  men, 
there  was  not  then,  nor  is  there  now,  a  doubt  in  my  mind  but  that  the 
enemy's  right,  though  in  vastly  superior  numbers,  would  have  been 
driven  upon  his  centre,  and  both  in  confusion  on  his  left,  utterly 
routing  him.  The  victory,  though  decisive,  would  thus  have  been 
rendered  signal,  and  the  enemy's  lines  broken  and  dispersed. 


349 

The  loss  in  W\h(\  and  wounlofl  wns,  of  tlio  fifcy-third  Groorgia  vol- 
imteers,  thirty  per  cent.,  thirty -se3  »a  I  Virginii,  forty  fiv3  p^v  cerit., 
tenth  Georgia,  fifcy-seven  per  cent.,  fifteenth  Virgini;i,  fifty-oi^Kt  per 
cent.,  detailed  statements  of  which  are  herewith  submitted.  Tiu  disi- 
parity  in  the  loss  of  some  of  the  compinies  of  tho  same  re^iin3nt  13 
very  marked.  Three  of  the  four  regimental  coTiminder-i  were 
wounded  Lieutenaot  Colonel  Slom  commanding  fifcy-third  Gr  jorgia. 
fell,  it  was  then  supposed,  mortilly  wounded,  wailo  giUautly  lr!iUa^ 
his  regiment  forward  into  line  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  brig  \de. 
The  regimental  commanders  di-^pl-yed  conspicuous  giUantry,  :in  l,by 
their  example,  inspired  their  coin  amis  with  the  confidence  of  posi- 
tive success.  Troops  never  f(.)U.;iit  more  persistently,  intelligently, 
and  with  more  valor. 

My  staff".  Lieutenant  Briggs,  ai  1-de-camp,  and  Lieutenants  Redd 
and  Cody,  volunteer  aids,  were  pr-Ment  during  the  entire  action,  and 
were  more  exposed,  if  possiblf.  than  any  of  the  troops — heiug  ofcen 
employL'd  in  bearing  orders  to  dilT'rent  parts  of  my  line,  and  to  com- 
manders of  other  troops  in  the  vicinity,  displaying  coolness  and  gal- 
lantry of  the  highest  order — and  .-.i:  escaping  untouched  except  Lieu- 
tenant R(m1(1,  who  received  a  sligUt  wound  on  the  body  fr  lui  a  spent 
bullet,  ('ailing  for  a  staff  offi  '''r  to  bear  an  order  to  tae  reg  ment,  oA 
the  left,  none  being  at  hand,  C  ipM'n  Henley,  A.  C.  S.,thircy  second 
Virginia,  who  had  been  shot  thr.nigb  the  arm,  but  refused  to  quit  the 
field,  ofifered  himself  to  becom>'  th>  bearer,  which  was  declined  on 
account,  of  his  wound  Whereupon,  stating  that  his  wound  was  -light 
and  that  he  was  not  disabled  h'  wis  allowed  to  proceed.  While 
doing  so,  he  ft-ll,  severely  wounded,  pierced  with  two  bullet  <  Tiiis  is 
only  a  prominent  example  of  nnny  acts  of  signal  daring  and  vilor 
displayed  on  that  bloody  jjnd  uieiuurable  field  by  ofii^ers  and  men  of 
all  the  regiments. 

Alter  the  enemy  was  thus  drivf-n  back  and  the  fire  of  his  small 
arms  had  for  some  time  entirely  eetsed.  the  troops,  having  b.  en  finder 
an  incessant  musketry  and  aitilleryfire  for  two  houis  an<i  twenty 
minutes,  were  so  thoroughly  exh  lu-itt'd  and  their  ammuiiif  ion  so  nearly 
expended  as  to  render  necessary  the  order  to  retire  for  the  pn  pose  of 
reforming  and  obtaining  a  fresh  supply  of  ammunition.  Ileni'ining 
myself  an  hour  longer  in  front.  v/iMi  Liinitenant  Davis  an  1  six  nwn  of 
the  tenth  (Jeorgia  volunteers,  I  thtwi  withdrew  and  repor  ed  to  Major 
General  McLaws,  who  ordered  m  \  brigade  to  be  reassembled  in 
reserve  Thirty-six  prisoners  im-lmling  a  lieutenant  c  lonel  an  1  first 
lieutenant,  were  captured  at  a  far  1  .M)use,  the  mostadv  ;n<'«i|  position 
held  by  my  brigade,  which  was  som<'  hundreds  of  yards  in  advance  of 
the  other  portions  of  our  line  of   I  aiile. 

The  repoits  of  regimental  cninif.anders  are  herewith  sfbinirtcil,  to 
which  leferenoe  is  respectfully  aske  I  for  further  details. 

Manly's  battery  was  detach  d  from  my  command  duri  l  i,c  btttle. 
Ilis  repoit  is  herewith  submitted 

1  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  sei\      f. 

.     PAUL  J.  sRSi    ^:s, 

Brigadiei   '  nncral. 


330 

Ueadqiajitkrs  Skmmcs'  Brigade,  Oct.  27,  1862. 

Major  J.  M.  GoGGiN, 

Aisistant  Adjutant  Gtncral : 

Major:  In  answer  to  the  inquiry  by  Mojor  General  Longstreet,  as 
to  the  number  of  colors  lost  by  our  troops  in  the  battles  in  Maryland, 
r  have  the  honor  to  state  tir.it  no  colors  were  lost  by  the  regiments  of 
this  brigule. 

In  tiie  battle  of  Sharpsburg  the  color  of  the  fifty-third  Georgia 
received  two  shots;  that  of  the  fifteenth  Virginia  ten,  and  the  pike 
was  once  cut  in  two,  two  color-bearers  were  wounded  and  one  ^f  thr; 
color-guard  was  killed  and  one  wounded;  the  color  of  the  thirty- 
second  Virginia  received  seventeen  shots,  and  the  pike  was  once  cut 
in  two,  and  one  of  the  color-guard  killed  ;  the  color  of  the  tentli 
Georgia  received  forty-si>;  shot;!,  and  the  pike  was  once  hit  and  twice 
cut  in  two,  one  color-bearer  and  one  of  the  color-guard  were  killed, 
and  one  color-bearer  and  one  of  the  color-guard  wounded. 

These  facts  were  not  incorporated  in  the  report  of  the  operations 
nf  this  brigade  in  the  bactle  of  Sharpsburg.  It  is,  therefor'%  respect- 
fully submitted  that  this  communication  be  regarded  as  a  supplement 
to  that  report. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

PAUL  J.  SEMMES, 

Brigadu'r  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BARKSDALE  OF  BAT- 
TLE OF  SIIARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Barksdai.e's  Bf!iG\DE,  A.  N   V.,  ) 
Camp  Lee,  October  12,  lb62.      5 

Major  J.  M.  GoGGiN  : 

A.  A.  General,  McLaws*  Division  : 

Major:  On  the  morninir  of  the  1 3th  of  September  I  marched,  at 
daylight,  to  Brownsville,  where  it  was  supposed  the  enemy  designed 
niuking  an  attack  upon  our  troops  After  I  reached  that  place,  it 
was  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  disappeared,  and  the  whole  com- 
mand was  ordered  to  rejoin  the  main  army.  We  reached  its  vicinity, 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Sharpsburg,  about  nine  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  17th.  The  battle  was  then,  and  had  been  raging  for  several 
hours.  It  is  proper  for  me  to  say  that  a  portion  of  my  men  had  fallen 
by  the  wayside  from  loss  of  sleep  and  excessive  fatigue,  having  been 
constantly  on  duty  for  five  or  six  days,  and  on  the  march  for  almost 
the  whole  of  the  two  proceeding  nights,  and  that  I  went  into  the  fight 
with  less  than  eight  hundred  men  About  tsn  o'clock  I  formed  a  line  of 
battle  in  an  open  field,  which  was  at  that  time  being  rakeil  by  a  terri- 
ble fire  of  grape  and  canister  from  the  enemy's  artillery.  Kershaw 
was  on  my  right  and  Semmes  on  my  left.  1  at  once,  in  accordance 
with  your  orders,  advanced  upon  the  enemy,  who  occupied  the  woods 
immediately  in  front,  and  from  which  they  had  just  driven  a  portion 
of  our  forces.  In  a  few  moments  I  engaged  them,  and,  after  firing 
several  volleys  into  th#r  ranks,  drove  them  through  the  woods  and 
into  an  open  field  beyond,  and  compelled  them  to  abandon  their  artil- 
lery on  the  hill.  At  this  point  I  discovered  that  a  very  !ar<re  force  of 
the  enemy  were  attempting  to  flank  me  on  the  left.  I  therefore 
ordered  the  eighteenth  and  thirteenth  to  wheel  in  that  direction,  and 
not  only  succrcded  in  cheCKing  the  movement  they  were  making,  but 
put  them  to  flight,  and  pursued  them  for  a  considerable  distance.  As 
we  advanced,  the  ground  was  covered  with  the  dead  and  wounded  of  the 
enemy.  I  di  1  not  deem  it  prudent,  however,  without  more  support, 
(0  advance  further,  and  I  therefore  ordered  these  regiments  lo  fall 
back  to  the  woods  in  front  of  my  first  position.  The  seventeenth  and 
twenty-first  pusued  the  enemy  across  the  open  field,  wheu,  perceiving 
A  very  strong  force  moving  to  the  right  and  attempting  to  flunk  them, 
and  all  of  our  forces  having  retire<l  from  that  part  of  the  field,  they 
fell  back,  under  protection  <tf  a  stone  fence,  in  good  order.  About 
two  o'clock  I  advanced  with  the  entire  brigade  and  occupied  the 
battle-ground  over  which  we  had  passed  in  the  morning,  General 
Ransom  being  on  my  right  and  General  Early  on  my  left,  and  con- 
tinued to  hold  it  until  the  night  of  the  18th,  when,  by  your  orders,  I 
joined  the  column  of  the  main  army,  when  it  retired  across  the 
J'otomac. 

To  both  officers  and  men  much  credit  is  due  for  the  courage  and 


352 

daring  they  exhibited  throughout  the  engagement.  Major  Campbell, 
cotninarnling  the  eighteenth  regiment,  was  seriously  wounded,  and 
taken  from  the  fiekl.  while  iiobly  blading  his  regiment  in  the  fight. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  McElroy,  of  the  thirteenth  regiment,  although 
wounded,  remained  in  command  of  his  regiment  until  the  battle 
ceased.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fisher,  of  the  seventeenth,  and  Captain 
Sims,  of  the  twenty-first,  were  conppicuous  for  the  coolness  and  gal- 
lantry with  which  they  handled  their  respective  commands.  To 
Colonel  Humphries,  of  the  twenty-first,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lusc, 
of  the  eighteenth,  who  reached  the  field  just  as  the  battle  was  closing, 
J  am  under  peculiar  obligations.  Their  timely  presence  not  only 
cheered  and  animated  their  own  regiment,  but  the  entire  brigadr:. 
Lieutenant  J.  A.  Barksdale,  of  my  staff,  ^w as  prompt  and  fearless  in 
the  execution  of  all  orders.  Surgeons  Austin,  of  the  thirteenth. 
Green,  of  the  seventeenth,  Gritlin,  of  the  eighteenth,  and  Ilill,  of  the 
twenty-first,  were  faithful  and  energetic  in  their  attention  to  the 
wounded. 

I  close  this  report  with  the  remark,  that  my  command  did  its  duty 
upion  the  ensanguined  field  of  Sharpsburg. 

1  am,  ytTj  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  BARKSDALE, 
Brigadier  General,  rommnnding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  KERSHAW  OF  BATTLE 
OF  SHARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Kershaw's  Brigade,  McLaws'  Division.  ? 
Near  Winchester^  Fa.,  October  9,  1862.  \ 

To  Major  James  M.  Goggin, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  : 

Major  :  In  obe'lience  to  orders  from  division  headquarters,  1  have 
the  honor  to  transmit  a  report  of  the  operations  of  my  command  at 
the  battle  of  Sharpsburg.  Owing  to  the  exigencies  of  the  service, 
luy  command  were  without  their  usual  supply  cf  subsistence  froioi 
Monday  morning,  the  13th  September,  until  the  night  of  the  !7th. 
They  were  also  under  arras  or  marching  nearly  the  whole  of  tlio 
nights  of  Monday  and  Tuesihiy.  arriving  at  Sharpsburg  at  daylight 
ou  We<lnesday  morning,  the  17th  of  September,  As  a  consequence, 
many  had  become  exhausted  and  fallen  out  on  the  wayside,  and  ail 
were  worn  and  jaded.  About  nine  o'clock,  we  were  ordered  forward! 
to  the  relief  of  General  Jackson's  forces,  then  engaged  on  the  left, 
in  the  wood  in  rear  of  the  church.  The  (jieorgia  and  Mississippi 
brigades  were  formed  in  a  ploughed  field  to  the  right  and  rear  of  the 
wood,  my  brigade  in  their  rear  in  the  same  field.  The  enemy  was 
discovered  in  the  wood  advancing  towards  its  right  face,  where  soma 
of  our  guns  had  been  abandoned  before  our  arrival.  Perceiving  thiai^ 
Major  General  McLaws  directed  me  to  occupy  that  part  of  the  wood! 
in  advance  of  them,  while  our  lines  were  being  formed.  For  this 
purpose  I  ordered  forward,  at  doable  quick.  Colonel  Kennedy's  second 
{South  Carolina  regiment,  to  march  by  a  flank  to  the  extreme  point  of" 
the  wood,  then,  by  the  front,  to  enter  it.  Before  the  head  of  the  ro- 
giment  had  reached  the  point,  and  when  entangled  in  a  rail  fence, 
the  enemy  opened  fire  upon  them  from  a  point  net  more  than  sixty 
yards  distant.  They  promptly  faced  to  the  front  and  returned  the 
fire  5:0  ripidly  as  to  drive  the  enemy  almost  immediately.  At  the 
eaxe  time  the  brigades  of  Cobb  and  Baiksdale  (now  on  their  left)  ad- 
vanced to  their  support.  I  then  hurried  up  my  three  remaining  regi- 
ments, (t];c  eighth.  Lieutenant  Colonel  lloole ;  sevcnih,  Colonel 
Aiken,  and  third,  Colontd  Nance,)  and  conducted  them  to  the  right  of 
Colonel  Kennedy,  who,  by  this  time,  had  advanced  beyond  the  wood 
and  to  the  left  of  the  church,  driving  the  enemy,  I  then  ordered 
Read's  battery  to  a  position  on  the  hill  to  the  right  of  the  wood,  and 
Bent  in  Colonel  Manning,  who  reported  to  me  on  the  field  with  Walk- 
er's brigade,  to  the  right  of  my  brigade.  Our  troops  made  const-.infc 
progress,  for  some  time,  along  the  whole  line,  driving  in  column  after 
column  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Aiken's  regiment  approached  withia 
thirty  yar^s  of  one  of  the  batteries,  driving  the  men  from  the  g»n(», 
»nd  only  g;lve  way  when  enfiladed  by  a  new  battery,  placed  in  pcsi- 
tion  near  them,  leaving  Major  White  dead,  and  one-half  their  m.^,Q 
killed  or  wounded  upon  the  field.  Abut  this  time  the  enemy  \v»9 
23 


354 

heavily  reinforced  and  our  line  fell  back  to  the  wood,  which  was  never 
afterwards  taken  from  us.  Read's  battery,  having  suffered  greatly  in 
the  loss  of  men  and  horses,  was  withdrawn,  by  my  order,  when  the 
infantry  fell  back.  The  lines  were  reorganized  behind  the  fences, 
near  where  they  entered  the  fight,  and  their  exhausted  cartridge 
boxes  replenished.  J^ater  in  the  day  we  moved  to  the  left  of  General 
Early's  command,  which  occupied  the  wood  to  the  left  of  the  church, 
where  we  remained  until  ordered  to  move  across  the  river,  on  Thurs- 
day ni'^ht,  the  ISth  of  September.  I  deem  it  proper  to  state  that  I 
left  two  companies  on  picket,  in  front  of  our  lines,  when  we  marched, 
under  command  of  Captain  Nance,  of  the  third  regiment,  with  in- 
■jtructions  to  remain  until  relieved  by  the  cavalry.  After  daylight, 
next  morning,  Captain  Nance,  not  having  been  relieved,  perceived 
the  enemy  advancing  in  line  of  battle,  and  brought  off  his  men  in 
safety  and  good  order,  passing  the  cavalry  pickets  some  distance  in 
Lis  rear. 

I  cannot  too  highly  commend  to  your  notice  the  gallant  conduct  of 
the  troops  of  my  command.  The  eighth  regiment  carried  in  but  forty- 
live  men,  rank  and  file,  and  lost  twenty-three  officers  and  men.  The 
second  regiment  were  the  first  to  attack  and  drive  the  enemy.  Col- 
onel Kennedy  was  painfully  wounded  in  the  first  charge  and  was  sent, 
by  myself,  from  the  field.  After  our  lines  were  first  driven  back, 
under  command  of  Major  Gaillard,  they  rallied  and  broke  a  fresh  line, 
of  battle  that  attempted  to  follow  them.  Tha  third  regiment,  led  by 
its  efficient  commander,  twice  changed  front  on  the  field,  in  magnifi- 
cent order,  and,  after  twice  driving  the  enemy,  retired  with  the  pre- 
cicion  of  troops  on  review.  The  seventh,  led  by  Colonel  Aiken, 
trailed  their  progress  to  the  cannon's  mouth  with  the  blood  of  their 
bravest,  and,  when  borne  back  by  resistless  force,  rallied  the  remnant 
left  under  command  of  Captain  John  S.  Hard,  the  senior  surviving 
officer.  Colonel  Aiken  was  most  dangerously  wounded.  Every  officer 
and  man  in  the  color  company  was  either  killed  or  wounded,  and  their 
total  loss  one  hundred  and  forty,  out  of  two  hundred  and  sixty-eight 
men  carried  in.  The  colors  of  this  regiment,  shot  from  the  staff, 
formed  the  winding-sheet  of  the  last  man  of  the  color  company,  at 
the  extreme  point  reached  by  our  troops  that  day.  Major  White, 
v?ho8e  death  we  lament,  was  a  most  gallant  and  accomplished  officer, 
of  elevated  character  and  noble  principles.  No  braver  or  better  sol- 
dier survives  him.  Ptcad's  battery  performed  the  most  important  ser- 
vice in  a  position  of  great  danger.  Second  Lieutenant  J.  D.  Parkman 
•was  killed  on  the  field,  gallantly  discharging  his  duty.  One  gun  was 
disabled  and  abandoned,  and  so  many  horses  as  to  render  it  necessary 
to  bring  off  their  pieces  severally.  The  acts  of  individual  heroism 
performed  on  this  memorable  day  are  so  numerous  that  regimental 
commanders  have  not  attempted  to  particularize  them,  I  am,  as 
nsual,  greatly  indebted  to  Captain  Holmes,  A.  A.  G.,  and  Lieutenant 
Doby,  A.  D.  C,  of  my  staff,  for  intelligent  and  efficient  assistance  in 
carrying  orders  to  all  parts  of  the  field.  They  were  everywhere,  ex- 
posed, with  characteristic  courage.  Privates  Baroa  and  Deas,  order- 
lies, were  also  with  me  in  the  field,  bearing  thsmselvea  with  courage 


ioo 


and  mtelligence.     The  latter  had  his  horse  shot  in  three  places. 
hare  already  transmitted  a  statement  of  our  losses. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  KERSHAW, 
♦  Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WOFFORD,  COMMANDING  TEXAS 
BRIGADE,  OF  BATTLE  OF  SliARPSBUUG. 

Headquarters  Texas  Brigade,  September  29,  1S62.    » 

Captain  W.  II.  Sellers, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  performed  by  this  ccm- 
irarid  in  the  engagrments  on  the  evening  of  the  i6th  and  throughout 
the  d:iy  of  the  17th  instant,  at  Sharpsburg,  Maryhuid.  Without 
referring  to  the  various  positions  which  we  occupied  after  halting  on 
the  fit'l(i,  on  the  morning  of  the  15th  instant,  our  division  being  in 
rear  of  the  army  from  Boonsboro*  mountain,  this  brigade  was  moved 
from  in  front  of  Sharpsburg,  on  the  evening  of  the  loth,  to  the  right 
and  in  front  of  Mumma  church  ;  this  being  the  left  of  our  line,  and 
•where  the  main  and  most  of  the  fighting  had  talcen  place  on  the  1 7th 
instant.  While  we  were  moving  to  this  position,  the  enemy  opened 
a  heavy  fire  iM^n  us  from  their  long-range  guns,  which  was  continued 
after  we  wer^wn  position,  and  resulted  in  the  wounding  ol  one  lieu- 
tenant and  one  soldier  in  the  fourth  Texas  regiment.  Vv'^e  remained 
in  this  position  the  balance  of  the  day  and  night  of  the  15th,  and 
until  late  in  the  evening  of  the  16th,  when  we  were  ordered  by  Gen- 
eral Hood  to  move  by  the  left  flank,  through  the  open  field  in  front  of 
the  church,  and  to  its  left,  about  seven  hundred  yards,  to  meet  the 
enemy,  who,  it  was  then  ascertained,  had  commenced  to  cross  An- 
tietam  creek  to  our  left.  AVe  there  formed  line  of  battle,  ard  moved 
up  to  a  corn-field  in  our  front,  and  awaited  the  advance  of  the  enemy, 
who  had  by  this  time  opened  uj^on  us  a,  brisk  fire  of  shot  and  shell 
from  some  pieces  of  artillery  which  they  had  placed  in  position  imme- 
diiitel}-  in  our  front,  and  to  the  left  of  our  lines,  wounding  one  officer 
and  some  dozen  m.eUi  I  feel  it  due  to  truth  to  state  that  the  enemy 
were  informed  of  oui  position  hy  the  firing  of  a  half  a  dozen  .^liota 
from  a  little  battery  of  outs  on  the  left  of  the  brigade,  wliich  hastily 
beat  a  retreat  as  so(  n  as  their  guns  opened  upon  us.  While  our  line 
of  ba'tle  rested  upon  the  corn-field,  Captain  1'urner,  comtn.indiDg  the 
fifth  Texas,  which  was  on  our  right,  had  been  mbvert  forward  into 
seme  vro'ids,  where  he  met  a  part  of  ovv  skirmishers,  driven  in  by  the 
enemy,  whom  he  engaged,  and  filially  drove  l)ack,  with  the  loss  of  one 
man  Our  skirmishtrs.  consisting  of  one  bundled  men,  under  the 
^command  of  Captain  Martin,  of  the  fourth  Texas,  who  had  been 
moved  into  the  woods  in  front  and  to  the  left  of  the  fifth  Texas,  were 
iiotly  engaged  with  the  enemy,  but  held  their  ground  until  they  had 
expended  all  their  cartrid^-es,  and  then  fell  into  our  lit>e  of  battle 
«bout  nine  o'clock  at  night;  about  which  time  we  were  relieved  by 
General  Lawton's  brigade  and  were  withdrawn  from  ihe  field  to  the 
woods  in  rear  of  Mumma  church,  for  the  purpose  of  cooking  rations, 
our  men  not  having  recfived  any  regular  allowance  in  three  days.  It 
was  now  evident  that  the  enemy  hud  effected  a  crossing  entirely  to 


857 

our  left,  antl  that  he  would  make  the  attack  on  that  wing  early  in  the 
morning,  moving  his  forces  over  and  placing  them  in  position  during 
the  night. 

At  three  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  picket  firing  was 
very  heavy,  and  at  daylight  the  battle  was  opened.  Our  brigide  wa3 
moved  forward  at  sunrise  to  the  support  of  General  Lawton,  whi)  had 
relieved  us  the  night  before.  Moving  forward  in  line  of  battle  in  the 
regular  order  of  rcgiincnts,  the  brigade  proceeded  through  the  woods 
into  the  open  field  towai-ds  the  corn-field,  where  the  left  encountered 
the  first  line  of  the  enemy.  Seeing  the  Hampton  legion  an  1  eigh- 
teenth Georgia  moving  slowly  forward,  but  rapidly  firing,  I  rode 
hastily  to  them,  urging  thorn  forward,  when  I  saw  two  full  regiments, 
one  in  their  front  and  the  other  partly  to  their  left.  Perceiving  at 
once  that  they  were  in  danger  of  being  cut  off,  I  ordered  the  first 
Texas  to  move  by  the  left  flank  to  their  relief,  which  they  did  in  a 
rapid  and  gallant  manner.  By  this  time,  the  enemy  on  our  left  hav- 
ing ccmuienced  falling  back,  the  first  Texas  pressed  them  rapi^lly  to 
their  guns,  wbioh  now  poured  into  them  a  fire  on  their  right  flink, 
centre  and  left  flank,  from  three  diilorent  batteries,  before  which  their 
well  formed  line  was  cut  down  and  scattered,  being  two  hundred  yards 
in  front  of  our  line,  their  situation  was  most  critical.  Riding  back 
to  the  left  of  our  line,  I  found  the  fragment  of  the  eighteenth  Georgia 
regiment  in  front  of  the  extreme  right  battery  of  the  enemy,  locited 
on  the  pike  running  by  the  church,  which  now  opened  upon  our 
thinnel  ranks  a  most  destructive  fire;  the  men  and  officers  were  giU 
lantly  shooting  down  the  gunners,  and  for  a  moment  silenced  them. 
At  this  time  the  enemy's  fire  was  most  terrific,  their  first  line  of  in- 
fantry having  been  driven  back  to  their  guns,  which  now  opened  a 
furious  fire,  together  with  their  second  line  of  infantry,  uptm  our 
thinned  and  almost  annihilated  ranks.  By  this  time,  our  brigade 
having  suffered  so  greatly  that  I  was  satisfied  they  could  neither  ad- 
vance or  hold  their  position  much  longer  without  reinforcements, 
riding  back,  to  make  known  to  General  Hood  our  condition,  I  met 
with  you,  to  whom  I  imparted  this  information.  By  this  time  our 
lino  commenced  giving  way,  when  1  ordered  them  back,  under  cover 
of  the  woods,  to  the  left  of  the  church,  where  we  halted  and  waited  for 
support.  None  arriving,  after  some  time,  the  enemy  commenced 
advancing  in  full  force.  Seeing  the  hopelessness  and  folly  of  making 
a  stand  with  our  shattered  brigade,  and  a  remnant  from  other  com- 
mands, the  men  being  greatly  exhausted,  and  many  of  them  out  of 
ammunition,  I  determined  to  fall  back  to  a  fence  in  our  rear,  where 
we  met  the  long-looked  for  reinforcements,  and  at  the  same  time 
received  an  order  from  General  Hood  to  fall  back  further  to  the  rear, 
to  rest  and  collect  our  men.  After  resting  a  short  time,  we  were 
moved  back  to  the  woods  in  rear  of  the  church,  from  where  we  ad- 
vanced to  the  fight  In  the  morning,  which  position  we  held  until  late 
in  the  evening,  when  we  were  moved,  by  the  right  flank,  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Sharpsburg,  to  a  place  near  the  centre  of  our  line,  where  we 
remained  during  that  night  and  next  day,  and  until  the  recrossing  of 
the  Potomac  by  our  army  was  ordered.     During  the  engagement  of 


558 

ihe  brigade,  on  the  17th  instant,  I  was  drawn  to  the  left  of  our  line, 
as  it  first  engaged  the  enemy,  who  had  succeeded  in  flanking  us  on  the 
left,  and,  to  escape  from  being  surrounded,  changed  the  direction  to 
left  oblique,  thus  causing  large  intervals  between  the  regiments  on 
the  left  and  right  of  the  line.  The  fifth  Texas,  under  the  command 
of  Captain  Turner,  moved  with  spirit  across  the  field,  and  occu- 
pied the  woods  on  our  right,  where  it  met  the  enemy  and  drove  them 
and  held  them  back  until  their  ammunition  was  exhausted,  and  then 
fell  back  to  the  woods',  with  the  balance  of  the  brigade.  The  fourth 
Texas  regiment,  which  in  our  line  of  battle  was  between  the  fifth  and 
first  Texas,  was  moved  by  General  Hood  to  the  extreme  left  of  our 
line  on  the  pike  road,  covering  our  flank  by  holding  the  enemy  in 
check.  This  brigade  went  into  the  action  numbering  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-four,  and  lost,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  five  hundred 
and  sixty — over  one-half. 

We  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  Majors  Dale,  of  the  first  Texas,  and 
Dingle,  of  Hampton's  legion,  two  gallant  officers,  who  fell  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight.  Also  Captains  Tompkins  and  Smith,  and 
Lieutenant  Exum,  of  Hampton's  legion  ;  Lieutenants  Underwood  and 
Cleaveland,  of  the  eighteenth  Georgia;  Lieutenants  Huffrr an,  Rus- 
sell, Waterhouse,  Patton  and  Thompson,  of  the  first  Texas.  These 
brave  officers  all  fell  while  gallantly  leading  their  small  bands  on  an 
enemy  five  times  their  number.  They  deserved  a  better  fiite  than  to 
have  been,  as  they  were,  sacrificed  for  the  want  of  proper  support. 
The  enemy,  besides  being  permitted  to  cross  the  creek  wit^  scarcely 
any  resistance  to  our  left,  were  allowed  to  place  their  artillery  in  po- 
sition during  the  night,  not  only  without  annoyance,  but  without  our 
knowledge.- 

"Without  specially  naming  the  officers  and  men,  who  stood  firmly  at 
their  post  during  the  whole  of  this  terrible  conflict,  I  feel  pleased  to 
bear  testimony,  with  few  exceptions,  to  the  gallantry  of  the  whole 
brigade.  They  fought  desperately ;  their  conduct  was  never  sur- 
passed. Fragments  of  regiments  as  they  were,  they  moved  boldly 
tipon  and  drove  before  them  the  crowded  lines  of  the  enemy  up  to 
their  cannon's  mouth,  and,  with  a  heroism  unsurpassed,  fired  upon 
their  gunners,  desperately  struggling  before  yielding,  which  they 
had  never  been  forced  to  do  before. 

I  herewith  transmit  the  reports  of  Captain  Turner,  commanding  the 
fifth  Texas  regiment;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Carter,  commanding  the 
fourth  Texas;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Work,  commanding  the  first  Texas; 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Rufi",  commanding  the  eighteenth  Georgia,  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Gary,  commanding  Hampton's  legion. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

W.  S.  WOFFORD, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 


REPOUT  OF  COLONEL  STAFFORD,  COMMANDING  SECOND 
LOUISIANA  BRIGADE. 

Headquarters  Ninth  Regiment  Louisiana  Volunteers,  ) 
Camp  near  Fort  lioijal,    Va.,  January  21,    1863.       > 

Brigadier  General  William  B.  Taliaferro, 

Commanding  Jackson''s  Division  : 

General  :  I  have  the  honor,  herewith,  to  submit  the  following 
report.  The  brigade,  consisting  of  the  first,  second,  ninth,  tenth, 
fifteenth,  and  Coppena'  battalion  Louisiana  volunteers,  reported  near 
Gordonsville,  on  or  about  the  12th  August,  1S62,  and  was  assigned 
to  duty  in  the  division  of  Major  General  T.  J.  Jackson.  Being  the 
senior  colonel  in  the  brigade,  the  command  devolved  upon  me.  I  had 
command  but  one  week,  when  Brigadier  General  W.  E.  Starke  re- 
ported for  duty  and  took  command.  Shortly  after  Brigadier  General 
Starke's  arrival,  we  took  up  the  line  of  march  and  continued  it  untTl 
we  reached  the  ford  on  the  Rappahannock,  near  Brandy  Station,  on 
■or  about  the  2 1st  August,  at  which  period  we  found  the  enemy 
strongly  posted  on  the  opposite  bank.  On  the  morning  of  the  22nd 
we  resumed  the  march,  and  crossed  the  Rappahannock  at  Major's 
mill,  on  Hazel  fork,  on  the  25th  ;  passed  through  Thoroughfare  Gap 
on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  and  reached  Manassas  the  same  day. 
That  night  we  fell  back,  and  took  position  near  the  little  farm  called 
Groveton.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  28th,  the  enemy  appearing  in 
sight,  we  formed  our  line  of  battle  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  overlooking 
Groveton,  and  awaited  his  attack.  The  battle  commenced  at  five 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  lasted  until  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  resulting  in  the 
repulse  of  the  enemy,  we  holding  the  battle-ground.  In  this  engage- 
ment, the  Brigadier  General  commanding  the  division  receiving  a 
severe  wound,  the  command  of  the  division  devolved  upon  Brigadier 
General  W.  E.  Starke,  and  the  command  of  the  brigade  fell  upon  me. 
On  the  morning  of  the  2yth,  being  in  reserve,  we  were  not  thrown 
forward  until  about  twelve  o'clock,  at  which  time  we  received  an  order 
to  charge.  Driving  the  enemy  befOre  us,  Ave  .again  fell  back  to  our 
position,  remaining  in  it  during  the  night.  On  the  morning  of  the 
3Uth,  Brigadier  General  W.  E.  Starke  ordered  me  to  send  half  of  one 
of  my  regiments  forward  and  occupy  the  railroad  cut  as  a  point  of 
observation,  to  be  held  at  all  hazards.  About  eight  o'clock,  in  the 
morning,  the  enemy  commenced  throwing  forward  large  bodies  ot 
skirmishers  into  the  woods  on  our  left,  who  quickly  formed  themselves 
into  regiments  and  moved  forward  by  brigade  to  the  attack,  and  mass- 
ing a  large  body  of  troops  at  this  point,  with  the  evident  design  of 
forcing  us  from  our  position.  They  made  repeated  charges  on  U3 
while  in  this  position,  but  were  compelled  to  retire  in  confusion,  sus- 
taining heavy  loss  and  gaining  nothing.  It  was  at  this  point  that  the 
ammunition  of  the  brigade  gave  out;  the  men  procured  some  from, 
the  dead  bodies  of  their  comrades,  but  the  supply  was  not  sufficient, 


360 

snfl.  in  the  absence  of  ammunition,  the  men   fought  with  rocks  and 

fc;-ld  their  position.  The  enemy  retreated,  and  we  pressed  forward  to 
the  turnpike  road,  there  halt:d  and  camped  for  the  ni^ht  On  the 
Sl6t  we  took  up  the  line  of  march,  and,  on  the  1st  of  St'ptemher,  at 
Chantillj,  we  again  met  the  enemy  and  repulsed  them.  We  resumed 
our  line  of  march  ;  passed  through  Dranesville  and  Lees^urg; 
crossed  the  Fotomac  on  the  5th  September,  passed  through  Frcdt-rick 
City,  Maryland,  and  camped  two  miles  beyond.  Recrossod  the  Poto- 
mac on  the  I  1th  of  September  at  Williamsport,  passed  through  Mar- 
tins^»urg,  thence  to  Harper's  Ferry,  and  took  part  in  the  reduction  of 
thit  place.  Crossed  the  Potomac  at  Shcpherdstown  on  the  IGth  of 
September,  and  the  same  evening  formed  line  of  battle,  slept  on  our 
ar'">-.=s  and  in  positi/m,  near  Sharpsburg,  Maryland.  Early  on  the 
Euorning  of  the  17th  the  engagement  became  general,  continuing 
throughout  the  day,  the  brigade  sustaining  its  part.  It  was  in  this 
battle  that  Brigadier  General  W.  E  Starke  fell,  while  gallantly  lead- 
ing his  command.  Remained  in  line  of  battle  all  night  of  the  ITth  ; 
remained  in  position  on  the  day  of  the  18th;  recrossed  the  Potomac, 
cear  Shcpherdstown,  on  the  morning  of  the  I9th;  held  in  reserve  on 
flie  20th  ;  went  in^o  camp,  near  Martinsbuig,  on  the  2lHt;  rem^uned 
ill  camp  until  the  28th,  and  moved  to  Bunker  Hill  on  or  about  the 
6th  of  October.  My  command,  the  ninth  regiment  Louisiana  volun- 
teers, was  transferred  from  Starke's  brigade  to  that  commanded  by 
Biigadier  General  Harry  T.  Hn^'S.  No  report  of  casualtios  has  been 
received  from  Coppen's  battalion,  Captain  Raine's  and  Captain 
Brookenbrough's  batteries.  Enclosetl  find  list  of  casualties  of  tho 
first,  Eecond,  ninth,  tenth  and  fifteenth  regiments  Louisiana  voluu- 
tei-TS. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

L.   A.  STAFFORD, 
Colonel  commanding  B/igcde. 


IIEPORT    OF     COLONEL     MoRAE,     COMMANDING     GAR- 
LAND'S BRIGADE,  OF  BATTLE  OF  SlIARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Garland's  Briga^je,  Oct.  20,  1SG2. 

Major:  I  submit  the  following  report  of  the  action  of  the  brigade 
in  the  battle  of  17th  September,  near  Sharpsburg  : 

The  brigade  was  moved  from  its  position  on  the  Ilagerstowu  road 
10  the  support  of  Colquitt's,^ which  was  then  about  engaging  the 
■enemy  on  c  ur  left  and  front.  This  was  about  ten  o'clock.  We  moved 
hy  the  left  flank  until  we  reached  a  point  near  the  woods  ;  where  line 
of  battle  was  formed  and  ihetadvance  begun.  Somo.confusion  ensued 
from  conflicting  orders.  When  the  biigade  crossed  the  fence  it  was 
halted  and  formed  and  again  advanced.  Coming  in  sight  of  the  enemy, 
the  firing  was  commenced  steadily,  with  good  will  and  from  an  excel- 
lent position.  But,  unaccountably  to  me,  an  order  was  given  lo  cease 
Sring,  that  General  Ripley's  brigade  was  in  front.  This  produced 
great  confusion,  and,  in  the  midst  of  it,  a  force  of  the  enemy  app'ear- 
ing  on  the  right,  it  commenced  to  broak  and  a  general  panic  ensued. 
Is  was  in  vain  that  the  field  and  most  of  th<?  compan}-  officers  exerted 
themselves  to  allay  it.  The  troops  left  the  field  in  confusion,  the 
field  oflicers,  company  officers  and  my-'clf  bringing  up  therciir.  Sub- 
sequently several  port'ions  of  the  brigade,,  under  Colonel  Iverson, 
Captain  Garnett  and  others,  were  rallied  md  brought  into  action, 
rendering  useful  service.  I  refer  to  their  general  reports  for  this 
conduct. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

D.  F.   McRAE, 
Col&iiel  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  PENDLETON.  COMMANDIN<; 
STARKE'S  BRIGADE,  OF  OPERATIONS  IN  MARli:- 
LAND. 

Headquarters  Starke's  Brigade,       } 
Camp  near  Mcrtinshurg,  October  20,  1862.  i 

Lieutenant  Mann  Page, 

A.  A.  A.  General  First  Division,  Jackson's  Corps  : 

■  Lieutenant:  In  obedience  to  the  order  of  Lieutenant  General 
Jackson,  requiring  of  brigade  commanders  reports  of  the  participa- 
tion of  tfieir  commands  in  the  late  engagements  with  the  enemy,  I 
have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  statement  of  the  part  tak(?u 
by  this  brigade  in  the  capture  of  Harper's  Ferry  and  the  immediate 
following  battle  of  Sharpsburg,  Maryland: 

Having  marched  from^Martinsburg  about  dawn  on  the  morning  of 
the  13th  September,  we  reached  the  vicinity  of  Bolivar  Heights, 
where  the  enemy  was  strongly  entrenched,  shortly  after  noon  on  the 
same  day  and  bivouacked  ou  the  Charlestown  road,  just  beyond  the 
range  of  his  guns,  until  two  o'clock  the  next  day.  At  that  hour  we 
were  ordered  to  move  by  an  unfrequentented  road,  to  our  left  and 
almost  at  right  angles  Avith  the  Charlestown  road,  to  a  position  nearer 
the  Potomac,  supporting  the  Baltimore  battery  of  light  artillery,  com- 
manded by  Captain  Brockenbrough  and  attached  to  this  brigade, 
which  opened  upon  the  enemy  and  continued  its  fire  until  dark,  the 
enemy  responding,  but  without  damage  to  us.  At  8  o'clock,  P.  M., 
■when  darkness  entirely  concealed  the  movement,  we  were  ordered  -to 
move  forward  in  close  proximity  to  the  Potomac  and  within  close 
range  of  the  enemy's  artillery;  in  obedience  to  which  order,  we 
silently  occupied  a  wooded  ridge  overlooking  the  river  and  along  the 
crest  of  which  a  road  leads  directly  to  the  enemy's  fortified  position. 
The  brigade  being  formed  in  line  across  and  at  right  angles  with  the 
course  of  the  ridge,  we  lay  upon  our  arms  till  nearly  daylight — the 
quietude  of  the  night  being  unbroken  save  by  a  sharp  musketry  tire  of  a 
few  minutos  duration  in  front  of  our  right  and  a  few  hundred  yards  dis- 
tant, which  proved  to  have  occurrc<l  between  two  regiments  of  the 
enemy  on  picket  duty,  who  had  mutually  mistaken  each  other  for  foes. 
Shortly  before  dawn  we  resumed  our  position  of  the  evening  before, 
again  supporting  the  Baltimore  battery,  which  reopened  its  fire  and 
delivered  a  few  telling  shots,  some  of  them,  I  regret  to  say,  after  the 
besieged  hoisted  the  Avhite  ilag.  It  is  but  justice,  however,  to  add 
that  from  the  position  we  occupied  the  flag  was  imperceptible,  nor 
■were  we  aware  of  the  surrender  until  a  message  was  received  from 
the  Major  General  commanding  directing  a  cessation  of  the  fire. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  be  able  to  say  that  not  a  single  casualty  of 
any  kind  is  to  be  reported  in  this  brigade  on  that  occasion,  although 
the  result  was  so  glorious  to  our  arms. 


363 
Battle  of   Sharpsburg. 

Having  previously  cooked  two  days'  rations,  we  left  our  bivouac, 
near  Bol;var  Heights,  on  Tuesday,  the  16th  September,  at  two  and-a- 
half  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  took  up  the  line  of  march  by  way  of  Shep- 
herdslown,  again  crossed  the  Potomac,  and  baited  about  noon  in  the 
vicinity  and  to  the  southwest  of  the  town  of  Sharpsburg,  Md.,  where 
we  rested  in  line  of  battle  till  near  sunset,  at  which  time  we  resumed 
our  line  of  march,  and  moved  forward  about  a  mile  to  take  the  position 
assigned  to  us  on  the  extreme  left,  preparatory  to  the  anticipated 
combat  of  the  next  morning.  In  doing  so  we  encountered  the  shells 
from  three  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  had  the  misfortune,  about 
dark,  to  lose  several  of  our  number,  amongst  whom  was  the  gallant 
young  Gordon,  lieutenant  in  the  ninth  Louisiana  regiment,  and  acting 
as?sistant  adjutant  general  of  the  brigade,  who  was  killed  by  a  shell, 
which  cut  off  both  his  legs  at  the  thigh. 

Under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Starke,  who  remained  with 
us  constantly,  we  lay  upon  our  arms  all  night,  throwing  out  a  line  of 
skirmishers  in  front  and  to  the  left.       During   the  early  part  of  the 
night  we  were  much  disturbed  by   several  of  the  enemy's    batteries, 
which,  crossing  their  fire,  cut  the  tree  tops  over  our  heads,  and  our 
rest  was  broken  at  intervals  during  the  whole  night  by  occasional  and 
spirited  firing  between  the  skirmishers.    Atthebreakof  day  on  the  17th, 
the  artillery  reopened,  and  the  rapidly  increasing  rattle  of  musketry 
notified  us  of  the  commencement  of  the  general  engagement  with  a  foe 
vastly  superior  to  us  in   numbers   and   confident  of  an    easy  victory. 
Our  men,  although  much  worn  down  with  long  and  rapid  marches  and 
but  recently  from  the  bloody  field  of  Manassas,  were  again  ready  to 
meet  our  boastful  enemy  with  undaunted  front,   and   when,  at  seven 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  order  "forward"  was  given,  it  was  heard  with 
enthusiasm  and  obeyed  with  alacrity  from  one  end  of  the  brigade  to 
the  other.     We  had  scarcely  emerged  from  the   woods   in   which   we 
had  rested  during  the  night,  when   we   found  ourselves  face  to  face 
with  the  enemy,  heavily  massed  and  within  close  musket  range.     Still, 
we  charged  forward  in  the  face  of  a  murderous  fire,   which  thinned 
our  ranks  at  every  step,  until  our  p.rogress  was  arrested  by  a  lane,  on 
Cither  side  of  which  was  a  high   staked   fence,    stretching   along  our  ' 
whole  front,  to  pass  Avhich,  ur.der  the  circumstances,  was  an  impossi- 
bility.    The  men,  being  formed  along  this  fence,  kept  up  an  accurate 
and  well  sustained  fire,   which   visibly  told   upon  the  enemy's  ranks, 
and  although  we  suffered  greatly  as  well  from   musketry  in  front  as 
from  a  battery  on  our  left,  which  enfiladed  us  with  grape  and  canister, 
still  not  a  man  was  seen  to  flinch  from  the  conflict.     By  some  mistake 
or  misapprehension,  the  troops  which  were  intended,  as  I  have  since 
been  informed,  to  support  us  on  the  left,  failed  to  get  in  position  as  early 
as  was  expected,  and,  our  left  being  unprotected,  we  were  about  to  be 
outflanked,  when  the  order  to  retire  was  given  and  obeyed — the  men 
withdrawing  in  tolerable  order  and  fighting  as  they  fell  back.     It  was 
in  this   early  part  of  the  engagement  that  our  brave  and  chivalric 
leader,  Brigadier  General  William  E.  Starke,  loved  and  honored  by 


364 

every  man  under  his  command,  fell,  pierced  by  three  minio  balls, 
and  was  carried  from  the  field  in  a  dying  condition,  survi\ing  his 
•rounds  but  an  hour. 

The  enemy,  flushed  with  their  supposed  success  in  the  first  onset, 
rent  the  air  with  shouts  and  pressed  upon  us  with  redoubled  energy. 
Their  exultation,  however,  was  but  short-lived.  The  comuiand  of  the 
brigade  having  devolved  upon  Colonel  L.  A.  Stafford,  of  (he  ninth 
Louisiana,  he  lost  no  time  in  reforming  our  somewhat  disordered  line, 
"^hen,  other  troops  coming  to  our  support,  we  gathered  our  strength 
for  a  fret-h  charge  upon  the  rapidly  advancing  and  exulting  foe,  and, 
with  a  determination  to  win  or  die,  hurled  ourselves  against  his  lines 
with  an  impetus  which  first  staggered,  then  drove  him  (Iving  from  the 
field,  and  leaving  behind  him  hundreds  of  his  dead  and  wounded. 
The  enemy  being  thus  completely  repulsed  on  his  right,  difl  not  again 
oSsT  to  renew  the  combat  on  thai,  portion  of  his  lines  during  the  day. 
Later  in  the  day  the  brigade  was  again  called  out  to  support  a  bat- 
tery, when,  in  consequence  of  a  severe  contusion  of  the  foot  received 
l>y  Colonel  .Stafford  early  in  the  action,  which  prevented  his  taking  the 
field,  the  command  devolved  upon  the  undersigned.  Those  who  had 
oassed  unharmed  through  the  severe  conflict  of  the  morning  evinced 
•jkgain  their  readiness  to  meet  the  foe  by  promptly  taking  the  field, 
though  they  were  not  again  called  upon  to  fire  a  gun. 

I  beg  leave  to  speak  in  the  highest  terras  of  the  gali.vntry  and  fear- 
lessness displayed  by  Colonel  L.  A.  Stafford,  of  the  ninth  Louisiana 
regiment,  who  commanded  the  brigade  in  the  morning.  Colonel  J. 
M.  Williams,  commanding  the  second  Louisiana  regiment,  was  severely 
^.Tounded  by  a  minie  ball,  which  passed  through  his  chest,  whilst  gal- 
i.antly  leading  his  regiment  in  the  first  charge.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
M.  ]S[olan,  of  the  first  Louisiana,  painfully  wounded  in  the  leg, 
remained  at  his  post  during  the  fight,  commanding  his  regiment  with 
coolness  and  bravery.  The  tenth  Louisiana  was  commanded  in  the 
■^engagement  by  Captain  Henry  D.  Morrill,  who  faithfully  discharged 
r.he  duty  devolved  upon  him.  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  that  not  a  single 
deld  officer  in  the  brigade,  who  v.'as  on  duty  on  that  day,  escaped 
lantouehed.  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  escape  with  only  a  slight  contusion 
<>f  the  ankle  from  a  spherical  case  shot  which  passed  between  my  feet. 
When  all  did  Lheir  duty  so  heroically,  it  would  seem  almost  invidious  to 
rjQention  particular  names ;  but,  on  some  other  occasion  which  shall  seem 
opportune,  it  will  give  rae  pleasure  to  mention  the  names  of  those 
oUicers  who  merit  special  notice.  A  list  of  the  casualties  in  the  dif- 
ferent regiments  composing  this  brigade  has  been  heretofore  fur- 
nished. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

EDMOND  PENDLETON, 
Colonel  Fifteenth  Louisiana  Regiment,  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALTON  OF  BATTLE  OF  RAPPA- 
HANNOCK STATION. 

IIf.adquakters  Artillery  Corps.  Right  Wing,  ) 
Department  Northern    Virginia,  August  25,    186^.       ] 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  obedience  to  an  order 
received  from  I^Lijor  General  Longstreet,  on  .the  evening  of  the  22nd 
instant,  accompaiiiod  by  jNIajor  J.  J.  Garnett,  chief  of  artillery  on  the 
staff  of  Brigidier  (xeneral  D.  R.  JonCvS,  and  Captain  C.  W.  Squiers^ 
comnanding  the  first  company  of  Washington  artillery,  I  made  a 
reconnoissaiice  of  the  position  of  the  enemy  in  the  vicinity  of 
Beverly's  ford  and  Rappahannock  Station,  on  the  Happahannocl: 
river,  with  the  vii^w,  as  instructed,  to  place  the  long-range  guna 
under  my  command  in  position  to  open  upon  the  enemy's  batteries 
early  on  the  following  morning. 

Having,  daring  the  night,  made  all  necessary  preparation,  at  day- 
break,  on  the  morning  of  the  2.'ird,  I  placed  in  position  on  the  left,  at, 
lieverly's  ford.  Captain  Miller's  battery,  Washington  ariillery,  four 
light  twelve-pounder  Napoleon  guns  ;  a  section  of  two  ten-pounder 
Parrott  guns,  under  Captain  Rogers,  and  one  ten-pounder  Parrott 
gun,  under  Captain  Anderson;  and  en  the  bill  in  front  of  Genera! 
D.  R.  Jones'  headquarters,  on  the  right,  Captain  S(|uier!?'  battery 
Washington  artillery,  four  three-inch  ritles  ;  Captain  Stribling's  bat- 
tery, one  three-inch  rifle  and  three  lighc  twelve  pounder  Napoleon 
guns;  a  section  of  Captain  Chapman's  battery,  one  three-inch  riflo 
and  one  light  twelve-pounder  Napoleon  gun,  under  Lieutenant 
Chapman;  and  two  Blakely  guns  of  Captain  Maurin's  battery,  under 
Lieutenant  Landry.  The  heavy  fog  prevailing  ob.^cured  ih«  opposite 
bank  of  the  river  and  the  enemy's  positions  entirely  from  view  until 
about  six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  which  hour,  the  sun  having  partially 
dispelled  the  fog,  I  opene(f  fire  from  Captain  Millers  battery  upon  a 
battery  of  long-rr.nge  guns  of  the  enemy,  directly  in  front,  at  a 
range  of  about  one  thousand  yards  By  previous  arrang.-ment.  the 
batteries  on  tho  rigat  and  left  of  Captain  Miller's  positi^  n  immedi- 
ately  opened,  and  ttie  fire  became  general  along  the  lin">.  We  nad 
not  long  to  wait  for  the  response  of  the  enemy,  he  immediately  open- 
ing  upon  all  our  positions  a  rapid  and  vigorous  fire  from  all  his  bat- 
teries, some  in  positions  until  then  undiscovered  by  us.  ^riie  battery 
eng.iged  by  Captain  Miller  Avas  silenced  in  about  forty  minutes,  not- 
with.standmg  the  long  range  guns  under  Captains  Rogers  ant2 
Anderson,  on  the  left,  had,  shortly  after  the  commencetLent  of  the 
engagement,  been  withdrawn  from  action  and  placed  under  shelter  of 
the  hill  on  which  they  had  been  posted,  thus  leaving  the  battery  of 
the  enemy,  which  it  was  intended  these  guns  should  engage,  free  to 
direct  against  M.llor.  and  the  batteries  on  the  hill  on  the  right,  a 
most  destructive  enfilading  fire.  At  this  time  Captain  Millar  changed 
position  an  I  directed  his  fire  against  this  battery,  when  a  bittery,  od 


3G6 

the  right  of  that  which  had  been  silenced,  opened  upon  hira,  sub- 
jecting him  to  a  cross  fire  and  causing  him  to  lose  heavily  in  men  and 
horses.  The  fire  was  continued  by  Miller's  battery  alone  on  the  left 
until  seven  o'clock,  when,  after  consultation  with  General  Jones,  and 
the  firing  of  the  enemy  having  greatly  slackened,  I  ordered  hira  to 
retire  by  half  battery,  which  was  handsomely  done,  in  good  order. 
At  this  time  Lieutenant  Brewer  fell,  mortally  wounded.  The  combat 
on  the  right  was  gallantly  fought  by  the  batteries  there  placed  in  po- 
sition. Captain  Squiers  assumed  command  of  that  part  of  the  field, 
and  won  for  himself  renewed  honors  by  the  handsome  manner  in 
which  he  handled  his  batteries,  and  for  the  good  judgment  and  cool- 
ness he  displayed  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy,  to  which  he  was 
subjected  during  four  hours,  without  intermission.  I  enclose  here- 
with Captain  Miller's  report  [A]  and  that  of  Captain  Squiers  [BJ  (of 
the  operations  on  the  right)  for  reference  and  for  particulars,  to  which 
I  respectfully  ask  the  attention  of  the  General  commanding.  The 
object  sought  to  be  obtained  by  this  engagement,  I  am  happy  to  say, 
was  fully  accomplished  by  driving  the  enemy  from  all  his  positions 
before  nightfall,  and  causing  him  to  withdraw  from  our  front  entirely 
during  the  night.  I  have  to  lament  the  loss,  in  this  engagement,  of 
a  zealous,  brave  and  most  efficient  officer  in  Lieutenant  Isaac  W. 
Brewer,  third  company  Washington  artillery,  who  fell  at  the  head  of 
his  section  at  the  moment  it  was  being  withdrawn  from  the  field,  and 
of  many  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates.  The  officers  and 
men,  in  all  the  batteries  engaged,  are  deserving  the  highest  praise  for 
their  gallantry  upon  the  field.  The  attention  of  the  General  com- 
manding is  respectfully  directed  to  those  named  particularly  in  the 
reports  of  Captains  Miller  and  Squiers.  Too  much  praise  cannot  be 
awarded  to  Captain  Miller  and  his  brave  company  for  the  stubborn 
and  unflinching  manner  in  which  they  fought  the  enemy's  batteries, 
in  such  superior  force  and  position,  on  the  left,  and  to  Captains 
Squiers  and  Stribling,  and  Lieutenants  Landry  and  Chapman,  on  the 
right.  I  am  indebted  to  Captain  Middleton,  of  Brigadier  General 
Drayton's  staff,  to  Lieutenant  Williams,  of  General  D.  R.  Jones'  staff, 
and  to  Lieutenant  William  M.  Owen,  adjutant  Washington  artillery, 
all  of  whom  were  constantly  with  me  under  fire  during  the  engage- 
mentf,  for  their  valuable  assistance  and  zealous,  fearless  conduct  on 
the  field.  There  are  none  more  brave  or  more  deserving  considera- 
tion than  these  gentlemen.  I  annex  a  list  of  casualties,  [C,]  and 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully, 

•J.  B.  WALTON, 
Colonel  and  Chief  of  Artillery,  Right   Wing, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALTON  OF  SECOND  BATTLE  OF 

MANASSAS. 


Headquarters  Battalion  Washington  Artillerv,  > 
November  30th,  1862.  \ 

To  Major  G.  M,  Sorrell, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Ri^^ht  Wing,  A.  N.  V.  : 

Major:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  battalion  of  Washington  Artillery,  of  New  Orleans, 
under  my  command,  on  the  29th,  3()th  and  31st  August  last,  at  and 
after  the  second  battle  of  Manassas  : 

On  the  29th  August,  1862,  the  four  batteries  composing  the  bat- 
talion were  assigned  and  served  as  follows  :  The  fourth  company,  con- 
sisting of  two  six-pound  bronze  guns,  and  two  twelve -pound  howit- 
'/ers,  under  Captain  D.  F.  Eshleman,  Lieutenants  Norcom,  Battles  and 
Apps,  with  Pickett's  brigade  ;  the  second  company,  with  two  six- 
pound  bronze  guns,  and  two  twelve-pound  howitzers,  under  Captain 
Richardson,  Lieutenants  ILawes,  De  Russey  and  Britton,  with  Toombs' 
brigade;  the  first  company,  with  three  three-inch  rifle  guns,  under  Capt. 
C.  W.  Squiers,  Lieutenants  E.  Owens,  Galbraith  and  Brown,  and  the 
third  company,  with  four  light  twelve-pound  guns,  (Napoleon,)  under 
Captain  M.  B.  Miller,  Lieutenants  McElroy  and  Hero,  in  reserve. 

About  noon,  on  the  29th,  the  two  batteries  in  reserve  having  halted 
near  the  village  of  Gainesville,  on  the  AVarrenton  and  Ccntrcville 
turnpike,  vrere  ordered  forward  by  General  Longstreet,  to  engage  the 
enemy  then  in  our  front,  and  near  the  village  of  Groveton.  Captains 
Miller  and  Squiers  at  once  proceeded  to  the  position  indicated  by  the 
General  and  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy's  batteries.  Immediately 
in  Captain  Miller's  front,  he  discovered  a  battery  of  the  enemy,  dis- 
tant about  twelve  hundred  yards.  Beyond  this  battery,  and  on  a  more 
elevated  position,  were  posted  the  enemy's  rifle  batteries.  lie  opened 
upon  the  battery  nearest  him,  and,  after  a  spirited  engagement  of 
three-quarters  of  an  hour,  completely  silenced  it  and  compelled  it  to 
leave  the  field.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  enemy's  rifle 
batteries,  and  engaged  them  until,  having  exhausted  his  ammunition, 
he  retired  from  the  field. 

Captain  Squiers,  on  reaching  his  position  on  the  left  of  Captain 
Miller's  battery,  at  once  opened  with  his  usual  accuracy  upon  the  en- 
enty's  batteries.  Unfortunately,  after  the  first  fire,  orie  cf  his  guns, 
having  b.ecome  disabled  by  the  blowing  out  of  the  bushing  of  the  vent, 
was  sent  from  the  field.  Captain  Squiers  then  placed  the  remaining 
pection  of  his  battery  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Owen,  and  rode 
to  the  left  to  place  additional  guns  (that  had  been  sent  forward  to  his 
a95i8tance)  in  position.  At  this  time  the  enemy's  infantry  were  en- 
gaged by  the  forces  on  the  left  of  the  position  occupied  by  our  batte- 
ries, and,  while  the  enemy  retreated  in  confusion  before  the  charge  of 
oar  veterans,  the  section  under  Lieutenant  Owen  poured  a  destructive 


3C8 

fire  into  their  aflfrightod  ranks.  Scores  were  seen  to  fall,  until  finally 
the  once  beautiful  line  melted  confusedly  into  the  woods.  The  en- 
emy's Hrtillerj  having  withdrawn  beyond  our  range,  the  section  was 
ordered  from  the  field.  Both  batteries,  the  first  and  third,  in  this  ac- 
tion, fully  maintained  their  well-earned  reputation  for  skillful  prac- 
tice and  gallant  behavior.  AVith  this  duel  ended  the  operations  on  the 
left  of  our  line  for  the  day. 

The  next  morning,  3(lth  August,  the  second  company,  Captain  J. 
B.  llichards<;n,  was  ordered  forward  from  its  position  on  the  Manasy^ 
6as  Gap  railroad  to  join  its  brigade,  (Toombs',)  then  moving  forward 
towards  the  enemy.  Captain  Richardson  pushetl  forward  until,  arriv- 
ing near  llie  Cliinn  house,  he  was  informed  that  our  infantry  had  ^ 
charged  ami  taken  a,  battery  near  that  position,  but,  owing  to  heavy 
reinforcetfients  thrown  forward  by  the  enemy,  were  unal)le  to  hold  h 
without  the  assistance  of  artillerj.  lie  immediately  took  position  on 
the  left  of  the  Chinn  house  and  opened  on  the  enemy,  who  were  ad- 
vancincr,  lapidly,  in  large  numbers.  After  firing  a  short  time,  he 
roovdl  his  biittery  forward  about  four  hundred  yards,  and  succeedevi 
in  holding  the  Ciiptured  battery  of  four  Napoleons,  forcing  the  enemy 
back  an(l  compelling  a  battery  immediattdy  in  his  front,  and  which 
was  anno. ing  greatly  our  infantry,  to  retire.  He  then  turned  the 
captured  tiuns  upon  their  late  owners,  and  at  night  brought  them 
from  the  field,  with  their  horses  and  harness. 

Captain  Richardson,  in  his  report,  makes  special  mention  for  gal- 
lantry of  privates  J.  B.  Cleveland  and  W.  W.  Davis,  who  were  th« 
first  to  reach  the  captured  battery,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  some 
infantry,  fired  nearly  twenty-five  rounds  before  being  relieved  by  their" 
comrades.  Lieutenant  Ilawes  had  his  horse  shot  under  him  during 
this  battle! 

While  Richardson,  with  the  second,  was  doing  such  gallant  service 
near  the  Chinn  house,  Eshleman.  with  the  fourth,  with  his  short-range 
guns,  was  doing  good  work  in  the  game  neighborhood.  Following 
his  brigade,  (Pickett's,)  he  shelled  (he  woods  in  their  front,  while  they 
advanced  in  line  of  battle  against  the  enemy,  wliose  skiruiisl  ers  were 
seen  on  the  ed^^e  of  the  wood.  Finding  it  w  uld  be  impracticable  to 
follow  the  brigade,  owing  to  the  broken  nature  of  the  ground,  he  passed 
rapidly  to  the  right  and  front,  going  intobt:ttery  and  firing  from  every 
elevated  position  from  which  he  could  enfilade  the  enemy,  until  he  ha  i! 
passed  entirely  to  the  right  of  General  Jones'  position.  lie  now  held 
a  most  desirable  position,  (overlooking  nearly  the  whole  space  in  front 
of  the  Chinn  house,)  from  which  his  shells  fell  into  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy  with  great  execution.  A  persistent  attack  on  the  front  and 
flank  drovt^  the  enemy  back  into  the  woods,  and  now  the  immense  clouds 
of  dust  rising  from  the  Centreville  road  indicated  that  he  was  in  full 
retreat.  He  was  directed  by  General  D.  R.  Jones  to  move  forward 
and  shell  the  wood  and  road,  which  he  continued  to  do  until  directcl 
by  General  J.  E  B.  Stuart  to  send  a  section  of  his  battery  to  the  hills 
in  front  of  the' Conrad  house,  to  fire  into  a  column  of  cavalry  advanc- 
ing in  his  rear.  The  section  under  Lieutenant  Norcom  was  detached, 
took  position  on  the  left  of  the  Conrad  house,  and  fired  into  the 


369 

enemy  until  directed  to   cease  by  General  Stuart,  his  object  having 
been  accomplished. 

The  remaining  section  of  the  battery,  under  Lieut.  Battles,  was 
then  ordered  by  Captain  Eshleman  across  the  Sudley  road,  firing  as 
it  advanced,  into  the  retreating  enemy.  At  this  time,  Captain  Esbtle- 
man's  only  support  was  one  company  of  sixty  men  of  General  Jen- 
kins' sharpshooters,  under  Captain  Lee.  After  a  short  interval,  the 
«nen)y  again  appeared  in  force  near  the  edge  of  the  wood.  Captain 
E.  iiiiraediately  changed  his  front  to  the  left  and  ponrcd  into  the  en- 
emy's ranks  two  rounds  of  canister,  with  deadly  effect.  Those  not 
killed  or  wounded  ran  in  disorder.  After  throwing  a  few  shells  into 
the  woods.  Captain  E.  retired  about  two  hundred  yards  to  the  re;)r, 
being  unwilling  to  risk  his  section  with  such  a  meagre  sujiport. 
•  In  a  few  minutes  an  order  was  brought  from  General  Stuart  di- 
recting the  section  to  be  brought  again  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Conrad 
house.  It  was  now  dark,  and  Captain  E.  kept  up,  from  this  last  po- 
sition, a  moderate  fire  until  nine  o'clock,  in  the  direotioo  of  the 
Centreville  road,  when  he  was  directed  to  retire,  with  Lieutenant 
» Norcom's  section,  that  had  joined  him  on  the  field,  and  rest  h'is  men. 

Captain  Eshleman,  in  his  report,  applauds  highly  the  conduct  of  his 
officers,  non-coramissiopied  oflicers  and  men,  to  whose  coolness  and 
judgment  he  was  indebted  for  the  rapid  evolutions  of  his  battery  and 
precision  of  his  fire. 

The  next  da}',  August  31,  18G'3,  Lieutenant  Owen,  with  two  guns  of 
the  first  company,  accompanied  General  Stuart,  commanding  cavalry, 
in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  fo  and  beyond  Germ  an  town.  They  came  up 
with  the  enemy  at  several  points,  driving  him  ahead  of  them  and  cap- 
turing five  hundred  prisoners. 

Captain  Squiers,  on  the  same  day,  with  one  gun,  accompanied  Col-. 
.  onel  Kosser  to  Manassas,   going  in   rear    of  the   enemy,  capturing  a 
large   amount  of  stores,  (quartermasters'  and  surgical,)    ambulances, 
hordes,  &c 

My  casualties  in  tliis  battle  were  one  killed,  private  II.  N.  White, 
of  second  company, -and  nine  wounded. 

Thus  ended  the  operations  of  this  battalion  in  this  great  second  bat- 
tle of  Manassas,  fought  almost  on  the  same  ground  and  in  sight  of 
the  field  where  our  guns  first  pealed  forth  a  little  more  than  a  year 
before. 

I  have  the  satisfaction,  in  conclusion,  to  say,  that  all  the  officers 
and  men  gave,  in  this  important  battle,  renewed  evidence  of  their  de- 
votion, juugment,  and  cool  bravery,  in  most  trying  positions.  iNo 
eulogy  of  mine  can  add  to  the  reputation  they  so  worthily  enjoy, 
earned  upon  bloody  fields. 

I  am  under  obligations  to  Lieutenant  Y{.  M.  Owen,  my  always  de- 
voted and  brave  adjutant,  for  distinguished  services  under  fire,and  to 
Col>  r-Sergeant  Montgomery,  whom  I  detailed  to  assist  me  on  the  sev- 
eral days,  for  cool  bravery  and  gallant  deportment  in  carrying  order.-} 
iu  face  of  the  enemy,  during  the  first  and  second  days. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  WALTON,  Colonel  commanding. 
Z4 


KEPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALTON  OF  BATTLE  OF  SHARPS- 

BURG. 

HcADQUARTEhs^  EaTTALIOiN  WA9niNGT0N  ARi;iLX.ER7,  f 

December  4,  lb62.  i 

To  Major  G.  M,  Sorrel, 

^i.  A    Gemral  Right  Wivgy  Army  Northern  Virginia : 

Major  :  1  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
f.aken  by  th^  several  batteries  composing  the  battalion  cf  Washington 
artillery,  under  my  command,  in  the  engagements  before   Sharpsbnrg,* 
Maryland,  on  the  16th  and  17th  September  last: 

On  the  15th  Septombcr,  1862,  the  battalion,  attached  to  the  right 
wing  of  the  Array  of  Northern  Virginia,  reached  Sharpsburg,  Mary- 
land. Here  a  line  of  battle  -was  formed,  v?ith  the  Antsetam  in  our 
front,  where  the  forces  under  Generals  Lee  and  Longstreet  awaited 
the  approach  of  McClellan's  army. 

The  four  companies  of  this  battalion  vfero.  posted  on  the  line  as 
follows;  the  first  company,  Captain  C.  Yv.  Squiers,  Lieutenants  E. 
Owen,  Galbraith  and  Brown,  with  two  three-inch  rifios  and  two  ten- 
pounder  Parrott  guna,  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  running  through 
the  centre  and  to  the  front  of  the  town  ;  the  third  company,  Cap- 
i;ain  M.  B  Miller,  Lieutenants  McElroy  and  Hero,  with  four  twelve- 
pounder  Napoleons,  to  the  right  of  Captain  iSquiers  ;  to  the  right  of 
liJaptain  Miller,  across  a  ravine  and  in  an  orchard  in  front  of  Geneial 
Y).  R.  Jones'  position,  were  placed  the  second  company,  Captain  J, 
B.  Richardson,  Lieutenants  Hawes,  Britton  and  De  Russcy,  with  two 
Napoleons  and  two  twelve  pounder  howitzers;  and  the  fourth  company. 
Captain  B.  F.  Eshleraan,  Lieutenants  Norconi,  Battles  and  Apps,  with 
i;wo  six-pounder  bronze  guns  and  two  twelve-pounder  howitzers. 

During  the  afternoon,  the  enemy  made  his  appearance  across  the 
Ajitietam,  and  opened  upon  our  lines  with  his  Kng- range  batteries. 
We  did  not  reply,  our  guns  not  being  able  to  reach  his  position. 

The  next  morning,  (I6ih,)  the  enemy  having  phunted  some  batteries 
/.nearer  our  position  and  becoming  annoying,  1  orderctl  the  batteries 
to  open  all  along  our  line,  and  engnged  him  in  an  artillery  duel.  This 
Gommenci-d  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  aud  ended  at  twenty  minutes  to 
twelve,  a  period  of  forty  minutes  ;  some  of  his  batteries  were  silenced, 
others  v/e  could  not  reach,  and  having  no  ammunition  to  spare,  we 
ceased  firing,  by  order  of  General  Longstreet,  and  drew  the  guns  un- 
der cover  of  the  \n\\. 

Captain  Squiers'  battery  of  rifles  was  the  only'one  of  the  battalioa 
engaged  in  ibis  conflict.  Shortly  after  this,  firing  ceased.  Captain 
Fvichardson,  having  been  placed  in  a  position  to  watch  the  bridge  oa 
tiue  Antietam,  in  front  of  General  Toombs'  brigade,  with  his  two 
Kapoleons,  opened  fire  with  one  gun  upon  a  column  of  the  enemy,  to 


371 

the  left  of  the  bridge.     After  firing  five  roands,  they  retired  out  (rf  Lis 
range. 

On  the  morrang  of  the  17th  September,  our  batteries  still  remain- 
ing in  the  positions  of  the  day  before,  the  enemy  crossed  large  bodies 
•»>f  infantry  in  front  of  Captain  Squiers'  position.  They  also  opened 
their  batteries  opon  him.  Paying  little  attention  to  the  artillery 
practice  of  the  enemy,  he  quietly  awaited  the  advance  of  his  infantry 
and  concentrate  1  his  fire  upon  them,  and  succeeded  in  driving  them 
fronn  view  ;  he  then  withdrew  his  guns  and  allowed  the  batteries  of 
the  enemy  to  ejr.pend  much  ammunition.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  ene- 
my advanced  one. regiment  ot  infantry.  Captain  Squiers  then  turned 
^\l  his  guns  and  those  of  Garden's  battery  upon  him,  which  drove  him 
back  ;  he  rallied  a  second  time,  but  again  he  was  driven  behind  his  hill; 
iicre  he  was  reinforced  and  advanced  again  ;  he  was  again  broken,  but 
rallied  within  four  hundred  yards  of  the  batteries,  from  which  position 
he  deployed  skirmishers  and  annoyed  our  men  with  the  bullets  of  his 
sharpshooters.  He  again  sounded  the  charce,  and  advanced  within 
canister  range  ;  we  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  him,  he  broke  and  our 
supports,  under  General  Garnett,  charged  him.  Being  nearly  out  of 
{i-ramuniiion,  Captain  Squiers  withdrew  his  battery  to  refill  his  chests. 

One  ten-pounoer- Parrott  gun,  under  Lieutenant  Galbraith,  after- 
's.'irds  engaged  the  enemy  on  our  right  until  dark  ;  the  other  ten- 
pounder  Tarrott  was  disabled  during  the  action  and  sent  from  the  tis-ld. 
.During  the  action  Captain  Squiers  was  deprived  of  the  valuable- 
services  of  Lieutenant  E  Owen,  who  was  wounded  in  the  thigh  by  a 
piece  of  shell,  while  acting  with  his  usual  gallantry  with  his  guns. 
Captain  Squiers,  in  his  report,  compliments  highly  his  Lieutenants 
<>wen,  Galbraith  and  Brown,  who  were  in  the  hottest  of  the  action, 
and  proved  themselves  brave  and  efficient  officers,  worthy  leaders  of 
brave  men. 

Sergeant-major  C.  L.  C.  Dnpuy  went  into  action  with  this  battery 
and  did  good  service.  At  quarter  past  nine  o'clock,  A.  M..  Captain 
Miller's  batterj''  of  four  Napoleons  was  ordered  from  its  original  posi- 
tion to  a  point  to  the  left  of  the  main  road  and  near  our  centre.  Here 
Captain  Miller  was  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  with  General  Long-»treeti» 
who  assigned  him  a  position  He  i  umediately  opened  upon  the  enemy'g 
iiifan'.ry,  who. were  advancing  upon  our  left  and  front.  Here  he  sulTered 
considerably  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  losing  two- 
of  his  gunners  and  several  of  his  cannoneers  wounded,  when,  ascer- 
t-'iining  that  the  enemy  was  beyond  effective  range,  he  was  ordered  by 
General  Longsireet  to  cease  firing  and  go  under  cover.  Here  he  re- 
mained twenty  minutes,  when,  the  enemy  again  advancing,  he  ordered 
his  battery  again  into  position.  Lieutenant  Hero  having  been 
mounded,  »nd  Lieutenant  McElioy  having  been  left  to  watch  the 
rifovements  of  the  enemy  on  the  right,  Captain  Miller  found  hiraseli" 
'he  only  officer  with  bis  company,  and,  having  barely  men  enough  left  to 
>vork  a  section  effectively,  he  opened  upon  the  enemy  with  two  piece&» 
with  splcndiil  efTect.  After  an  action  of  half  an  hour,  he  removed 
his  section  to  a  more  advantageous  position,  an  hundred  yards  to  the 
irout  and  right,  f  lacing  the  remaining  section  under  Sergeant  Ellis, 


873 

direoting.hira  to  take  it  completely  under  cover.  He  then  continued 
the  action  until  ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted,  "when  Sergeant 
Ellis  brought  up  one  of  the  remaining  caissons. 

The  enemy  had  madg  two  determined  attempts  to  force  our  line,  and 
had  been  twice  signally  repulsed ;  they  were  now  advancing  the  third 
time  and  were  within  canister  range,  when  Sergeant  Ellis,  who  had 
eucceeded  in  rallying  some  infantry  to  his  assistance,  brought  one  of  tha 
guns  of  his  section  into  action  on  Miller's  left  and  gave  them  canis- 
ter, with  terrible  effect.  The  three  guns  succeeded  in  checking  the 
enemy's  advance  and  remained  in  action  until  the  ammunition  was 
exhausted,  when  they  were  retired  to  be  refilled. 

After  procuring  the  required  ammunition,  Captain  Miller  ^'as  re- 
turning to  his  former  position,  when  he  was  directed  by  General  Lee 
to  an  elevated  and  commanding  position  on  the  right  and  rear  of  the 
town,  where  General  A.  P.  Hill  had  but  just  begun  his  attack.  Here  I 
placed  him  in  charge  of  the  guns  that  had  been  ordered  to  this  posi- 
tion, leaving  Lieutenant  McElroy  to  command  his  section,  and  he 
continued  the  fight'until  its  close  at  nightfall.  Too  much  praise  cannot 
he  bestowed  on  Captain  Miller  for  his  stubborn  defence  of  the  centre 
for  several  hours ;  to  Lieutenants  Hero  and  McElroy,  Sergeants 
Ellis,  Bier  (chief  artificer)  and  Dempsey,  (artificer,)  for  their  gallantry. 
This  part  of  the  action  was  under  the  immediate  eye  of  General 
Lcngstreet,  commanding,  and  his  staff,  who,  when  Captain  Miller's 
cannoneers  were  exhausted,  dismounted  and  assisted  the  working  of 
the  guns.  Captain  Miller  was  compelled,  owing  to  his  loss  in  horses, 
{0  leave  one  caisson  on  the  field ;  he  endeavored  to  bring  it  off  the 
next  day,  but  it  was  deemed  unadvisable,  it  being  in  range  of  the 
enemy's  sharpshooters,  and  it  was  abandoned  and  subscqueaily  de- 
Btrojed.  Captain  Richardson  engaged  the  enemy,  in  his  front,  with 
ihe  two  Napoleons  of  the  second  company,  until  one  o'clock,  P.  M., 
when  one  of  the  guns  was  disabled  by  a  shot  from  one  of  the  three 
batteries  that  had  been  playing  upon  him,  and  he  withdrew  through 
the  town  of  Sharpsburg  and  joined  his  section  of  howitzers  on  the 
right  and  roar.  Procuring  ammunition  and  replacing  his  disabled 
guns,  he  reported,  with  his  full  battery,  to  General  Toombs,  took 
positi'^n  on  the  right  and  began  fiing  at  the  enemy's  infantry,  who, 
at  thito  time,  had  crossed  the  bridge  and  were  advancing. in  large  forco 
np  the  hili  to  his  left  and  finally  getting  out  of  his  rang.>,  when  he 
retire  li  to  a  new  position.  I  afterwards  ordered  Captain  Richardson 
forward,  with  his  section  of  Napoleons  and  the  ten-pounder  Parrot* 
gun  of  the  first  company,  under  Lieutenant  Galbraith,  to  the  position 
on  the  right  near  the  guns  under  Miller,  when  he  opened  fire  and 
continued  in  action  until  the  close  of  the  engagement  at  nightfall. 

The  section  of  twelve-pounder  howitzers,  under  Lieutenants  Hawes 
and  D»  Russey,  were  brought  forward  at  the  same  time  and  assigned  a 
position  by  General  Toombi^f  near  his  brigade.  Here  they  opened 
on  the  enemy,  at  a  distance  of  five  hundred  yards,  and  contiinued 
firing  until  the  enemy  was  driven  out  of  range.  Lieutenant  J.  D. 
Britton  was  wounded  in  the  arm,  late  in  the  evening,  after  making 
himself  conspicuous  during  the  action  for  his  coolness  and  soldierlj' 


•  373 

bearing.  Captain  Richardson,  in  his  report,  expresses  himself  en- 
tirely satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  his  officers,  non-commissioned 
oflScers  and  men  ;  they  behaved  in  such  a  manner  as  to  reflect  credit 
upon  the  "  second,"  and  the  corps  of  which  they  are  a  part.  The 
*'  fourth,"  under  Eshleman,  was  not  idle  during  this  eventful  day, 
when  the  battalion  was  so  actively  and  effectively  employed  About 
noon  on  the  17th,  he  was  directed  by  General  Jones,  in  front  of  whose 
position  he  was  placed,  to  remove  his  battery  to  a  position  to  guard 
the  ford  below  the  brid|;e  held  by  General  Toombs.  The  battery  waa 
placed  in  position  between  the  Blackford  house  and  the  ford,  and 
opened  fire  upon  the  enemy,  who  were  crossing  in  force.  A  long- 
range  battery  of  the  en-emy,  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  stream^ 
opened  upon  and  enfiladed  his  guns,  and  he  was  compelled  to  re- 
tire ;  not,  however,  before  he  had  driven  the  enemy  back  from  the 
ford.  He  then  received  orders  from  General  D.  R.  Jones  to  hold  the 
enemy  in  check,  if  possible,  until  the  arrival  of  General  A,  P.  Hill, 
whose  division  V7as  near  at  hand.  The  enemy  soon  made  another  at- 
tempt to  cross  Avith  infantry  and  cavalry.  Captain  Eshleman  took  a 
position  nearer  the  ford  and,  under  cover  of  a  hill,  which  protected  him 
from  the  enemy's  battery,  opened  fire  upon  him  with  case  and  shell.  At 
this  juncture  General  Pender  arrived,  with  a  portion  of  General  Hill's 
command,  and  came  to  Eshleman's  support.  After  driving  the  enemy 
back  a  second  time,  he  kept  up  a  moderate  shelling  of  the  woods  near 
the  ford  till  night,  when  he  was  ordered  to  retire  and  bivouac.  Cap- 
tain Eshleman  pays  his  Lieutenants,  Norcom,  Battles  and  Apps,  a 
just  compliment  for  their  gallant  conduct  throughout  the  day,  and 
oFpeciali}-  during  the  steady  and  unflinching  defence  of  the  ford. 
His  non-commissioned  officers  and  men  vied  with  their  comrades  of  tho 
"  first,"  "  second"  and  "  third"  companies,  and  added  fresh  laurels  to 
the  high  standing  of  the  corps.  Captain  Squiers,  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  day,  succeeded  in  refilling  the  chests  of  the  remaining  section 
of  his  battery  and  reported  to  General  Toombs  with  his  two  three- 
inch  rifles  and  a  section  each  of  the  Maryland  light  artillery  and 
Riley's  battery,  but  his  services  were  not  then  required.  The  enemy 
had  been  driven  back  at  all  points.  The  casualties  in  this  engagement 
were  four  killed,  twenty-eight  wounded  ^nd  two  missing.  This  closes 
the  imperfect  records  of  the  action  of  the  several  companies  of  the 
battalion  of  Washington  Artillery  in  the  eventfVil  battle  before  Sharps- 
burg,  Maryland. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  the  General  commanding,  under  whose  immediate 
eye  we  fought  on  both  days,  will  find  in  it  enough  to  satisfy  him  that, 
without  the  incentive  of  revenge  for  wrongs,  the  soldiers  of  Louis- 
iana are  ever  among  the  foremost  in  the  performance  of  patriotic 
duty  to  their  country. 

Always  ready  and  ever  watchful  and  zealous,  Adjutant  N.  M. 
()wen  has  again  placed  me  under  obligation  for  services  on  the  field. 
Frequently,  in  my  capacity  of  chief  of  artillery,  during  tho  two  days, 
had  1  occasion  to  send  him  to  distant  parts  of  the  field,  under  the 
heaviest  fire.  Gallantly  and  unhesitatingly  he  executed  every  order„ 
Color-Sergeant  Montgomery,  as  at  the  battle  of  Manassas,  served  me 


374 

as  aiJ,  and  was  generally  under  fire  during  the  engagements  of  tb'- 
two  days.  He  is  a  deserving  and  brave  gentleman.  Ordnance  Ser- 
geant Brazleman  deserves  special  mention,  for  his  aesiduity  and  un- 
flagging devotion  in  supplying  ammunition  and  in  the  performance  of 
all  his  duties.  He,  on  this  occasion,  added  to  his  we^l  established 
reputation  of  an  intelligent,  brave  and  meritorious  soldier. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respoctfully, 

J.  B.  WALTON, 
•  Colonel  commandin'^. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CRUTCIIFiELD   OF   SECOND  BAT- 
TLE OF  MANA^SSAS. 

HeaiJquarters  Artillkry  Second  Corps,  } 
March  14,    IS63.       I 

Colonel  Charles  J.  Faulknkr, 

Assistant  Adjutant   General : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follcwing  report  of  th^ 
part  taken  by  the  artillery  of  this  army  corps  ia  the  engagement!* 
known  as  the  second  battle  of  Manassas  : 

On  the  afternoon  of  Thursday  our  forces  were  so  disposed  that, 
Sudley  Mills  being  to  their  left,  and  front,  the  arc  thoy  formed  prc- 
Bented  a  convex  front  towards  the  pike  from  Groveton  to  Centreville, 
along  which  the  enemy  advanced  from  Warrenton.  About  half- past 
four,  r.  M.,  I  think,  I  received  orders  from  General  .T;ickson  to  move 
up  the  whole  artillery  force,  which  was  then  lying  around  Sudley 
Mills.  This  I  proceeded  to  do,  leaving  five  pieces  of  Captains 
Caskie's  and  Cutshaw's  batteries  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Cathar- 
pin  run,  in  position  to  command  the  ford  there,  for  the  security  of  the 
wagon  train.  The  batteries  of  Captains  Wooding  and  G«rber  (each 
of  four  guns)  got  up  first,  and  went  into  action,  firing  upon  the 
columns  of  the  enemy  advancing  along  the  Warrenton  and  Centre- 
ville road.  The  head  of  this  column  had  alroad3^  reached,  if  not 
passed,  Groveton,  and,  wheeling  ofl'  there  to  its  left,  formed  line  of 
battle  perpendicular  to  the  pike  and  facing  to  the  rear  of  their  still 
marching  column.  This  line  then  moving  down,  these  two  batteries 
were  withdrawn,  one  by  order  of  General  Jackson,  and  the  other  by 
order  of  Brigadier  General  Taliaferro.  The  other  batteries  did  not 
get  up  in  time  to  participate  in  the  action  before  it  became  an  en- 
gagement of  infantry,  just  near  the  edge  of  the  woods,  under  whicla 
circumstances  it  was  not  possible  to  get  the  guns  in  position  before 
dark. 

Early  on  Friday,  the  29th,  the  enemy  renewed  the  attack  over 
nearly  the  same  ground,  while  our  troops  occupied  pretty  generally 
the  same  position.  His  infantry  being  repulsed  by  ours,  artillery 
was  thrown  out  in  front  of  our  right  to  complete  it.  The  batteries 
of  Captains  Poague,  Carpenter,  Demfent,  Brockenbrough  and  Lati- 
mer, under  Major  Shumaker,  were  so  engaged,  facing  obliquely 
towards  Groveton,  while  the  battery  of  Captain  Braxton  was  placed 
%further  to  our  right,  bearing  on  the  road  from  Groveton  to  Warren- 
ton. in  case  the  enemy  should  advance  from  that  direction,  rath?r  in 
rear  of  the  other  batteries.  This  did  not,  however,  happen,  and  so 
Captain  Braxton's  battery  was  not  engaged  then.  The  other  batte- 
ries did  not  all  come  into  action  at  once. 

The  enemy  endeavored  to  cover  his  repulse  by  batteries  thrown 
into  position  to  play  oa  the  first  of  ours  that  opened   on  his  retiring 


376 

infantry.  Tliese  Tverc  answered  by  fresh  batteries  of  ours,  and  thus 
began  a  very  fierce  artillery  duel,  which  lasted  till  about  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  our  batteries  being  gradually  withdrawn,  and  the  enemy  moving 
around  more  to  our  left,  to  select  another  point  of  attack. 

His  next  effort,  later  in  the  day,  was  directed  against  Brigadier 
General  Gregg's  brigade,  ■which,  forming  the  right  of  Major  General 
A.  P.  ITilTs  division,  joined  the  second  Virginia  brigade,  Avhich 
formed  the  left  of  Jackson's  division.  This  being  in  the  woods,  no- 
artillery  was  placed  there,  but,  as  the  cneray  was  repulsed,  a  sec- 
tion of  Captain  Pegram's  battery  was  brought  up  and  fired  a  few  shotS; 

The  enemy's  next  attack  was  still  further  to  the  left.  At  this  time 
General  A.  P.  Hill's  brigades  were  posted  from  right  to  left,  in  this 
order:  Gregg's,  Field's,  Thomas',  Pranch's,  Pender's  and  Archer's. 
On  the  left  (of  the  line)  was  Captain  Braxton's  battery  of  six  guns; 
to  the  right  of  General  Archer's  brigade  was  Captain  Grenshaw'3 
battery  of  four  guns  ;  and  to  its  right,  to  the  left  and  rear  of  Gene- 
ral Branch's  brigade,  was  Csptain  Latham's  battery  of  four  guns, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Potts.  About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the 
enemy  made  nn  assault  upon  the  front  of  Generals  Thomas,  Branch 
and  Field,  which,  of  course,  (as  was  the  case  with  his  former  and 
subsequent  attacks.)  was'  preceded  and  accompanied  by  a  heavy  shell- 
ing of  the  adjacent  woods.  lie  also  brought  up  two  rifle  guns  on  his 
2  ight,  which  opened  on  the  position  occupied  by  General  Branch's 
brigade,  in  a  clump  of  woods,  while  his  infantry  attempted  to  charge 
across  the  field  in  front.  Their  guns  Averc  speedily  driven  off  by 
Captain  Braxton's  battery,  wiiich  was  moved  still  further  to  our  left 
for  the  purpose,  and  their  infantry  was  easily  repelled.  In  a  short 
time  the  attack  was  renewed,  over  the  same  gtound  and  in  the  saino 
way.  By  this  time,  the  batteries  of  Captains  Crenshaw  and  Latham 
had  been  moved  out  so  as  to  get  an  oblique  fire  on  their  infantry,  and 
also  to  bear  on  the  battery  on  their  right.  The  latter  was  quickly 
forced  to  retire  by  the  fire  of  the  batteries  of  Captains  Braxton  and 
Crenshaw,  while  the  latter,  with  that  of  Captain  Latham,  poured  a 
heavy  fire  on  their  infantry  at  about  four  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
distance.  The  attack  was  of  short  duration,  and  they  were  again 
repulsed,  and  this  time  followed  up  by  General  Branch's  brigade.  In 
a  short  time,  after  entering  the  woods,  the  latter  was  driven  out  and 
followed  by  the  enemy,  who  were  checked  at  the  edge  of  the  woods  by 
the  fire  of  these  batteries,  and  again  quickly  repulsed  by  fresh  in- 
fantry, (General  Lawton's  division,  I  believe,)  and  General  Branch's 
brigade  was  reformed.  The  fight  then  shifted  more  to  the  right,  as 
General  Hill  ordered  an  advance  of  his  line,  (the  enemy  having  fallen 
back  obliquely  towards  our  right.)  As  Brigadier  General  Pender's 
brigade  advanced  directly  to  the  front.  Captain  Crenshaw's  battery 
w^as  mcved  forward  and  shelled  the  woods  in  front,  while  Captaiti 
Braxton's  battery  was  moved  around  to  the  right  of  General  Hill's 
line  and  opened  fire  on  the  retiring  enemy  there,  until  General  Hood's 
brigade  drove  the  enemy  from  their  position  on  the  heights  opposite 
Groveton. 

On  Saturday,  the  30th  instant,  this  army  corps  occupied  still  the 


377 

same  position.  About  three,  P.  M.,  tlio  enemy  attacked  along  our 
front,  havin^c:  advanced  from  the  direction  of  Centreville.  In  this 
attack  his  line  exposed  its  left  flank  to  batteries  on  the  rising  ground 
from  our  right  across  to  the  Groveton  and  Warrenton  pike.  Accord- 
ingly, the  batteries  of  Captains  Johnson,  D'Aquin,  Rice,  Wooding, 
Poague,  Carpenter,  Brockenbrough  and  Latimer  were  so  placed,  in  all 
eighteen  guns,  their  right  joining  the  left  of  General  Longstreet's 
batteries.  Their  fire  wa"S  directed  upon  the  last  line  of  the  enemy's 
forces,  which  was  broken  under  i^,,  just  as  it  nearly  reached  the  edge 
of  the  woods,  and  never  reformed  within  their  range.  As  soon  as  it 
was  observed  to  be  giving  away,  I  moved  forward  Captain  Garber's 
battery  of  four  guns  at  a  gallop,  to  move  down  into  the  plain  below, 
so  as  to  get  an  enfilading  position  on  their' other  lines  when  they 
should  be  repulsed  from  the  woods  in  which  they  were  engaged  with 
our  infantry,  and  so  endeavor  to  convert  the  repulse  into  a  rout. 
Just  as  the  battery  was  getting  into  position  and  the  enemy  began  to 
fall  back  from  the  woods,  Brigadier  General  Early's  brigade  charged 
from  the  woods  and,  effecting  a  change  of  front  perpendicularly  for- 
^v^ard  to  the  left,  formed  a  line  between  the  battery  and  the  enemy,  so 
that  the  former  could  not  fire.  *The  same  movement  checked  also  the 
fire  of  all  the  short-ranged  guns  from  the  hill,  and  so  they  were  with- 
drawn, and  the  others,  viz:  those  of  Captains  Brockenbrough,  Lati- 
mer and  D'Aquin,  vrere  at  once  moved  round  to  the  range  of  hills  to 
the  right  of  the  Groveton  and  Centreville  road,  uhcre  the  enemy 
were  concentrating  a  very  heavy  fire  of  artillery  on  General  Long- 
stieet's  line  Hero  they  engiiged  the  enemy's  batteries  for  the 
remainder  of  the  fight.  Captain  Wooding's  battery  and  Carpenter's 
were  retained  in  their  first  position,  engaging  the  ^emy's  batteries 
so  soon  as  his  infantry  fell  back,  while  that  of  Captain  Poague  was 
moved  down  the  road  along  our  former  front,  so  soon  as  we  advanced, 
and  opened  on  the  opposing  troops  of  the  enemy  as  the  movement  con- 
tinued. The  five  guns  at  Sudley's  ford,  under  Lieutenant  David 
Barton  of  Cutshaw's  battery,  were  also  engaged  in  repelling  an  attack 
of  ihe  enemy  at  that  point,  which  they  did,  supported  by  a  body  of 
cavalry  under  Major  Patrick.  In  this  battle  we  lost  no  guns.  Cap- 
tain Brockenbrough  had  two  disabled,  one  having  burst,  while  the 
vent-piece  of  the  other  wag  burnt  out.  One  caisson  was  also  ex- 
ploded. It  is  impossible  to  state  how  many  guns  were  captured  ;  I 
could  never  find  out;  three  we  got,  I  know  ;  I  saw  four  or  five  others 
on  the  field,  but  I  do  not  know  whether  they  belonged  to  the  eneniv, 
or  whether  they  were  guns  that  had  been  exchanired  for  them. 

On  Monday,  1st  of  September,  in  the  battle  ot  Ox  Hill  we  had  no 
.irtillcry  engaged.  The  character  of  the  ground  was  such  that  it 
could  not  be  brought  into  action.  Several  batteries  were  posted  so 
as  to  check  any  success  of  the  enemy,  but  none  became  engaged. 
The  enemy  had  engaged  only  four  guns,  two  Napoleons  and  two 
howitzers. 

On  the  same  day,  two  guns  of  Rice's  battery  took  position  between 
Chantilly  and  Centreville,  with  the  second  Virginia  brigade,  under 
Colonel  Bradley  T.  Johnson.     They   had  a  slight  engagement  with 


378 

the  enemy,  I  know ;  but  I  was  not  there,  and  do  not  know  the  pa: 
ticulars.     I  presume  Colonel  Johnson's  report  "will  show. 
I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 
CqIotmI  ard  Ckkf  of  Artillery  of  Second  Cor-ps. 


REPORT  OF   COLONEL    CRUTCFIFEILD    OF  CAPTURE  OF 
HARPERS  FERRY  AND  BATTLE  OF  SHARPSBURG. 

Headquarters  Artillery  Second  Corps,  ) 
A})ril   16,   1863.      5 

Lieutenant  Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  artillery  of  this  army  corps  in  the  capture  of  Har- 
per's Ferry  and  battle  of  Sharpsbur^,  in  September,  1862  : 

On  Saturday,  September  13,  1862,  the  command  ot  Lieutenant 
General  Jackson  appeared  before  Harper's  Ferry,  on  the  southern 
side,  having  approached  it  from  Martinsburg.  That  day  was  spent 
in  reconnoissance.  On  Suiiday  a  cannonade  was  opened  on  the 
enemy  from  the  batteries  of  Brigadier  General  John  G  Walker  from 
Loudoun  Heights,  and  from  those  of  Major  General  McLaws  from 
Maryland  Heights.  The  enemy  were  strongly  entrenched  on  Bolivar 
Heights  and  just  around  the  house  of  the  former  superintoudent  of 
the  armory.  At  the  latter  place,  his  fire  was  pretty  well  silenced  late 
in  the  day.  Towards  the  close  of  the  afternoon  a  general  advance 
was  made  on  the  place.  JNIajor  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division  moved 
along  the  west  bank  of  the  Shenandoah,  that  of  Major  General  Ewell, 
commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Lawton,  was  on  the  left  of  General 
Hill's,  while  Jackscu's  division,  commanded  by  Colonel  Grigsby,  ap- 
proached on  the  road  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  Shepherdstown.  The 
early  approach  of  night  prevented  any  serious  engagement.  During 
the  night  ten  guns,  fiom  the  batteries  of  Captains  Dement,  Brown, 
Garber  and  Latimer,  were  moved  up  the  Shenandoah,  and,  crossing 
at  Kclley's  ford,  moved  down  on  the  other  side  until  opposite  the  left 
of  the  enemy's  line  of  entrenchments.  This  position,  although  com> 
manded  perfectly  by  Bolivar  Heights,  yet  secured  a  fire  into  the  rear 
of  the  enemy's  works  on  his  left,  where  he  had  a  work  with  an  em- 
brasure battery  of  four  guns,  but  open  in  the  rear,  and  the  first  point 
of  his  works  to  be  encountered  by  Major  General  A.  P.  11  lU  This 
work  gained,  his  other  works  were  untenable.  A  road  having  to  bo 
cut  for  these  ten  guns  prevented  their  opening  at  daybreak,  as  Gen- 
eral Jackson  had  ordered.  The  attack  was  begun  by  a  battery  of 
eight  guns  in  front,  and  rather  to  the  ripht,  of  this  work,  from  the 
batteries  of  Cayitains  Pegram,  Mcintosh,  Davidson  and  Braxton,  of 
Major  General  A.  P.  HilTs  division.  In  a  short  time  the  guns  of 
Captains  Brown,  Garber,  Latimer  and  Dement,  being  in  position, 
their  fire  wj'S  directed  against  this  work  from  the  rear.  Its  battery 
was  quickly  silenced,  the  men  running  from  their  guns,  but  returning 
to  them  in  a  short  time  after  the  guns  directed  on  the  work  were 
brought  to  bear  on  the  enemy's  inlantry  in  his  entrenchments.  These 
pieces  were  therefore  again  directed  on  the  work,  and,  in  something 
less  than  an  hour,  its  fire  was  completely  silenced.     Our  guns  being 


380 

again  turned  on  tlie  enemy's -infantry,  they  soon  began  to  fall  back 
from  their  entrenchments  in  great  confusion,  and  the  white  flag  was 
raised  over  their  works. 

The  captured  guns  being  turned  over  to  the  quartermaster  for  re- 
moval, I  can  make  no  exact  return  of  the  number.  We  had  none 
disabled,  and  of  course  lost  none. 

Ua  reaching  Shephcrdstown,  lote  next  evening,  I  met  Brigadier 
General  W.  N.  Pendleton,  who  desired  me  to  return  to  Harper's 
Ferry  and  endeavor  to  get  together  batteries  of  the  captured  guns 
and  such  ammunition  as  1  could,  and  send  it  to  Shephcrdstown  or  to 
the  battle-field  of  Sharpsburg,  as  our  ordnance  supplies  were  getting 
short  and  our  batteries  in  an  inefficient  condition,  from  bard  march- 
ing and  previous  fighting.  I  therefore  returned  to  Harper's  Ferry. 
After  much  difficulty  I  found  the  quartermaster  in  charge  of  the  cap- 
tured guns,  and  fnind  that  be  had  been  busy  in  removing  them,  and 
in  so  doing  had  rais-raatched  the  caissons,  limbers  and  guns,  to  sucb 
an  extent  that,  after  vainly  spending  half  the  day  at  it,  I  gave  up  the 
task  of  getting  together  any  batteries  from  among  them.  The  bat- 
teries of  Captains  Brown,  Dement  and  Latimer  had  been  left  at 
Harper's  Ferry  as  disabled,  on  account  of  the  condition  of  tbeir 
horses.  I  therefore  had  horses  turned  over  to  them,  filled  them 
np  with  ammunition,  exchanged  two  of  Captain  Latimer's  ten-pnunder 
Parrott's,  whose  vent  pieces  had  burned  out  in  the  action  of  the  day 
before,  for  two  three-inch  rifles  of  the  caf)tured  guns,  and  started 
them  for  the  battle-field,  going  on  ahead  myself.  I  got  there  too  late 
in  the  evening  to  be  able  to  give  any  report  of  the  battle.  In  it, 
however,  wo  lost  no  guns.  Captain  Thompson's  (then  Captain 
D'Aquin's)  battery  captured  one  ten-pounder  Parrott,  which  they 
brought  off.  In  recrossing  the  Potomac,  a  forge  belonging  to  Captain 
Crenshaw's  battery  aod  a  caisson  belonging  to  Captain  Brocken- 
brough's  were  lost  on  this  side  of  the  river  from  the  sheer  exhaustion 
of  the  horses,  both  rolling  down  a  cliff  on  the  side  of  the  road. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 
Colonel  and  Cfiirf  of  Artillery  Second  Corps. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  S.  D.  LEE  OF  SECOND  BATTLE  OF 

MANASSAS. 

Headquarters  Battalion  Light  Artillert,  ) 
Camp  near  Winchester ^  October  2,  ib(i2.       \ 

Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  H.  Chilton, 

Adjutant  General,  Army  Northern  Virginia  : 

CofiONEL:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  the  battalion  of  artillery  under  my  command  in  the  battle 
of  Manassas  Plains,  August  aoth"^  18G2: 

The  battalion  received  orders  on  the  evening  of  the  29th,  near 
Thoroughfare  dap,  to  march  to  the  front  during  the  night,  and,  after 
a  tedious  march,  encnmpcd,  about  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  3l)th, 
on  the  pike  leading  from  Gainesville  to  stone  bridge,  and  about  two 
miles  from  Gainesville.  Soon  after  daylight,  I  found  that  our  bivouac 
was  on  the  battle-field  of  the  previous  evening  and  near  our  advanced 
division  on  picket.  The  enemy  showing  every  disposition  to  attack 
us,  upon  consultation  with  Brigadier  General  J.  B.  Ilood,  and  at  his 
.  suggestion,  I  placed  my  batteries  (four)  on  a  commanding  ridge  imme- 
diately to  his  left  and  rear.  Li  the  general  line  of  battle  this  ridgo 
was  about  the  centre,  Jackson's  corps  being  immediately  on  my  left 
and  Longstreet'son  my  right.  It  was  an  admirable  ridge  of  over  a  quar- 
ter of  a  mile,  generally  overlooking  the  ground  in  front  of  it  for  some 
two  thousand  yards.  This  ground  was  occupied  by  several  farms, 
with,  corn-fields,  orchards,  fences,  &c.,  making  it  much  desired  by  the 
enemy  for  their  skirmishers,  the  ground  being  quite  umiulating. 
Opposite  the  Itfc  of  the  ridge,  and  distant  about  one  thousand  three 
bundled  yards,  was  a  strip  of  timber  with  quite  a  full  of  ground 
behind  it.  Between  this  strip  and  General  Jackson's  right  (along  an 
old  railroad  excavation)  was  an  open  field. 

About  seven,  A.  M.,  a  regiment  of  the  enemy's  infantry  made  its 
appearance  some  two  thousand  yards  distant,  when  a  few  shots  were 
fired  from  my  long  range-guns  in  position,  causing  tiiem  tv  move. 
This  five  was  responded  to  by  three  long-range  batteries  oi  the  oucmy. 
During  the  morning,  whenever  the  infantry  of  the  enemy  siiowed 
itself  it  was  fired  on  by  our  guns,  which  fire  always  elicited  a  reply 
from  the  artillery  opposed  to  us,  doing  us  but  little  d image,  and 
resulting  in  driving  the  enemy  back.  About  twelve,  M.,  the  enemy 
attempted  an  advance,  driving  in  our  skirmishers  in  a  spirited  man- 
ner, and  occupying  the  orchard  in  my  front.  They  soon  came  within 
reach  of  our  howitzers,  when  a  few  discharges  of  spherical  case  drove 
them  back,  and  our  skirmishers  resumed  their  original  position. 

During  the  morning  the  enemy  had  massed  his  infantry  behind  the 

timber  before  mentioned,  with  a  view  to  turn  our  left,  and,  about  four 

P.  M.,  moved  from  out  these  woods  in  heavy  lines  of  attack  on  Gen- 

•  eral  Jackson's  position.     The  left  of  the  ridge  was  held  by  Eubank'a 

battery  of  four  smooth  bores,  who  opened  on  the  enemy  as  soon  as  he 


S82 

olscovereil  their  advance.  At  the  same  time  I  shifted  to  his  assistance 
with  two  howitzorh  of  Parker'd  battcrj,  two  of  Uholt's  bat'ory,  and 
MiC  of  Jordan's  battery.  At  the  same  time,  1  directed  nine  other 
pieccfl,  mostly  riJlcs.  on  the  right  of  the  riilge,  under  Captains  Jordin 
and  Taylor,  to  change  their  position  so  as  to  fire  on  the  cnomy  in 
tlank  and  on  the  woodii  containing  their  reserves.  With  these 
1  ighteea  guns,  a  continuous  fire  was  kept  up  on  the  enemy  during  hi« 
jituck,  viich  lasted  about  half  an   h'  ur. 

His  reserve.^  raovetl  twice  out  of  the  woods  to  the  support  of  the 
attacking  columns,  and  twice  were  they  repulsed  by  the  artillery  and 
drivin  back  to  tho  woods.  After  the  reserves  failed  to  reach  thfl  front 
or  attacking  column?,  they  were  repulsed  and  endeavored  to  rally  in 
tne  open  Held,  but  the  range  of  every  part  of  the  fi*.d  I  wis  obtained 
Mild  a  few  discharges  broke  them  in  confui^ion  and  sent  them  back  to 
the  wouiis. 

Finding  that  my  batteries  wore  troubling  them,  they  attemptc<l  to 
charge  them,  three  regiments  starting  for  them  They  were  rt;pulsed, 
8ouie  of  their  dead  being  within  two  liundred  yards  of  thi-  guii.s. 

Wi^ile  firing  on  the  infantry,  two  batteries  of  the  enemy  were  firing 
'it,  us,  but  generally  overshot  ua. 

Our  position  was  an  admirable  one,  and  the  guns  were  well  s-^rved. 
Two  of  m}'  batteries  wore  firing  for  the  fir.st  time,  but  did  romarkably 
•v-ell.  I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of  otfieers  and 
men  under  my  command — ail  behaved  well,  exhibiting  coolness  and 
courage. 

I  Would  mention  tho  following  officers  as  having  especially  attracted 
:iiy  attention  by  their  gooJ  conduct,  viz  :  Major  iJel.  Kemper,  who 
had  his  right  arm  shattered  by  a  minie  hall,  Lieutenant  and  Adju- 
tant W.  ll.  Kemper,  (Captains  J.  8.  Taylor,  Jordan,  I'arker  mid 
li^ubank,  Lieuttnant  Elliot,  commanding  lihett's  batteiy,  l.iouten;ints 
Taylor,  (iiiboit,  Brown,  Ficklin  and  Oakum,  tho  latter  of  Gnmet>' 
baitery,  with  two  I'arrott'a  attache-l. 

The  casual  lies  are  ua  follows  : 

M.'jor  Del.  Kemper,  woundod  in  ligtii  arm,  severely. 

Parker's  battery — Wounded:  Sergeant  James  Jones,  inarm  and 
bide,  flight;    I'livate  David  E.  l^iehanUon,  in  thigh,  blight. 

lihctts  buttery  —  Wounded:  i'livate.-*  M.  P.  (Jo.stcllo,  in  leg.  slight, 
and  0.  T.  Jones,  in  leg,  slight;   t^eigeant  Marshall,  in  leg,  slighc. 

Total  wounded,  bix. 

Respectfully  eubmitted, 

S.  D.    LEE, 
Col.  Jrtilltry,  C.  S.  A.,  commanding  Battalion  Light  Art  aery. 


MEPORT  OF  COLONEL  S.  D.  LEE  OB'  BATTLE  OF  SIIARS^ 

BURG. 


I 


HiunQUARTrRS  Battalion  Repekve  Artiixfrv, 
Camp  vear  Winchester,  Oct.  II,  18G2. 

Mujor  G.  M.  Sop.RKX.,  *" 

Assisfunt  Adjutant  General  Right  Wing  : 

Major  :  I  have  tbo  honor  to  render  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  the  battalion  of  artillerj  uudor  ray  orders  in  the  battle  cf 
Sharpsburg : 

The  battalion  crossed  the  Antietam  about  eight,  A.  M.,  September 
loth,  and,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  General  Longstroet,  with  the 
exception  of  Eubauk's  b;ittcry,  took  position  on  tho  bluft'rf  to  the  left 
of  the  pike,  facing  the  Antietam.  Eubai.k's  battery,  in  corDpliunce 
■with  a  written  order  of  General  Longstrect,  held  by  the  adjutant 
general  of  Toombs'  brigade,  was  sent  to  report  to  General  Toombs  at 
the  lower  bridge,  and  remained  with  his  brigade  until  the  army  re- 
crossed  the  Potomac.  J>othing  of  interest  occurred  during  the  morn- 
ing. About  one,  P.  M.,  the  infantry  of  the  enemy  made  its  appearance 
:vcrces  the  creek,  and  was  fired  on  by  my  long-range  guna,  causing 
them  to  move  back.  The  enemy  soon  brought  up  several  long-range 
batteries,  with  which  they  opened  upon  our  guns  whenever  they  fiied 
r>n  their  infantry.  Nothing  resulted  from  this  firing  except  to  make 
iheir  infantry  change  position.  The  guns  engaged  were  two  rifle 
pieces  of  Parker's  battery,  two  of  Rhctt's  battery,  under  Lieutenant 
i-.Uiot,  and  one  of  Jordaa'a  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Bower.  They 
v^ere  exposed  to  a  hot  firo.  Several  men  were  slightly  wounded  atid 
several  horses  disabled.  During  the  night,  tho  battalion,  excepting 
Moody's  battery,  shifted  further  to  the  left  of  our  line,  taking  a  shel- 
tered position  on  the  Sharpsburg  and  liagerstown  pike  in  front  of  a 
church,  and  remained  during  the  day,  the  enemy  making  no  olfcnsive 
demonstration  until  near  sundown.  Since  early  in  the  morning, 
they  appeared  engaged  in  massing  their  troops  opposite  our  left,  and, 
towards  evening,  endeavored  to  get  into  position  to  turn  our  left, 
bringing  on  quite  a  severe  skirmish.  Two  howitzers  of  Rhctt's  bat- 
tery took  part  in  the  skirmiah;  but  it  soon  became  too  dark  to  con- 
tinue the  firing. 

It  was  now  evident  that  the  enemy  would  attack  us  in  force  on  our 
left  at  daylight,  compelling  us  to  change  our  line,  and  give  him  an 
opportunity  to  use  his  long- range  batteries  across  the  Antietam, 
enfilading  our  new  position.  The  action  co'nmenced  about  three,  A. 
M.,  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  between  tho  skirmishers.  Wool- 
folk's,  Parker's  and  Rhett's  batteries  were  placed  in  position  in  front 
oi  the  church  on  the  right  of  tho  Sharpsburg  and  liagerstown  pike, 
and  opened  on  tho  enemy  at  daylight  These  batteries  were  com- 
pelled to  fire  over  our  infantry,  but  Gred  with  effect.  A  oon- 
tinuoua  fire  was  kept  up  until  about  quarter  past  eight,  A.  M.,  whon 


38  1 

the  enemy  gave  way,  and  our  firing  ceased  as  our  infantry  followed 
in  pursuit. 

The  batteries  above  mentioned,  while  engaged,  were  exposed  to  an 
enfilade  lire  of  nl>out  twenty  rifle  guns  I'rt  in  across  the  Antietam,  two 
batteries  in  their  frunt,  and  the  tire  of  the  infantry  of  the  enemy, 
most  of  the  time  about  five  hundred  yards  distant.  They  suffered 
very  heavily,  and  had  exhaugtetl  most  of  their  ammunition.  I  should 
have  mentioned  that  two  guns  of  .Tordun'a  battery,  under  Lieutenant 
Bower,  v.ore  sent  to  an  advanced  position  under  Captain  John  S. 
Taylor,  but  had  to  retire,  owing  to  their  exposed  position  ;;nd  the  fire 
of  several  batteries  jigainst  them.  About  this  timo  I  ordered  llhett's 
battery  to  the  rear  for  ammunition,  and  Parker's  and  Woolfolk's  bat- 
teries to  move  .^lightly  to  the  rear  to  refit — many  horses  and  men 
being  killed  They  could  only  move  tie  pieces  ofl"  by  leaving  portions 
of  the  caissons,  so  many  of  the  horses  had  been  disabled.  About  thib 
time,  (nine.  A.  M.,)  Moodj's  battery,  which  had  been  engiged  near 
the  centre  of  our  line,  arrived  and  reported,  and  I  placed  it  in  position 
on  the  ground  previously  occupied  by  Parker's  battery. 

Gemral  Hood's  division,  which  followed  the  enemy  when  he  gave 
way,  not  Icing  supported,  was  compelled  to  fall  back  before  their 
overwhelming  numbers — the  enemy  having  gained  his  rear  aod  occu- 
pying a  position  almost  between  his  retiring  troops  and  Moody's  bat- 
tery. His  troops  fell  back  so  suddenly,  and  were  so  near  to  .the 
enemy,  that  it  was  impossible  to  use  the  battery.  This  being  the 
ease,  I  advanced  tv.o  guns  of  Moody's  battery  some  three  hundred 
yanls  ir.to  a  ploughed  held,  where  I  could  use  them.  They  remained 
in  this  position,  and  did  good  service  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  under 
Captain  Moody  and  Lieutenant  Gary.  This  section  was  e.xposed  to  a 
most  galling  infantry  fire,  and  retained  its  position  till  the  infantry 
on  its  right  and  left  retired,  when  I  ordered  it  to  the  rear.  The  gal- 
lant Ijientcnant  Gary  was  killed,  being  shot  in  the  head  by  a  unnio 
ball  as  he  was  slighting  his  piece  for  its  hist  discharge.  The  section 
with  >vhich  he  was  serving  was  not  his  own,  but,  seeing  it  going  to  an 
exposed  po.-ition,  asked  permission  to  accompany  it.  A  more  gallant 
officer  was  not  in  our  service. 

Our  troops  hiiviiig  to  fall  back  rapidly,  ray  guns  were,  by  direction 
of  Gci.eial  D.  li  Hill,  retired  to  the  ridge  of  hills  across  the  Sharps- 
Lnrg  and  Ilagcrstitwn  turnpike,  and  between  the  church  and  Sh:ir|^- 
burg,  and  tired  for  a  short  time.  General  xMcLaws'  division  arriving 
at  this  time  and  going  into  action,  1  moved. the  battalion  about  a  milo 
from  the  field  to  refit.  It  was  now  about  ten,  A.  M.  About  three, 
1*.  M.,  the  batteries  having  refitted  and  replenished  with  ammunition, 
I  again  moved  to  the  front  with  twelve  guns — all  that  could  be 
manned — and  received  orders  from  one  of  General  Longstreet's  aids 
to  take  position  in  front  of  the  village  of  8harpsburg,  to  the  right  and 
left  of  the  turnpike,  relieving  Colonel  Walton,  of  the  Washington 
Artillery  of  New  Orleans.  Four  of  Moody's  guns  were  placed  on  tho 
right  of  the  village  ;  two  of  Parker's  and  two  of  Jordan's  were  placed 
on  the  left  ;  Rhett's  two  pieces  were  placed  on  a  ridge  to  the  left  of 
the  village,  on  the  Sharpsburg  and  Hagerstown  pike.     These  gun?, 


385 

in  their  respective  positions,  did  good  service.  Those  in  front  of  the 
village  were  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  infantry — the 
eharpshooters  of  the  enemy  being  within  two  hundred  yards  of  them 
during  the  entire  evening.  The  guns  of  Moody's  battery,  in  conneo- 
tion  with  Squiers'  battery  of  the  Washington  Artillery  of  New  Or- 
leans, repelled  some  six  or  eight  attempts  of  the  infantry  of  tha 
enemy  to  take  our  position.  At  one  time  their  infantry  was  within 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  our  batteries,  when,  by  a  charge  of 
our  supporting  infantry,  they  were  driven  back.  Two  guns  of 
Moody's  battery,  with  Garnett's  brigade,  drove  the  enemy  from  tho 
ridge  To  the  left  of  the  village,  after  they  had  taken  the  ridge  from 
our  troops.  The  guns  retained  their  position  in  front  of  the  viiiags 
till  our  troops  were  driven  into  the  village  on  the  right,  when,  by 
direction  of  General  Garnett,  they  withdrew.  The  enemy  were  after- 
wards repulsed  from  the  village,  and  the  hill,  for  a  short  time,  wan 
reoccupied  by  Captain  Thomas  Carter's  battery.  It  was  now  near 
dark,  and  the  hill  was  held  but  by  a  few  infantry. 

Captain  Eubank's  battery  not  being  with  me,  I  am  not  prepared  to 
epeak,  from  personal  observation,  of  his  action,  but  General  Toombs 
informed  me  that  he  and  his  company  did  good  and  gallant  service, 

The  officers  and  men  of  my  battalion  behaved  with  the  utmost  gal- 
lantry. During  the  entire  time  engaged  they  were  exposed  to  a 
heavy  fire  from  the  enemy,  as  is  shown  by  the  list  of  casualties  oa  • 
closed.  Out  of  about  three  hundred  men  who  went  into  action, 
eighty- six  casualties  occurred,  and  sixty  horses  were  disabled. 

In  the  morning  the  battalion  was  engaged  during  the  severe  fight, 
before  our  reinforcements  came  up  on  the  left,  and  was  the  only 
artillery  engaged  with  General  Hood's  division.  In  the  evening  it 
was  engaged  in  front  of  the  village,  and  on  the  right  when  the  fight 
was  the  heaviest. 

I  regret  to  state  that  Captain  Woolfolk's  battery  lost  a  gun  on  the 
field.  It  was  on  the  left  in  the  morning  when  our  lines  gave  way  bo- 
fore  the  overwhelming  numbers  of  the  enemy.  The  four  horses,  two 
drivers  and  four  cannoneers  at  the  piece  were  disabled,  and  it  was 
with  difficulty  that  the  battery  could  be  moved.  I  do  not  attach  any 
blame  to  the  captain.  The  piece  could  not  be  recovered,  owing  to 
the  proximity  of  the  enemy,  though  several  attempts  were  made. 

Captain  John  S.  Taylor,  C.  S.  Artillery,  temporarily  attached  to 
my  staff,  was  killed  in  the  morning  while  gallantly  discharging  hiM 
duties.  He  was  entirely  fearless,  and  always  sought  the  post  of  d.iQ- 
ger;  and  his  exampled  did  much  towards  inspiring  his  daring  in  all 
around  him.  Though  generally  all  behaved  well,  1  will  particularly 
mention  the  following  as  having  attracted  my  attention  by  distin- 
guished gallantry  :  Captains  J.  V.  Moody,  Parker  and  Woolfolk  ; 
Lieutenant  Elliot,  commanding  Rhett's  battery  ;  Lieutenants  Gilbert 
and  Fickling,  Rhett's  battery ;  Lieutenant  Parkenson,  Parker's  bat- 
tery, severely  wounded  in  the  leg ;  Lieutenant  Sillers,  Moody's  bat- 
tery ;  Sergeants  Conroy  and  I'rice,  and  Corporals  Gaulin  and 
Donoho,  Moody's  battery.  I  would  also  mention  Lieutenant  Mad- 
dox,  of  Colonel  Cutte'  battalion  of  artillery,  who  had  two  guns  under 


386 

Ky  command,  and  behaved  with  great  gallantry.     My  adjutant,  Lieu- 
tenant W.  II,  Kemper,  Alexandria  Artillery,  was  of  great  assistance 
U»  roe,  and  exhibited  gallantry  and  coolness  in  an  eminent  degree. 
Enclosed  is  a  list  of  casualties. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

STEPHEN  D.  LEE, 
Colonel  of  Artillery  C.  S,  A.,  commanding  Battalion. 


.    SIGNAL  REPORTS— REPORT  OF  J.  L.  BARTLETT. 

[Harper's  Ferry,  No.  1;] 

Sunday,  September  14,  1862. 

My  signal  flag  was  up  at  daylight,  and  my  glass  bearing  on  Lou- 
doun Heights. 

After  sunrise,  Major  Paxton  sent  the  following : 

"  Artillery  coming  up  road  to  be  repaired,"  Before  delivering  this 
message  I  asked,  "  what  artillery  and  what  road  ?"  Major  Paxton 
answered,  *'  Walker's,  and  up  mountains."  About  ten,  A.  M.,  comes 
another  despatch  from  Loudoun  Heights.  '*  Walker  has  his  six  rifle 
pieces  in  position;  shall  he  wait  for  McLaws  ?"  General  Jackson  an- 
swers, "  Wait."  General  Jackson  and  Colonel  Snead  then  come  to- 
signal  station,  and  the  General  dictates  the  following : 


[Harper's  Ferry,  No.  2.] 

w 

Sunday,  September  14,  1862. 

To  Generals  McLaws  and  Walker  : 

If  you  can,  establish  batteries  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  hill  west 
of  Bolivar,  and  on  which  Barbour's  house  is,  and  any  other  positioa 
where  he  may  be  damaged  by  your  artillery,  and  let  me  know  when 
you  are  ready  to  open  your  batteries,  and  give  me  any  suggestions  by 
which  you  can  operate  against  the  enemy;  cut  the  telegraph  line  down 
the  Potomac,  if  it  is  not  already  done;  keep  a  good  lookout  against  a  Fed- 
eral advance  from  below  ;  similar  instructions  will  be  sent  to  General 
Walker.  I  do  not  deaire  any  of  the  batteries  to  open  until  all  are 
ready  on  both  sides  of  the  nver,  except  you  should  find  it  necessary, 
of  which  you  must  judge  for  yourself.  I  will  let  you  know  when  to 
open  all  the  batteries. 

T.  J.  Jackson, 
Major  General  commanding. 

Addendum. — If  you  have  not  rations,  take  steps  at  once  to  supply 
yourself;  have  beef  driven  to  your  command  so,  that  you  may  have 
enough.  General  Jackson. 


[Harper's  Ferry,  No.  3.] 

General  Jackson  and  staff  then  go  to  the  left.     I  receive,  soon  after^ 
the  following  :     '*  General  McLaws  informs  me  that  the  enemy  are  in 


888 

his  rear,  and  that  he  can  do  but  little  more  than  he  has  done.     I  am 
now  ready  to  open. 

(Signed,)  **  General  Walk£r." 

There  being  no  courier  at  the  post,  I  carried  this  message  to  the 
General,  and  find  him  in  front  on  the  left.  He  gives  me  an  answer, 
and  sends  Lieutenant  Douglas  back  to  signal  station  with  me. 

"To  General  Walker  : 

**  Do  not  open  until  General  McLaws  notifies  me  what  he  can 
probably  efiect.  Let  me  known  what  you  can  efiect  with  your  com- 
mand upon  the  enemy. 

(Signed,)  *'  General  Jackson." 

*•  To  General  McLaws  : 

**  Let  me  know  what  you  can  probably  effect  with  your  artillery, 
and  also  with  your  entire  command.     Notify  General  D.  H.  Hill,  at 
Middleburg,  of  the  enemy's  position,  and  request  him  to  protect  your 
rear.     Send  the  same  message  to  General  Lee,  near  Hagerstown. 
(Signed,)  "  General  Jackson." 

•  The  message  next  in  order  comes  from  Loudoun  Heights  to  General 
Jackson.     **  Walker  can't  get  position  to  bear  on  island." 
No  signature,  (probably  from  Major  Paxton.) 


[Harper's  Ferry,  No.  4.] 

From  General  Walker  to  General  Jackson: 

*'  I  am  informed  that  the  enemy  are  advancing  by  Perceyville,  and 
have  possession  of  the  passes  from  the  Valley. 

(Signed,)  *'  General  Walker." 

"  To  Generals  Walker  and  McLaws  : 

"  Fire  at  such  positions  of  the  enemy  as  will  be  most  effective. 
(Signed,)  *'  General  Jackson." 

Our  artillery  opens  from  this  side,  (in  front  of  Bolivar.)  Walker 
opens  from  Loudoun  Heights.  Yankees  are  seen  coming  down  on  west 
side  of  Bolivar  to  escape  Walker's  fire,  but  meet  an  equal  one  from 
<!>ur  artillery  on  the  left  of  our  line. 


Special  Order,  > 
>.  —       5 


[Harper's  Ferrv,  No.  5.] 
Headq'rs  Valley  District,  Sept.  14,  1862. 


No. 
I.  To-day  Major  General  McLaws  will  attack  so  as  to  sweep  with 


389 

his  artillery  the  ground  occupied  by  the  enemy,  take  his  batteries  in 
reverse  and  otherwise  operate  against  him  as  circumstances  may 
justify. 

II.  Brigadier  General  Walker  will  take  in  reverse  the  battery  on 
the  turnpike,  and  also  sweep  with  his  artillery  the  ground  occupied 
by  the  enemy,  and  silence  the  battery  on  the  island  in  the  Shenandoah, 
should  he  find  a  battery  there. 

III.  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill  will  move  along  the  left  bank  of  the 
Shenandoah,  and  thus  turn  the  enemy's  left  flank,  and  enter  Harper's 
Ferry. 

IV.  Brigadier  General  Lawton  will  move  along  the  turnpike  for  the 
purpose  of  supporting  General  Hill,  and  otherwise  operating  against 
the  enemy  on  the  left  of  General  Hill. 

V.  Brigadier  General  Jones  will,  with  one  of  his  brigades  and  a 
battery  of  artillery,  make  a  demonstration  against  the  enemy's  right; 
the  remaining  part  of  his  division  will  constitute  the  reserve,  and 
move  along  the  turnpike. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Jackson. 

William  L.  Jackson, 
A.  A.  A.  General. 


[No.  6.] 


If  any  other  dispatches  of  orders  were  sent  at  Harper's  Ferry,  it  was 
done  at  other  posts  than  mine.  Messages  were  doubtless  sent  from 
Loudoun  Heights  to  Maryland  Heights,  between  Generals  McLaws  and 
Walker. 

Captain  Adams,  who  was  the  only  commissioned  signal  officer  there, 
has  doubtless  full  reports  of  those  and  all  the  messages  and  orders;  it 
being  his  duty  to  k'eep  them.  I  suggest  that  he  be  applied  to  fof  them. 
^  ^  ^  ^°  J    L    BARTLETT. 

After  the  surrender  of  Harper's  Ferry,  I  was  ordered  by  Major 
Paxton  to  remove  my  station  to  Barbour's  house.  I  did  so,  after  noti- 
fying Captain  Adams'  post  on  Loudoun  Heights  of  the  move,  telling 
them  to  look  out  for  my  flag  at  that  point.  After  locating  my  station 
at  that  place,  however,  and  waving  my  flag  for  several  hours,  I  could 
not  get  "  attention  "  from  Loudoun  Heights  to  send  a  message,  sent 
to  me  by  Major  Paxton,  for  General  Walker  to  prepare  rations  and  be 
ready  to  march.  I  afterwards  learned  that  the  post  had  been  evacu- 
ated at  that  time.     Thus  ended  the  signal  service  at  Harper's  Ferry. 

J.  L.  B. 


[No.  7.] 


Manassas  Battle  Ground,      ) 
Saturday,  August  30,  1862.  J 

P.  M.     I  signal  from  General  Lee's  headquarters,  on  the  Warren- 


390 

ton  pike,  to  General  Jackson's  position,  across  the  pike,  near   sotnt? 
•wheat- stacks,  bearing  nearly  north,  distant  about  two  miles,  as  follows: 

*'  To  General  Jackson  : 

*'  What  is  result  of  movement  on  your  left. 

(Signed,)  '  *'  General  Lee." 

[Answer.] 

**  To  General  Lee  : 

"  So  far  enemy  appear  to  be  trying  to  get  possession  of  a  piece  of 
woods  to  withdraw  out  of  our  sight. 

(Signed,)  "  General  Jackson." 

'  Terrific  fighting  now  commences  on  the  left,  and  General  Jackson 
sends  for  a  division  of  Longstreet's  command. 

"  To  General  Jackson  :  ♦ 

*'  Do  you  still  want  reinforcments. 

(Signed,)  *'  General  Lee." 

Some  half  hour  elapses,  and  General  Jackson  replies  : 
**  No,  the  enemy  are  giving  way. 

(Signed,)  ♦  '"  General  Jackson." 

General  Lee  now  prepares  to  move,  and  sends  the  following  to  Gen- 
eral Jackson :  *'  General  Longstreet  is  advancing;  look  out  for  and 
protect  his  left  flank. 

(Signed,)  ••  '*  General  Lee." 

General  Lee  having  moved  his  headc^uarters,  I  also  removed  the 
signal  station. 

J.  L.  BARTLETT. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  J.  K.  BOSWELL. 

Headquarters  Second  Army  Corps,  February  12,  1863. 

Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Cki<>f  of  Staff  to  Lieut.  General  Jackson  : 

Colonel  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  that  on  the  evening  of  the  ' 
13th  August,  1862,  having  just  returned  from  Clarke's  Mountain,  » 
very  elevated  point,  three  miles  east  of  Rapidan  Station,  I  reported  to 
Major  General  Jackson  the  following  as  being  the  position  of  the  ea- 
emy's  forces  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Rapidan.  The  main  body 
encamped  around  the  slopes  of  Oarnett's  and  Slaughter's  Mountains ; 
one  division  one  mile  north  of  Culpeper  Court-llouse,  on  the  Brandy 
Station  road,  and  a. small  force  between  Mitchell's  Station  and  Limo 
church.  General  Jackson  then  directed  me  to  examine  and,  on  ttie 
following  day,  to  report  to  him  the  most  desirable  route  for  passing 
around  the  enemy's  flank  and  reaching  Warrenton,  Fauquier,  I  a(i" 
vised  that  the  corps  should  march  from  its  encampment  just  went  c$ 
Toddsburg,  through  Orange  Court-Houae,  thence  down  the  Freder- 
icksburg plank  road  to  Dr.  Terrill's,  then  turn  to  the  left,  pass  Pisgah 
church,  and  cross  the  Rapidan  at  Summerville's  ford,  thence  by  Lime 
church,  Stephensburg,  Brandy  Station  and  Beverley's  ford,  to  Warren- 
ton. This  route  being  approved,  the  march  was  commenced  on  the 
evening  of  the  loth,  and  on  the  16th  the  three  divisions  of  Talia- 
ferro, Ewell  and  A.  P.  Hill  encamped  near  Pisgah  church,  whera 
they  remained  for  three  days,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  a  portion  ol 
General  Longstreet's  command,  till  the  morning  of  the  2(Jth. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th,  a  body  of  the  enemy  drove  our  pickets 
from  Clarke's  Mountain  and  found  out  the  position  of  our  troops  , 
and,  on  the  1 9th,  they  commenced  their  retreat  towards  the  Rappa- 
hannock, I  was  on  Clarke's  Mountain  at  the  time  that  the  retrea* 
commenced,  and  immediately  gave  the  information  to  General  Jack- 
son. 

At  dawn  on  the  following  morning,  (20th,)  the  corps  moved  forward 
in  the  following  order,  Generals  A.  P.  Hill,  Ewell  and  Taliaferro.  I 
was  ordered  by  General  Jackson  to  remain  at  .Summerville's  ford, 
where  the  corps  crossed  the  Rapidan,  till  all  the  divisions  had  crossed,  to 
gee  that  there  was  no  delay  in  fording  the  stream.  This  being  accom- 
plished, I  rejoined  General  Jackson  about  two  miles  beyond  Stephen^-. 
burg,  on  the  Brandy  Station  road,  where  the  corps  bivouacked  for  the 
night.  I  here  found  that  General  Stuart,  with  Robertson's  brigade  of 
cavalry,  had  engaged  the  cavalry  of  the  retreating  enemy  near  St^ 
phensburg  and  driven  them  across  the  Rappahannock  at  the  railroad 
bridge. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  command  resumed  its  march 
in  the  following  order  :  Taliaferro,  A.  P,  Hill  and  Ewell.  Passing 
Brandy  Station,  the  front  of  Taliaferro's  division  emerged  from  the 
wood  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south  of  Beverley's  ford  about  ten,  A.  hi. 
Finding  the  ford  guarded  by  a  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  General 


392 

Taliaferro  brought  up  two  pieces  of  Poague'fl  battery  and  drove  them 
off;  General  Stuart  then  crossed  the  run  with  the  first  Virginia  cav- 
alry and  two  pieces  of  Poague's  battery,  but  the  enemy  advanced  a 
heavy  force  and  compelled  them  to  retire.  A  desultory  artillery  fight 
■was  kept  up  during  the  entire  day  between  the  batteries  of  General 
Taliaferro  and  those  of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 
I  was  ordered  by  General  Jackson  to  take  a  position  on  the  right, 
from  which  I  could  see  Rappahannock  Station,  and  to  report  to  him 
«.ny  mw^ement  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  I  stationed  .myself  on  a 
high  point  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  railroad,  and  about  three-quar- 
ters of  a  mile  from  the  river.  From  this  point  I  could  see  that 
the  enemy  were  in  heavy  force  around  Rappahannock  Station,  and 
that  a  small  body  of  infantry  occupied  two  very  high  bluffs  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river,  and  a  few  hundred  yards  above  the  railroad 
bridge.  I  communicated  these  facts  to  General  Jackson,  and  sug- 
gested that  the  enemy  might  be  driven  from  those  bluffs,  though  they 
were  somewhat  higher  than  any  point  on  either  side  of  the  river,  by 
placing  a  large  amount  of  artillery  on  the  ridge  east  of  Glassell's 
house  and  on  the  hill  which  I  then  occupied.  Colonel  Crutchfield 
TR'RS  sent  by  General  Jackson  to  examine  the  position  with  me,  but  wo 
did  not  meet  until  it  was  so  late  that  nothing  could  be  done. 

On  the  following  morning,  (22d,)  the  three  divisions,  in  order, 
Ewell,  Hill  and  Taliaferro,  left  their  encampment  near  Beverley's 
ford,  marching  by  farm  roads  and  across  fields  to  Welford's  mill, 
where  they  crossed  Eastham  river,  thence  to  Freeman's  ford,  but  find- 
jing  this  ford  strongly  guarded  by  the  enemy.  General  Trimble's  bri- 
gade was  left  to  prevent  a  crossing,  and  the  remainder  of  the  troops 
KQOved  across  the  country,  keeping  as  much  as  possible  under  cover, 
to  Dr.  M.  P.  Scott's  farm,  just  opposite  Lee's  Springs.  General  Ear- 
iy'a  brigade  and  a  portion  of  Lawton's  brigade  were  advanced  across 
the  Rappahannock,  and  took  position  respectively  on  the  Foxville  and 
Warrenton  roads.  Heavy  musketry,  during  the  evening,  announced 
that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  river  and  attacked  General  Trimble, 
but  later  it  was  found  that  he  had  driven  them  back.  A  very  heavy 
fall  of  rain  during  the  night  raised  the  Rappahannock  so  much  as  to 
render  it  entirely  impassable,  the  bridge  having  been  destroyed  hj  the 
enemy  in  their  retreat. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  Lieutenants  C.  R.  Howard  and 
H.  T.  Rogers,  engineers  on  General  Hill's  staff,  commenced  to  build  a 
temporary  bridge  for  the  passage  of  General  Early's  troops.  About 
eleven,  A.  M,,  General  Jackson,  fearing  lest  the  enemy  might  advance 
ft  heavy  force  against  General  Early  before  the  bridge  could  be  fin- 
ished, ordered  me  to  point  out  to  General  Early's  assistant  adjutant 
general.  Major  Hall,  a  road  by  which  the  brigade  might  be  moved  to 
Waterloo  in  case  it  should  be  forced  back.  This  was  done,  and  on  my 
return  to  the  Springs,  a  little  before  sunset,  I  found  the  bridge  com- 
pleted and  General  Early  engaged  in  an  artillery  fight  with  the  en- 
emy, advancing  on  the  Foxville  road ;  they  were  driven  back,  and  dur- 
ing the  night  General  Early  recrossed  into  Culpeper.  A  fierce 
cannonade  was  kept  up  during  the  entire  day  of  the  24th  between  our 


393 

batteries,  on  the  hills  near  Dr.  Scott'a,  and  those  of  the  enemy,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river.  About  three,  P.  M.,  I  received  an  order 
from  General  Jackson  to  report  immediately  to  him  at  Jeffersonton, 
■which  being  done,  he  directed  me  to  select  the  most  direct  and  cov- 
ered route  to  Manassas,  I  recommended  that  by  Amissville,  Ilin- 
son's  mill,  Orlean,  Salem,  Thoroughfare  and  Gainesville,  -which  he 
approved,  and  directed  me  to  select  guides,  which  1  did  from  Captain 
Adams' company,  sixth  Virginia  cavalry,  and  to  direct  the  front  divis- 
ion, in  person,  at  dawn  on  the  following  morning.  Finding  General 
Ewell's  division  the  most  advanced,  I  conducted  it  through  Amiss- 
ville and  crossed  the  Rappahannock  at  Ilinson's  mill.  Soon  after 
crossing  the  river,  I  was  ordered  by  General  Jackson  to  take  a  por- 
tion of  the  Black  Horse  cavalry.  Captain  Randolph,  and  Captain 
Tebbs'  company  second  Virginia  cavalry,  and  advance  to  Salem,  :vhich 
place  I  reached,  via  Orleans  and  Hume  Run  church,  about  four,  P.  M., 
without  encountering  any  portion  of  the  enemy's  forces.  Later  in 
the  evening,  Colonel  Munford  came  up,  with  the  second  Virginia  cav- 
alry, and  we  spent  the  night  in  the  town,  the  advance  of  the  infantry 
encamping  a  mile  south  of  the  town. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  General  Ewell  moved  forward,  fol- 
lowed by  A.  P.  Hill  and  Taliaferro,  passing  through  The  Plains  and 
Thoroughfare  Gap,  to  Gainesville.  Here,  leaving  the  Manassas  road 
and  moving  to  the  right,  the  advance  came  in  signt  of  Bristoc  Sta- 
tion, Orange  and  Alexandria  railroad,  about  sunset,  just  after  one  of 
the  enemy's  trains  of  cars  passed  the  station.  Advancing  suddenly,  the 
Louisiana  brigade  captured  a  number  of  prisoners,  acting  as  depot 
and  bridge  guard.  In  a  few  minutes  another  train  came  in  sight, 
moving  in  the  direction  of  Alexandria.  It  was  fired  upon  by  the 
Louisiana  brigade,  and  an  attempt  made  to  stop  it,  but  without  eftect. 
A  third  train  soon  came  in  sight  and  was  fired  upon ;  the  track,  a 
short  distance  beyond  the  depot  had  been  previously  removed,  and  the 
train,  consisting  of  an  engine  with  about  twenty  empty  cars,  was 
thrown  down  a  high  embankment  and  very  much  broken.  A  fifth 
train  shared  the  same  fate.  Still  another  came  in  sight,  but  returned 
in  the  direction  of  Warrenton,  General  Jackson  directed  me  to  move 
the  engines  and  cars  across  Broad  Run  bridge,  in  the  direction  of  Ma- 
nassas Junction,  but  I  reported,  after  examination,  that  the  engine  and 
cars  were  so  broken  that  it  would  be  impossble  to  move  them  ;  he 
then  ordered  me  to  destroy  the  bridge  over  Broad  Run,  and,  at  day- 
break on  the  following  morning,  to  fire  the  cars  and  engines,  which  was 
done.  During  the  night.  General  Stuart,  with  a  portion  of  his  cav- 
alry and  General  Trimble's  brigade  of  Ewell's  division,  took  posses- 
sion of  Manassas  Junction,  and  early  on  the  following  morning,  27th, 
General  Taliaferro  and  General  A.  P.  Hill's  divisions  joined  them  at 
that  point.  General  Ewell,  with  Taylor's,  Lawton's  and  Early's  bri- 
gades, remained  at  Bristoe,  After  completing  the  destruction  of  the 
trains  and  bridge,  in  which  I  was  assisted  by  Captain  C.  R.  Howard 
and  Lieutenant  H.  T.  Rogers,  of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  staff,  I  joined 
General  Jackson  just  in  time  to  see  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  retreat- 
ing column.     During  the  evening,  General  Ewell  had  a  brisk  en- 


394 

gageinent  with  the  advance  of  Pope's  army,  moving  from  Warrenton 
in  the  direction  of  Alexandria  ;  he  fell  back  to  Manassas  Junction  at 
Eunset. 

During  the  night  the  entire  command  marched  in  the  direction  of 
Sudley  Mills,  and  bivouacked  between  Cartharpin  creek  and  Sud- 
ley  Mills,  one  mile  north  of  Groveton.  On  the  following  day,  I 
"was  taken  sick  and  sent  to  the  rear,  and  did  not  rejoin  the  command 
till  the  19th  September. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  a  map  of-  the  region  from  Orange  Court- 
House  to  Sudley  Mills,  with  the  route  of  the  corps  designated  by  a 
heavy  black  line. 

I  am,  Colonel,  most  respectfully, 

J.  K.  BOSWELL, 
Captain  and  Chief  Engineer  2d  Army  Corps. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  BROWN  OF  BATTLE  OF  SLAUGH- 
TER'S GAP. 

Headquarters  Nineteenth  Virginia  Regiment,  ) 

October   lo,   1862.      S 

On  Sunday,  the  14th  of  September,  the  nineteenth  Virgjnia  regi- 
ment, numbering  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  after  marching  from 
Ilagerstown,  Maryland,  to  Boonsboro',  was  ordered  to  load  and  pre- 
pare for  action.  The  sun  was  nearly  setking  behind  the  western 
hills  when  the  regiment  was  formed  in  line  of  battle,  on  the  top  of  a 
hill,  with  an  open  space  in  front,  where  the  enemy  lay,  concealei 
behind  a  stone  fence,  at  the  distance  of  fifteen  paces.  A  murderous 
fire  was  at  once  opened  upon  the  regiment  by  the  concealed  foe,  which 
was  manfully  replied  to  by  the  nineteenth  for  more  than  an  hour, 
when  the  ranks  were  thinned  to  such  an  extent  as  to  prove  a  with- 
drawal absolutely  necessary.  One-third  of  the  men  were  rendered 
unable  to  fight,  and  a  precipitous  retreat  from  the  hill  was  ordered. 
In  this  engageu^nt  Colonel  J.  B.  Strange  fell,  seriously  wounded, 
and,  in  the  retreat,  was  left  behind.  His  voice  was  heard  after  he 
had  received  his  wound  urging  his  men  to  stand  firmly,  and  he  com- 
manded with  that  coolness  and  daring  that  is  found  only  in  the  truly 
brave.  In  addition  to  this  severe  loss,  the  regiment  mourns  the 
death  of  Lieutenant  M.  A.  Shepherd,  of  company  B,  than  whom  a 
truer  patriot,  a  firmer  officer,  or  a  nobler  youth,  is  not  to  be  found  iu 
our  country's  service.  The  list  of  casualties  shows  the  number  of  the 
brave  ever  to  be  lamented  by  the  friends  of  the  nineteenth.  The 
command  fell  upon  Captain  John  L.  Cochran,  after  the  fall  of  Colo- 
nel Strange.  Total  loss,  sixty-three.  Names  have  been  heretofore 
furnished. 

B.  BROWN, 
Captain  commanding  Regiment. 

I 


REPORT    OF    MAJOR    FROBEL  OF  SECOND    BATTLE  OF 

MANASSAS. 

Camp  near  Frederick,  Maryland,  ) 
September  9,  1862.      j 

Captain  "VV.  11.  Sellers, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General: 

Captain  :  I  have  the  Jionor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
participation  of  the  batteries  under  my  command  in  the  battles  of 
Friday  and  Saturday,  August  28th  and  3()th : 

At  eleven,  A.  M.,  on  Friday,  I  was  ordered  by  General  Hood  to 
proceed  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike  road  and  report  to  General 
Stuart.  This  I  did,  with  Captain  Bachman's  battery,  Reilly  being 
already  in  position  on  the  left,  and  Garden  having  no  long-range 
pieces.  General  Stuart  had  selected  a  position  near  the  Alexandria 
and  Orange  railroad.  The  battery  was  brought  up,  and  immediately 
opened  with  marked  effect  on  a  column  of  the  enemy  moving  to  the 
right,  which  at  once  changed  direction,  moving  rapicSy  to  the  left. 
Fifteen  rounds  were  fired,  when,  the  distance  being  greatly  increased, 
I  ordered  Captain  Bachman  to  cease  firing.  At  one,  P.  M.,  Captain 
Reilly  was  ordered  to  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  and  to  take  position 
■with  other  batteries  on  a  hill  commanding  the  hills  near  Grovetoa 
house,  where  the  enemy  had  several  batteries  strongly  posted.  Im- 
mediately afterwards,  I  proceeded  with  Captain  Bachman's  battery  to 
the  same  position,  (Captain  Garden's  being  considered  of  too  short 
range  to  be  effective  there.)  The  position  assigned  us  was  on  the 
extreme  left,  both  batteries  passing  through  a  heavy  fire  in  reaching 
it.  After  being  hotly  engaged  for  two  hours  and-a-half,  and  firing 
about  one  hundred  rounds,  the  enemy  ceased  firing  and  withdrew  his 
guns.  We  were  then  ordered  to  return  to  the  road,  for  the  purpose 
of  replenishing  our  ammunition.  At  three,  P.  M.,  on  Saturday,  I 
was  ordered  by  General  Longstreetto  proceed  down  the  turnpike  with 
all  the  batteries  and  take  position  on  the  left  of  the  road,  opening  fire 
on  the  enemy's  batteries  posted  in  an  orchard  near  Dogan's  house. ' 
Immediately  after,  I  was  ordered  to  change  position  to  the  right  of 
the  road  and  advance,  which  was  done.  Captain  Reilly  taking  posi- 
tion on  the  hill  in  front  of  Groveton  house,  engaging  the  batteries 
immediately  in  front,  under  a  terrific  fire,  while  Bachman's  battery 
advanced  still  further,  passing  through  the  woods  to  the  right,  and 
assisted  by  the  howitzer  section  of  Reilly's  battery,  under  command 
of  Lieutenant  Myers,  opened  on  the  flank.  In  changing  position. 
Captain  Bachman  had  one  of  his  rifle  guns  disabled.  Both  battferiea 
were  handled  with  great  skill  and  effect,  and  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
Boon  silenced.  It  being  near  dark,  and  the  ammunition  exhausted, 
Reilly  and  Bachman  were  ordered  to  withdraw.  In  the  meantime,  I 
■was  ordered  by  General  Longstreet  to  advance  Captain  Garden's  bat- 
tery in  the  field  on  the  left  of  the  road.     This  was  done,  and  a  flank- 


397 

ing  fire  opened  on  the  batteries  near  Dogan'a  house.  We  were  soon, 
however,  ordered  to  cease,  as  Colonel  Law's  brigade  was  advancing  in 
the  opposite  direction  on  the  same  point ;  the  Federals,  at  the  same 
time,  manifesting  great  energy  in  the  rapidity  of  their  movement 
down  the  turnpike  and  Sudley  ford  road.  Captain  Garden,  with  two 
other  batteries,  continued  to  pursue  until  the  Sudley  road  was  reached, 
when,  not  being  able  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe  in  the  darkness, 
the  battery  was  finally  withdrawn. 

Of  the  conduct  of  officers  and  men  in  both  engagements  I  cannot 
speak  in  terms  too  high.  'Captains  Bachman  and  Garden  handled 
their  batteries  with  great  skill,  while  Reilly  sustained  his  old  and  well 
merited  reputation.  .  Lieutenant  Sirgling,  a  gallant  young  officer, 
attached  to  Bachman's  battery,  fell,  seriously  (supposed  to  be  mortally) 
wounded,  at  his  guns,  setting  an  example  of  cool  bravery  not  often 
equalled.  Enclosed  you  will  find  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded. 
I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  W.  FROBEL, 
Major  and  Chief  of  Artilkry^  commanding. 


^M 


KEPOET  OF   MAJOR    FROBEL   OF    BATTLE    OF  SHARPS- 
BURG. 

October  1,  1862. 
Captain  W.  II.   Sellers,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Captain:  In  compliance  with  orders  to  report  the  participation  of 
the  batteries  under  ray  command  in  the  recent  engagements  before 
Sharpsburg,  I  would  respectfully  submit  the  fbllowing  : 

After  bringing  up  the  rear  on  the  march  i"rom  Boonsboro',  Cap- 
tains Rcilly  and  Bachman's  batteries  were  placed  in  position  by 
Oolcnel  Walton  about  noon  on  Monday,  the  loth  September,  on  a 
hill  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike  road  and  a  short  distance  in  front  of 
iSharpsburg ;  Garden's  battery  being  held  in  reserve,  in  case  the 
enemy  should  attempt  an  advance  by  a  bridge  over  the  Antietam, 
3till  further  to  the  right.     We  held  these  positions  on  Monday  night. 

On  Tuesday,  a  fierce  cannonade  was  kept  up  between  our  batteries 
and  those  of  the  enemy,  in  which  Captain  Reilly  was  ordered  by 
Colonel  Walton  to  participate  until  his  rifle  ammunition  was  ex- 
hausted, but  without  any  perceptible  result.  Bachman's  battery 
was,  at  the  same  time,  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire,  but  had  orders  not  to 
reply.     Tuesday  night  we  occupied  the  same- positions. 

On  Wednesday  morning  the  battle  was  again  renewed.  Captain 
ileilly  was  sent  to  the  rear  to  replenish,  if  possible,  his  exhausted 
ammunition.  At  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Captain  Bachman,  with  a  sec- 
tion of  Napoleon  guns,  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  extreme  left  of 
our  line  and  report  to  General  Longatreet.  Shortly  after,  he  was 
placed  in  position  in  a  corn-field,  and  opened  on  tho  enemy  at  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards.  TbCe  position  was  exposed  to 
the  fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  who  occupied  a  wood  not  more 
than  fifty  yards  oif.  In  a  few  minutes,  the  section  lost  three  men 
wounded,  two  mortally,  and  six  horses  killed.  Finding  that  to  con- 
tinue longer  would  involve  the  loss  of  his  guns.  Captain  Bachman 
withdrew  to  a  hill  near  by  and  reported  the  section  disabled,  on 
account  of  the  loss  of  men  and  horses.  I  ordered  him  to  retire,  for 
the  purpose  of  repairing  damages.  In  the  meantime,  his  rifle  section 
was  hotly  engaged  near  the  turnpike.  This  section  was  in  charge 
of  Sergeant  fcichlemmermeyer,  who  fought  his  guns  most  gallantly, 
and  remained  in  position  until  all  his  ammunition  was  expended. 

At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received  orders  from  Major  General  Jones 
to  prepare  to  hold  the  road  leading  from  the  bridge  over  the  Antie- 
tam, on  our  extreme  right.  A  few  minutes  after,  the  enemy  were 
reported  advancing,  the  infantry  near  the  bridge  at  the  same  time 
giving  way.  I  immediately  placed  Garden's  battery  in  position  on 
the  left  of  the  road.  The  enemy  had  crossed  the  bridge  and  were 
iidvancing  rapidly,  under  cover  of  a  furious  fire  from  all  their  batte- 
ries, concentrated  upon  us,  when  Garden's  battery  opened  a  most 
destructive  fire  upon  them  and,  assisted  by  a  rifle  section  under  Cap- 


399 

tain  Squiers,  soon  drove  tliem  back.  Fearing  tliey  might  yet  turn 
us  by  passing  still  further  to  the  right,  I  directed  Captain  Garden  to 
iook  well  to  the  road  and  woods  in  front  of  hira,  while  I  proceeded 
to  the  right  in  search  of  General  Jones.  On  arriving  at  the  top  of 
the  hill  to  the  right  of  the  road,  the  enemy  were  seen  advancing,  in 
strong  force,  in  that  direction.  By  permission  of  General  Jones,  I 
placed  Captain  Brown's  battery  in  position  at  this  point.  The  ene- 
my were  distant  about  four  hundred  yards,  when  ho  opened  a  hot  and 
well  directed  fire  upon  them,  breaking  their  ranka  and  driving  them 
back  to  the  cover  of  a  hill  from  which  they  had,ju8t  advanced. 

At  this  time,  large  bodies  of  the  enemy  .(infantry  and  artillery) 
were  moving  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  When  near  the 
bridge,  they  halted  some  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  I  immediately  sent 
to  Captain  Reilly  to  come  up,  as  the  guns  then  in  position  were  all 
.^hort-range  and  could  not  reach  them  on  the  bridge..  Being  without 
ammunition,  only  his  howitzer  section  was  available.  I  at  once 
placed  it  in  position.  The  enemy  had,  in  the  meantime,  advanced 
some  eight  or  ten  guns  across  the  river  and  placed  them  in  front  of 
us.  Under  fire  of  these,  assisted  by  all  their  long-range  batteries  on 
the  opposite  bank,  their  line  advanced.  Their  sharpshooters  at  the 
game  time  opened  a  hot  fire  on  us  from  a  corn-field  on  our  right,  a 
stone  fence  in  front,  and  a  wood  and  orchard  near  by.  Our  batteries 
immediately  replied,  and  continued  their  fire  until  the  line  was  broken 
and  the  enemy  recoiled. 

At  this  time  the  enemy  were  distant  less  than  one  hundred  yards. 
Oar  ammunition  was  exhausted.  One  of  Captain  Garden's  guns  was 
dismounted,  the  carriage  being  entirely  destroyed  ;  another  rendered 
titterly  useless  by  the  bursting  of  a  shell,  while  from  one  of  Captain 
Keilly's  pieces  all  the  horses  had  been  killed.  But  three  guns  re- 
mained fit  for  service,  and  they  were  without  ammunition.  Having 
run  the  pieces  to  the  rear  by  hand  and  secured  our  disabled  guns,  the 
enemy  all  the  time  advancing  and  firing  upon  us,  I  ordered  the  bat- 
teries to  retire. 

In  passing  to  the  turnpike,  Lieutenant  Ramsay,  in  command  of 
the  rifle  section  of  Captain  Reilly's  battery,  came  up  to  our  support. 
At  that  time  the  enemy  occupied  the  position  we  had  just  left,  and 
lyere  advancing  in  line.  1  ordered  Lieutenant  Ramsay  to  take  posi- 
tion in  the  field  to  the  right  of  the  road  and  open,  which  he  did,  soon 
breaking  their  line  and  throwing  them  into  great  confusion.  At 
this  time  General  A.  P.  Hill  came  up,  and,  charging,  drove  them 
from  the  field. 

I  regret  to  report  that  first  Lieutenant  Pringle,  of  Garden's  bat- 
tery, after  fighting  his  guns  most  gallantly,  fell,  late  in  the  day, 
mortally  wounded,  and  has  since  died. 

I  cannot  too  highly  applaud  the  conduct  of  both  officers  and  men. 
Captains  Bachman  and  Reilly  fought  their  batteries  with  their  usual 
determination  and  devotion  to  the  cause.  Captain  Garden,  Lieu- 
tenants Simmons,  Myers,  Ramsay,  and  Sergeant  Schlemmermeyer 
Reserve  particular  notice  for  their  gallant  conduct  during  the  battle, 
and  also  Assistant  Surgeon  Buist  for  his  attention  to  the  sick.     Act- 


400 


ing.Adjutant  W   L.  Scott  rendered  me  great  assistance,  and  is  entitled 
to  mj  warmest  thanks. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  pervaat, 

B.  W.  FROBEL, 
Major  and  Chief  of  AriUkri/,  CGmmanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BAKER. 

Headquarters  First  North  Carolina  Cavalry,  ) 

Augicst  9,   1862.  J 

Captain  Barker, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  First  Brigade  : 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  enemy  advan<;ed  to 
the  Gatewood  field  about  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  the  4tL  instant,  and 
there  halted  during  the  night.  A  courier  was  despatched  to  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Young  and  to  me,  at  that  time,  saying  that  the  enemy 
was  coming  up  in  large  force — artillery,  infantry  and  cavalry.  I 
immediately  marched  down  with  my  regiment  and  soon  satisfied  myself 
that  the  report  forwarded  to  me  was  correct.  Another  courier  was 
immediately  forwarded  by  me,  about  half  past  ten  o'clock,  to  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Young  to  make  the  same  report  as  at  first,  and  to 
state  that  I  thought  they  would  go  by  the  Quaker  road  to  Malvern 
Hill  in  the  morning,  and  that  he  must  be  on  the  alert  and  forward  the 
report  to  General  Hampton.  I  also  despatched  an  officer  to  General 
Ripley,  informing  him,  as  he  had  directed  me  to  call  on  him  for  as- 
sistance whenever  necessary.  The  officer  says  he  reached  the  General's 
headquarters  at  a  quarter  to  four,  A.  M.  The  General  wrote  to  me 
immediately,  authorizing  mo  to  order  up  a  section  of  artillery  and  two 
infantry  regiments  on  picket  duty  about  four  or  five  miles  in  my 
rear,  and,  if  this  was  not  enough,  to  send  for  the  brigade  that  was 
out  working.  I  sent  an  order,  at  six,  A.  M.,  for  the  two  regiments  of 
infantry  and  section  of  artillery  to  come  up,  but  no  answer  was  sent, 
and  they  did  not  come  up.  I  was  constantly  expecting  them  until 
the  arrival  of  General  Ripley,  about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  No 
explanation  has  been  given  for  the  failure  of  the  artillery  and 
infantry  to  come  to  my  assistance  when  ordered  to  do  so.  At 
daylight,  the  enemy  advanced  by  the  Nelson  house  and  down  the 
Quaker  I'oad  to  Malvern  Hill.  I  sent  another  officer,  at  once,  to 
General  Ripley  to  announce  that  intelligence.  General  Hampton 
came  over  to  my  assistance  between  seven  and  eight  o'clock,  A. 
•  M.,  with  the  intention  of  following  them,  until  I  reported  their  force, 
and  also  that  they  were  in  force  in  front  and  already  at  Malvern  Hill. 
Captain  Cheek  made  admirable  disposition  of  his  squadron  on  picket 
to  get  information,  and  the  men  performed  the  duty  with  judgment 
and  bravery,  keeping  their  position  as  videttes  as  long  as  it  was 
possible,  so  as  to  estimate  their  force.  Lieutenant  Iredell,  after  re- 
maining, with  a  few  men  as  videttes  until  the  enemy  was  in  a  few 
yards  of  him,  fired  and  fell  slowly  back,  killing,  as  I  have  since 
learned,  two  men  and  wounding  several.  The  enemy  endeavored  to 
advance  hS  pickets  to  cover  his  march,  but  I  dismounted  Captain 
Siler's  company  as  skirmishers,  and,  after  a  few  moments  of  spirited 
firing,  the  enemy  fell  back,  and  I  obtained  position  to  ascertain  his 
force  again.  Captain  Siler's  officers  and  men  behaved  very  gallantly. 
26 


402 

On  the  5tli  and  6th,  thirty-three  prisoners  were  captured  by  Captains 
Barringer's  and  Houston's  squadrons,  I  lost  seven  men  (four  of 
Captain  Cheek's  and  three  of  Captain  Wood's  companies) — a  post 
near  Malvern  Hill,  who  had  orders  to  report  any  advance  of  the  ene- 
my to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Young's  pickets.  They  remained  too  long 
and  were  unable  to  make  their  way  to  him.  One  of  my  men  came  up  to 
me  late  in  the  day  stating  this  fact.  I  also  lost,  on  the  6th,  one  man 
prisoner  from  Captain  Ruffin's  company,  and  had  one  badly  wounded 
from  Captain  Houston's  company. 
s  I  am,  sir,  with  much  respect, 

L.  S.  BAKER, 
Colonel  First  North  Carolina  Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  YOUNG. 

New  Market  Church,  August  8,  1862. 

Lieutenant  Hamilton, 

A.  and  A.  A.  A.  General : 

Lieutenant:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  first  courier  re- 
ported to  me  at  a  quarter  past  twelve  o'clock,  A.  M.,  August  5th. 
He  was  sent  by  Lieutenant  Early,  who  commanded  my  squadron  on 
picket  at  Malvern  Hill.  This  courier  reported  that  the  enemy  were 
advancing,  with  a  large  force  of  cavalry  and  some  artillery,  upon  the 
left  flank  of  the  North  Carolina  cavalry  pickets.  1  immediately  directed 
my  adjutant  to  write  a  note  to  General  Hampton  and  inform  him  of  the 
state  of  affairs,  which  he  did.  ^  I  ordered  the  courier  to  return,  and. 
directed  Lieutenant  Early  to  send  out  a  scouting  party.  Lieutenant 
Early  obeyed  the  order.  The  scouting  party  discovered  nothing  in 
their  front,  and  no  demonstration  was  made  at  this  time  or  afterwards 
in  our  front,  as  the  enemy  advanced  from  the  direction  of  the  North) 
Carolina  pickets.  The  second  courier  reported  to  me  between  the- 
hours  of  two  and  three  o'clock.  This  courier  reported  from  Lieu- 
tenant Early  that  he  had  been  informed,  by  a  courier  from  the  North, 
Carolina  pickets,  that  the  enemy  were  still  advancing,  in  strong  force,, 
upon  the  North  Carolina  pickets;  that  they  could  distinctly  hear  the 
sound  of  the  bugles  and  moving  of  artillery.  This  courier  was  sent 
to  General  Hampton  to  report  the  intelligence  to  him.  About  break 
of  day  a  courier  from  the  North  Carolina  pickets  reported  to  me 
that  the  enemy  were  still  advancing,  but  that  his  (the  North  Carolina} 
pickets  had  not  been  driven  from  their  posts.  He  reported  that  Colonel 
JJaker's  or  my  position  would  be  attacked  by  morning.  This  courier- 
was  also  sent  to  General  Hampton,  At  half  past  five  o'clock,  A,  M.,, 
another  courier  reported  to  me  from  Lieut.  Early.  This  man  reported 
that  a  battery  of  artillery  had  opened  upon  our  reserve  picket  and 
our  battery  of  artillery,  (which  was  at  Malvern  house,)  entirely  from 
iheir  rear.  The  enemy's  battery  was  playing  from  a  hill  near  Crew's 
house — the  battery  was  supported  by  about  four  hundred  cavalry.. 
The  courier  reported  that  he  had  come  for  support,  and  that  unless^ 
our  people  on  the  hill  should  very  soon  get  help  they  must  certainly 
be  lost.  This  courier  was  sent  to  General  ILimpton.  In  a  t'evr 
moments  after  this  time,  I  received  an  order  from  General  Hampton, 
directing  rae  to  leave  one  squadron  at  my'camp  and  form  the  other 
two  squadrons  in  the  field,  which  was  prepartory  to  moving  to  the 
support  of  Colonel  Baker.  1  received  no  information  after  this  from 
Malvern  Hill.  It  is  duo  to  Lieutenant  Early  to  say  that  he  kept  up. 
his  picket  linos  during  the  heavy  artillery  fire  from  his  rear,  nor  didi 
lie  abandon  them  until  ordered  by  Major  Pickett,  of  the  seventeenthi 
Georgia,  to  do  so.  During  this  movement  upon  Malvern  Hill,  not  & 
.mngle  man  of  the  enemy  appeared  in  front  of  my  pickets.  The  ene- 
my, to  their  surprise,  were  firing  from  their  rear  before  they  were 


404 

aware  of  their  proximity,  and  I  must  say  that,  in  my  opinion,  the 
officers  of  the  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry  dcBcrve  praise  for  the 
manner  in  which  they  withdrew  their  troops  from  the  field  when  they 
believed  it  vain  to  hope  longer  for  support.  I  have  to  report  my 
loss  as  follows :  Two  men  captured  from  Lieutenant  Early's  squadron, 
and  two  supposed  to  be  killed. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

P.  M.  B.  YOUNG, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Georgia  Legion  Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  MAGRUDER. 

Brigadier  General  Wade  Hampton  : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  for  your  consideration  the  follow- 
'  ing  report  as  to  the  operations  of  the  enemy  in  front  of  our  lines  on 
Tuesday  last,  5th  instant : 

At  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  received  a  verbal  message  from  Colonel 
Baker,  through  his  courier,  to  this  effect :  that  the  enemy  had  driven 
in  his  pickets  the  evening  before  to  Riddell's  shop,  and  that  there 
were  no  pickets  left  between  Riddell's  shop  and  my  reserve  ;  he  further 
stated  the  enemy  was  in  large  force,  composed  of  artillery,  cavalry 
and  infantry.  From  the  withdrawal  of  Colonel  Baker's  pickets  on  my 
right,  thereby  preventing  any  communication,  on  the  Charles  City 
road,  between  Colonel  Baker's  and  mine,  besides  exposing  my  right 
entirely  to  approach  of  the  enemy  in  case  Colonel  B.  should  fall  back, 
of  which  I  could  have  had  no  information  in  time.  I  immediately, 
upon  reception  of  the  above  information,  ordered  Captain  W.  B. 
Clement,  commanding  the  picket  post,  to  draw  in  his  pickets  on  the 
left  to  the  junction  of  the  Long  Bridge  with  the  Charles  City  (some- 
times called  Quaker)  road,  also  to  picket  what  is  called  the  Turner 
road,  a  cross  road  leading  from  Long  Bridge  road  to  White  Oak 
Swamp  bridge,  and  to  extend  his  line  on  Charles  City  further  to  my 
right,  to  guard  against  surprise  in  that  direction,  to  be  so  picketed  as 
regularly  to  communicate  one  with  another,  thus,  in  the  speediest 
possible  time,  giving  information  to  the  reserve,  which  was  at  the 
bridge,  a  short  distance  this  side,  so  as  to  beunder  cover  of  the  woods, 
it  not  being  practicable  on  the  opposite  side.  Between  nine  and  ten, 
upon  my  return  from  visiting  a  portion  of  my  picket  lines,  I  sug- 
gested to  Captain  Clement  the  propriety  of  loosening  a  few  of  the 
poles  on  the  bridge,  so  that  in  case  of  an  advance  of  cavalry,  at 
shortest  possible  notice,  to  tear  up  a  portion  of  the  bridge,  so  as  to 
check  and  throw  in  confusion  the  advance  column,  whilst  the  men  in 
ambush  would  open  upon  them.  All  of  the  orders,  according  to 
Captain  Clement's  report,  seem  to  have  been  obeyed,  as  the  following 
report,  furnished  by  Captain  C,  will  show.  The  orderly  sergeant, 
with  nine  men,  superintended  by  Captain  C,  dismounted  to  loosen 
the  logs  of  the  bridge  ;  they  had  barely  commenced  before  pickets 
reported  the  enemy  advancing  upon  Turner  and  Dr.  Perman's  road. 
Captain  C.  ordered  courier  to  return  and  watch  movements,  and  stated 
he  would  be  with  him  in  a  moment.  Before  getting  on  his  horse, 
(some  fifty  yards  distant,  when  receiving  the  above  information,) 
Captain  C.  heard  firing,  accompanied  with  a  yell,  and  saw  the  pickets 
flying  from  the  hill, 'closely  pursued  by  the  enemy's  cavalry.  This 
body  of  cavalry  approached  under  cover  of  the  woods,  leaving  the 
road  and  hugging  closely  to  the  swamp  until  within  a  short  distance 
of  ^ae  bridge.  The  pickets  were  watching  the  advance  of  another 
body  of  the  enemy,  and  came  very  near  being  cut  off  from  the  bridge^ 
before  seeing  the  approach  of  the  second  body.      Captain  Clement 


406 

attempted  to  check  the  column  by  ordering  his  men  forward  and 
meeting  them,  but  soon  saw  the  impracticability  of  this  move,  as  the 
enemy  was  nearer  the  bridge  than  he ;  the  men  were  drawn  up  by  the 
side  of  the  road  and  ordered  to  reserve  their  fire  until  f.hc  head  of  the 
column  approached  very  near,  hoping  thereby  to  check  the  column 
and  give  time  to  the  men  on  foot  to  mount.  The  men  stood  firm 
amidst  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  did  not  fire  until  ordered,  which  was 
not  given  until  they  were  in  fifteen  yards  of  the  picket.  Unfortu- 
nately most  of  our  guns  failed  fire,  from  having  been  exposed  twenty- 
four  hours  on  picket  duty,  as  well  as  capa  being  indifferent.  Captain 
C,  ordered  his  men  to  fall  back  through  the  swamp,  it  being  the  only 
mode  of  escape.  Captain  C.'sand  Caskie's  companies  were  on  picket. 
In  the  skirmish  Captain  Clement  lost  six  men  and  eight  horses,  sup- 
posed to  have  been  captured.  Lieutenant  Doyle,  of  Captain  Caskie's 
company,  having  absented  himself  from  camp  since  the  skirmish,  I 
cannot  be  positive  as  to  the  exact  number  missing  in  his  company. 
They  report  four  missing,  making  ten  in  all.  Three  of  the  ten  are 
reported  wounded.  How  many  of  the  enemy  were  killed  we  cannot 
tell;  several  saddles  were  emptied  and  five  horses  killed.  One  hundred 
men  were  dismounted  and  in  ambush  this  side  of  the  swamp,  the  rest 
of  the  regiment  was  drawn  up  in  protecting  distance,  with  seven 
pieces  of  artillery.  Not  less  than  fifteen  hundred  cavalry  could  be 
seen  on  the  opposite  hill,  in  addition  to  which  I  have  since  learned 
there  was  a  large  body  of  infantry  also.  1  held  my  position  on  this 
side  the  bridge  all  day ;  the  enemy,  maintaining  his  on  opposite  hill, 
about  twelve  hundred  yards  distant,  moved  off  in  the  night,  leaving  a  few 
pickets  only,  which  could  be  seen  next  morning. 

On  the  6th,  I  scouted  on  opposite  side  of  >the  swamp  seme  four  or 
five  miles,  captuiing  eight  piisoners. 

I  have  made  diligent  search  as  to  negligence  on  part  of  picket,  but 
have  found  nothing  indicating  negligence,  unless  it  be  some  of  the 
men  did  not  believe,  after  being  told  by  picket,  that  the  enemy  were 
approaching,  and  Lieutenant  Doyle,  thoughtlessly,  was  dismounted, 
and  had  sent  his  horse  some  distance  to  water.  My  pickets  were  so 
placed,  it  seems  to  me,  without  carelessness,  could  not  have  been 
captured. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  fservant, 

Z.  T.  MAGRUDER, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Tenth  Cavairy. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  T.  T.  MUNFORD. 

Headquarters  Robertson's  Brigade,  1862.   • 

Major  J.  T.  W.  Hairston, 

Assristant  Adjutant  General: 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  25th  August,  my  regi- 
ment, stationed  near  Waterloo  bridge,  was  ordered  to  report  to  Major 
General  Jackson  for  active  service.  One  squadron  sharpshooters,  un- 
der Captain  Ridgeley  Brown,  was  left  at  the  bridge,  at  Hinson's  mill 
I  was  ordered  in  advance  with  instructions  to  picket  every  road  lead- 
ing towards  the  enemy,  which  roads  were  to  be  held  until  the  whole 
army  passed.  The  first  night  we  halted  at  Salem,  and  occupied 
Thoroughfare  Gap  as  soon  after  dawn  as  the  advance  could  get  there. 

On  the  evening  of  the  26th,  the  advance  guard  captured  some  twelve 
or  fifteen  Yankees  at  Hajmarkct  and  Gainesville.  They  seemed  en- 
tirely ignorant  of  any  movement  of  our  army,  and  we  passed  on  to- 
wards Bristoe  Station.  Ascertaining  that  the  depot  was  guarded  by 
a  company  of  cavalry  and  one  of  infantry,  I  was  ordered  to  capture 
them  (the  pickets  detailed  en  route  had  reduced  my  regiment  to  about 
one  hundred  men)  and  surprise  their  whole  command  ;  but  most  of 
their  cavalry  scampered  away  with  their  horses,  and  many  of  the  infantry 
fled  to  the  hotel  and  other  houses,  and  opened  fire  upon  us.  Just  at 
this  crisis  a  train  of  cars  approached,  which  Ave  attempted  to  throw 
from  the  track  by  placing  sills  on  it;  but  in  this  did  not  succeed,  as 
the  time  and  materials  at  hand  were  not  sufficient.  In  this  skirmish 
we  killed  two  of  the  enemy,  wounded  seven  and  captured  forty-three, 
including  the  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  fourth  New  York  regiment,  a 
major,  three  captains  and  four  lieutenants.  We  also  captured  four- 
teen cavalry  horses  with  some  few  sabres,  carbines  and  pistols.  Lieu- 
tenant Wilson  and  privates  Saunders  and  Everett,  of  company  A, 
were  badly  wounded  by  guns  fired  from  the  windows  of  the  houses. 
^  The  Louisiana  brigade  came  up  to  our  support,  and  succeeded  in 
capturing  several  trains  of  cars.  The  next  day  I  was  engaged  in 
protecting  the  flank  of  General  Ewell's  division,  and  followed  in  his 
rear  from  Manassas,  picking  up  stragglers  and  destroying  stores  aban- 
doned the  day  previous  by  the  enemy.  At  Groveton  I  was  ordered 
to  join  the  brigade  under  General  Robertson.  About  four  o'clock, 
P.  M,,  on  the  cJUth,  my  regiment  was  ordered  to  the  front,  when  we 
arrived  nearly  upon  the  spot  where  my  command  had  stood  for  hours 
during  the  battle  of  July  2l8t,  1861.  We  found  a  company  of  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Watts  was  ordered  to  charge 
them  with  one  squadron,  which  he  did  with  his  usual  good  spirit,  and 
put  them  to  flight  ;  but  soon  discovered  that  they  were  the  advance 
guards  of  Gen.  Buford's  cavalry  brigade,  stationed  under  the  hill,  near 
Lewis'  ford,  which  caused  him  to  halt,  when  the  rest  of  my  regiment 
•was  ordered  up  to  his  support.  A«»  soon  as  I  had  formed  my  command, 
I  determined  to  move  to  tho  rear  for  a  better  position;  but  as  soon  as 


408 

I  commenced  this  move,  the  enemy  advanced  upon  me.  We  were  then 
near  enough  to  hear  each  other's  commands.  Hearing  the  command, 
*'  Forward,  trot,"  I  wheeled  my  command  to  the  right-about  by  fours, 
and  went  at  them  with  drawn  sabres.  The  enemy  were  in  columns 
by  regiments,  composed  of  the  first  Michigan,  fourth  New  York  and 
first  Virginia.  My  regiment,  in  line  of  battle,  going  at  a  gallop,  went 
through  the  advanced  line  of  the  enemy,  engaged  this  and  the  second 
line  in  a  hand-to-hand  fight.  We  were  soon  overpowered  by  numbers, 
and  a  running  fight  ensued,  the  two  commands  being  thoroughly  in- 
termingled. As  soon  as  the  seventh  and  twelfth  reinforced  me,  the 
whole  of  the  enemy's  command  commenced  a  retreat.  Had  my  regi- 
ment been  promptly  reinforced  my  comn;and  would  not  have  suffered 
80  severely.  My  regiment  behaved  as  gallantly  as  any  body  of  men 
could  do.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Watts,  Major  Breckinridge,  Lieutenant 
Kelso,  of  company  A,  and  Lieutenant  Walton,  of  company  C,  were 
severely  wounded.  Privates  William  Watson,  Caleb  Dooley,  of  com- 
pany A ;  B.  Peck,  S.  W.  McCluer,  C.  Frazier,  J.  M.  Denton  and  W. 
Bishop,  of  company  C  ;  S.  Martin,  company  D ;  J.  Shelton,  G.  T. 
Rucker,  company  E;  F.  P.  Harris,  0.  M.  Garrett,  G.  Leftwitch,  L. 
Roberts,  company  F ;  Jenkins,  company  G ;  R.  A.  Cheatham  and 
James  Walker,  company  H  ;  Joseph  Perkins  and  Moss,  company  K, 
and  John  Lonely  and  R.  W.  Nelson,  of  Captain  Brown's  Maryland 
company,  were  severely  wounded  and  disabled.  Some  twelve  others 
were  slightly  wounded,  but  continued  with  the  command.  Privates 
F.  Noel  and  B.  Watson,  of  Company  A,  and  Mann,  company  H,  were 
killed.  It  is  proper  to  state  that  my  own  horse  was  killed,  and  that  I 
was  dismounted  by  a  blow.  I  did  not  pursue  the  enemy  further  than 
Bull  Run.     General  Robertson  came  up  and  assumed  command. 

The  seventh  and  twelfth  were  much   complimented  by  those   who 
witnessed  their  pursuit  of  the  enemy.     I  herewith,  enclose  reports  of 
the  commanding  officers.     The  brigade  captured  about  three  hundred 
prisoners  with  a  large  number  of  horses,  arms  and  accoutrements. 
I  am.  Major,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

THOS.  T.  MUNFORD, 

Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  T.  L.  ROSSEE. 

Headquarters  Fifth  Virginia  Cavalry, 
January  10,  1863. 

General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart,  commanding  : 


I  arrived  at  Groveton,  where  I  learned  that  the  enemy  was  movin^^ 
his  wagons  on  a  private  road  to  Manassas  Junction.  I  procured  a 
section  of  artillery  from  Colonel  Bradley  Johnson  and  attacked  them, 
dispersing  their  train  and  turning  them  back.  This  I  reported  to 
General  Jackson,  who  proceeded  to  the  point  where  I  had  attacked 
the  enemy  to  examine  the  ground  and  the  nature  of  the  movement, 
ordering  me  at  the  same  time  to  picket  well  to  the  front  on  the  turnpike. 
I  soon  found  that  the  enemy,  being  interrupted  on  this  private  road. 
Lad  changed  the  direction  of  his  march  and  came  immediately  down 
the  pike.  General  Jackson  then  attacked  him  on  his  left  flank,  and 
I,  holding  my  regiment  on  the  right,  occupied  myself  in  guarding 
the  right,  and  capturing  many  prisoners  of  cavalry  and  infantry.  I 
camped  on  the  field. 

Next  morning  I  moved  around  to  Gainesville,  where,  after  cap- 
turing about  forty  cavalry,  I  was  driven  back  by  the  enemy's  infantry. 
Soon  after  this,  I  received  orders  from    General   Stuart  to  join  tbo 

column  advancing  from  Haymarket. 

*  *******  * 

Respectfully, 

T.  L.  ROSSER, 
Colonel  Fifth   Virgiiiia  Cavalry. 
Official : 

R.  Channing  Price, 

First  Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.   General. 


Headquarters  Fifth  Viroima  Cavalry, 
October  5,   1863. 

To  Major  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart, 

Commanding  Cavalry  Division  : 

General  :  On  the  morning  of  August  30th,  my  regiment  having 
been  considerably  reduced  by  details  of  one  kind  or  other,  the  re- 
mainder was,  in  obedience  to  your  order,  placed  on  picket  on  the 
extreme  right,  in  the  direction  of  Bristoe,  under  command  of  Major 
Douglas. 

Having  been  placed  in  command  of  all  the  artillery  under  your 
command  the  day  previous,  I  still  exercised  control  of  it,  and  near 

house,  occupied  by  you   as   your  headquarters,  with  Strib- 

ling's  and  Rodgers'  batteries,  I  had   been   firing  an  occasional  shot 


410 

at  the  enemy,  who  threatened  the  position  occupied  by  General 
Hood.  When  the  order  for  the  lines  to  advance  was  given,  the  ene- 
my's position  on  the  right  being  very  strong,  (occupying  high  wooded 
ground,)  I  threw  Captains  Eshleman,  (Washington  artillery,)  Strib- 
ling  and  Rodgers  on  the  extreme  right  of  our  lines,  sending 
Richardson  (Washington  artillery)  more  to  the  left,  to  take  position 
near  the  Chinn  house,  Stribling  sufficiently  to  the  right  and  front, 
and  opened  on  a  portion  of  the  enemy's  lines  and  artillery,  which  fire 
very  soon  caused  them  to  change  their  position  ;  then  advancing  by 
battery  steadily  on,  when  I  arrived  near  the  Wheeler  house,  where 
I  found  myself  at  least  a  half  of  a  mile  in  advance  of  our  lines  on 
my  left,  thus  driving  the  enemy,  by  this  terrible  fire  of  artillery, 
back  on  Bull  Run. 

Receiving  information  that  the  enemy  was  pressing  the  cavalry, 
which  was  my  support  on  the  right,  1  sent  two  guns  cf  Captain 
Eshleman's  battery,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Joseph  Norcom, 
to  its  support.  Seeing  that  1  had  an  enfilading  and  reversed  fire,  I 
posted  my  guns  to  the  best  advantage  and  opened  a  most  terrific  fire 
upon  him,  which  caused  him  to  attempt  to  carry,  by  a  desperate 
charge,  my  advance  battery,  which  was  gallantly  met  and  repulsed  by 
Rodger's  canister  ;  but  the  cavalry  being  all  the  time  my  only  sup- 
port, and  my  position  at  this  time  being  very  close  to  the  enemy,  I 
drew  my  batteries  up  en  echelon,  and  by  keeping  up  a  continued  fire  I 
soon  caused  the  enemy  to  seek  shelter  under  cover  of  the  hill,  which 
change  in  his  position  very  much  relieved  our  infantry. 

Darkness  had  come  on.  The  enemy's  sharpshooters  were  lying 
just  over  the  hill,  in  a  thick  undergrowth  of  pines.  To  advance  my 
batteries  to  a  thick  undergrowth  occupied  entirely  by  infantry  being 
•perfectly  absurd,  and  being  unable  to  dislodge  them,  even  vnth  can- 
ister, I  was  unable  to  advance  further.  After  making  repeated,  but 
fruitless,  endeavors  to  get  infantry  (which,  by  the  way,  was  at  this 
time  near  at  hand — Armistead's  brigade)  to  drive  them  away,  the 
firing  all  along  the  lines  having  ceased,  I  ordered  the  batteries  also 
to  cease  firing  and  move. 

I  am  proud  to  speak  of  the  gallant  conduct  of  Captain  Rodgors 
and  his  command,  who,  by  coolness  and  determination,  received  the 
charge  of  a  brigade  with  a  fearful  volley  of  canister,  Avaiting  first 
until  the  enemy  reached  the  deadly  ground  of  fifty  paces.  Indeed, 
the  conduct  of  both  officers  and  men  in  this  desperate  struggle  entitle 
them  to  their  country's  gratitude. 

Early  on  the  following  morning,  resuming  command  of  my  regi- 
ment, I  withdrew  my  pickets  and  went  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and, 
being  very  soon  joined  by  you,  the  results  you  doubtless  remember, 
as  you  were  present  and  witnessed  the  conduct  of  the  regiment  on 
overtaking  the  enemy.  Later  in  the  day,  Robertson's  brigade  having 
come  up,  in  pursuance  witb  your  orders  I  proceeded,  with  a  command 
composed  of  my  regiment,  a  detail  of  fifty  men  of  Robertson's  com- 
mand, and  one  piece  of  the  WashingtoH  artillery,  to  Manassas,  which 
I  found  abandoned,  save  but  by  over  four  hundred  stragglers,  whom 
I  captured,  with  a  large  lot  of  small  arms.     Five  elegant  ambulances, 


411 

with  horses  and  harness  complete,  and  a  quantity  of  medical  stores, 
all  of  which  were  duly  turned  over  to  the  proper  authorities.  After 
getting  all  information  I  could  obtain  from  citizens,  and  from  strag- 
glers of  Banks'  division,  (\Yho,  by  the  way,  had  retreated  by  way  of 
Bristoe  and  Brentsville,  after  destroying  a  large  lot  of  ammunition 
and  stores  at  the  former  place,)  I  returned  and  rejoined  my  brigade 
next  day. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Most  respectfully,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  L.  ROSSER. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN    SQUIER3   OF    THE  WASHINGTON 

ARTILLERY. 

0 

Bivouac  Near  Martinsburg,  Va.,  ) 

September  22,  1862.      ] 

Colonel  J.  B.  Walton, 

Chief  of  Artillery  Right  Wing,  A.  N.  V.  : 

.  Colonel  :  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  August,  the  artillery, 
composed  of  the  first  company  of  Washington  Artillery,  (four  three- 
inch  rifles,)  and  Captain  Stribbling's  battery,  (three  Napoleon  guns  and 
one  three-inch  rifle,)  marched  in  the  direction  of  the  hill  opposite  to 
Rappahannock  Station,  which  you  had  previously  ordered  should  be 
occupied  by  these  batteries.  While  en  route,  Major  J.  J,  Garnett 
informed  me  that  the  infantry  which  was  to  support  the  artillery  was 
late  in  forming,  and  ordered  me  to  place  the  guns  under  cover  until 
the  support  should  arrive.  Shortly  after  the  brigade  of  General 
Evans  came  up  and  took  position.  In  the  meantime  Lieutenant 
Chapman  reported  with  a  section  of  the  Dixie  Artillery,  composed  of 
one  Napoleon  gun  and  one  three-inch  rifle.  Major  Garnett  ordered 
me  to  place  the  batteries  in  line  in  rear  of  the  hill  which,  in  your 
reconnoissance,  you  had  determined  should  be  occupied  by  the  artil- 
lery, which  was  to  form  the  right  of  the  line  of  fire.  The  batteries 
were  formed  in  line  from  right  to  left  in  the  following  order  :  First 
company  Washington  Artillery,  four  three-inch  rifle  guns  ;  Dixie 
Artillery,  one  Napoleon  gun  and  one  three- inch  rifle  ;  Stribbling's 
battery,  three  Napoleon  guns  and  one  three-inch  rifle.  This  had 
scarcely  been  accomplished  when  the  signal  was  given  from  your 
position  to  **  commence  firing,"  which  was  quickly  responded  to  by 
the  enemy.  The  combat  was  briskly  carried  on  by  the  artillery 
directly  in  our  front  for  half  an  hour,  when  the  enemy  placed  a  bat- 
tery on  the  extreme  left,  and  had  partly  succeeded  in  enfilading  our 
batteries,  vehen  I  withdrew  the  section  of  Lieutenant  Galbraith,  and 
directed  him  to  engage  the  enemy  on  the  left,  in  order  to  keep  him 
from  enfilading  our  position,  which  object  Lieutenant  G.  accomplished 
under  a  heavy  fire,  and  was  partly  forced  from  his  first  position,  when 
Lieutenant  Sandry,  with  a  section  of  Captain  Maurin's  battery,  re- 
ported, and  was  sent  to  assist  Lieutenant  G. — the  four  guns  being 
placed  under  Lieutenant  G.,  who  managed  to  keep  a  heavy  enfilading 
fire  from  the  main  batteries  by  the  coolness  and  bravery  with  which 
he  manoeuvred  this  battery.  The  fire  on  both  sides  now  became 
general  and  rapid.  The  enemy  placed  more  artillery  in  position,  and 
for  some  time  I  thought  I  should  have  to  retire,  but  the  enemy  soon 
slackened  hi^re,  and  it  was  evident  he  was  worsted  by  the  projectilea 
with  which  our  artillerists  assailed  him.  An  officer  now  came  from 
the  right  and  informed  me  that  the  infantry  were  preparing  to  charge, 


413 

and  to  cease  firing  as  soon  as  they  appeared.     I  kept  up  the  fire, 
returning  shot  for  shot  with  the  enemy,  who  appeared  to  be  willing  to 
give  up  the  combat.     Seeing  this,  and  being  informed  that  General 
Evans  (commanding  the  infantry)  was  advancing  to  attack  the  enemy, 
I  ordered  the  four  (reserve)  guns  of  Lieutenant  Galbraith  in  position, 
to   encrage  the  enemy's  artillery  and   draw  his   attention  while    our 
troop8°were   advancing.     Our  artillery  now  consisted  of  eight  guns, 
viz-   One   section    of  the  Washington   Artillery  and  one   section  ot 
Maurin's  battery,  Lieutenant  E.  Owen,  of  the  Washington  Artillery, 
commanding  ;  one  section  of  the  Washington  Artillery  and  one  sec- 
tion of  the  Dixie  Artillery,  Lieutenant  Galbraith  commanding.     Cap- 
tain  Stribbling  had  expended  all  his  ammunition,  and  I  ordered  him 
from  the  field  to  replenish.     The  firing  was  now  briskly  renewed  on 
both  sides,  which  lasted  for  twenty  minutes.     The  enemy  finally  gave 
up  his  position,  retired  across  the  Rappahannock,  and  only  replied 
occasionally  to  our  fire,  and  in  an  hour  after  ceased  firing  altogether 
It  is  with  pleasure  I  am  enabled  to  speak  of  the  gallantry  with 
which  Captain  Stribbling,  officers  and  men,  behaved  on  this  occasion 
Lieutenant  Chapman,  with  his  section  of  the  Dixie  Artillery,  behaved 
with  great  coolness,  and  handled  his  guns  with  effect.     To  Lieuten- 
ants E.  Owen,  J.  M.  Galbraith,  and  those  under  their  command,  1 
would  especially  call  your  attention.     Both  officers  commanded  full 
batteries,  and  handled  them  with   the  coolness,   bravery  and  good 
iudgment  which  has  so  often  on  previous  occasions  won  the  confidence 
of  their  men.     Sergeants  T.  T.  Aby,   C.  L.   C.  Duprey  and  L.  M. 
Montgomery  rendered  me  efficient  service.     The  latter,  on  previous 
occasions,  has  placed  me  under  many  obligations  for   his  voluntary 
services. 

Casualties  : 

^^ 

First  Company  Battalion  Washington  Artilkry .—K\\\ed. :  Privates  W. 
Chambers, R.T.  Marshall,  J.  Reddingtonand  IL  Koss— 4.  Wounded: 
Corporal  W.  H.  West,  privates  John  R.  Fell,  T.  T.  Turner,  M. 
Mount  and  W.  R.  Falconer.— 5. 

Dixie  Artillery.— Wounded  :  Privates  JohnEddins,  Westley  Fence, 
John  Knight  and  Daniel  Martin — 4. 

Stribbling's  Battery.— Wonnded  :  Lieutenant  Archer  and  one  pri- 

yate — 2. 

Total,  4  killed  and  8  wounded. 

Horses  Killed.         Wounded. 

First  company  Bat.  Washington  Art'y,  1  1 

Stribbling's  battery,  -  -  -  4  0 


Dixie  battery, 

Total,         ...  -  6  1 

One  three-inch  rifle  gun  exploded  during  action.     The  batteries 


414 

T^ere  engaged  from  about  seven  o'olock,  A.  M.,  to  eleven  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  and  expended  the  following  ammunition  : 

First  company  Washington  Artillery,         .         -         -         -  400 

Section  of  Dixie  Artillery,         -         -         -         -         -         -  299 

Section  of  Maurin's  Artillery,  -         -         -         -         -         -  119 

IStribbling's  Artillery,       -------  354 

Leake's  Artillery,  (one  gun,)     -         -         -         -         -         -  10 

Total  number  of  rounds,     ------       1,182 

Captain  Leake  reported  after  the  enemy  had  retired  with  one  rifle 
and  three  Emooth-bore  guns.  lie  sustained  no  loss.  About  two 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  Major  Garnett  rode  up  and  requested  me  to  send  four 
rifle  guns  to  Colonel  S.  D.  Lee,  who  was  on  the  right,  near  the  Cen- 
tral railroad.  For  this  purpose  I  detached  Lieutenant  Owen  with  one 
section  of  the  Washington  Artillery  and  one  section  of  Maurin's  bat- 
tery. In  obedience  to  jour  orders,  at  half-past  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I 
ordered  all  the  guns  back  to  their  respective  commands. 

Very  respectfully,  Colonel,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  W.  SQUIERS, 
Captain  commanding  First  CuTiipayiy  Bat.  Washington  Artilkry. 


REPORT  OF    CAPTAIN    MILLER,   WASHINGTON    ARTIL- 

LERY. 


Bivouac  near  Martinsburg,  September  23d,  1862. 

To  Colonel  J.  B.  Walton,. 

Colonel  and  Chief  of  Artillery  Division  : 

Colonf.l:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
23d  August,  ultimo,  pursuant  to  your  orders,  I  proceeded  with  my 
battery  of  four  smooth-bore  Napoleon  twelve-pounders,  to  a  point  on 
the  right  of  and  near  the  road  to  Beverley  ford,  on  the  Rappahan- 
nock river,  and  distant  about  a  thousand  yards  from  the  river.  My 
position,  on  a  hill  sloping  towards  the  river,  was  not  such  a  one  as  I 
would  have  desired,  though  doubtless  the  best  the  locality  afforded. 
At  sunrise,  I  discovered  a  battery  of  the  enemy  in  position  immedi- 
ately in  our  front  on  a  hill  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  and  I  opened 
on  it  with  spherical  case.  The  enemy  replied  briskly,  and  for  half  an 
hour  the  firing  was  very  spirited.  During  this  time,  I  w^  considera- 
bly annoyed  by  an  enfilading  fire  of  a  long-range  battery,  posted  to 
our  right,  and  entirely  beyond  our  range.  After  nearly  an  hour's 
engagement,  I  was  gratified  to  notice  that  the  fire  of  the  battery 
in  our  front  had  perceptibly  slackened,  indeed,  almost  entirely  ceased. 
Up  to  this  time  but  one  of  my  men  had  been  wounded,  and  two  horses 
killed.  The  batteries  supporting  me  on  my  left  at  this  juncture  re- 
'tired  from  the  field,  subjecting  me  to  a  galling  cross  fire  from  the  en- 
emy's rifle  battery  in  th^ir  front.  I  immediately  changed  front  on 
the  left  and  replied.  The  enemy  having  our  exact  range,  fired  with 
terrible  precision  and  effect.  For  some  time  we  maintained  this 
unequal  conflict,  when,  having  nearly  exhausted  my  ammunition, 
and,  agreeably  to  your  orders,  I  retired  by  half  battery  from  the 
field. 

I  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  gallant  officer  in  the  person  of  First 
Lieutenant  Isaac  W.  Brewer,  who  was  killed  just  as  he  was  taking 
his  section  from  the  field.  Throughout  the  fight  he  managed  his  sec- 
tion with  consummate  ability,  and  fell  while  cheering  his  men.  The 
service  has  lost  no  braver  officer. 

My  casualties  were  : 

Killed,  First  Lieut.  I.  W.  Brewer ;  privates,  Thompson,  McDon- 
ald and  Dolan — four. 

W«)unded,  Corporal  P.  W.  Pettiss  ;  privates  James  Tully,  Levy, 
Bours^hee,  Alaxwell,  Crilly,  Kerwin,  Lynch  and  Joubert — nine. 

Twt-nty-one horses  killed.  Three  hundred  aud  fifty-six  rounds  am- 
munition expended. 

I  would  be  pleased  to  pay  a  tribute  to  the  coolness  and  intrepidity 
of  my  command;  but,  where  all  acted  so  well,  it  would  be  invidious  to 
particularize.  I  should  be  wanting  in  my  duty,  however,  were  I  not 
to  mention  Lieutenants  Hero  and  McElroy,  and  my  non-commissioned 


416 

oflBcers,  Sergeants  McNeil,  Handy,  Colifns,  Ellis  and  Stocker,  and 
Corporals  Coylc,  Kremnelberg,  Pettiss  and  De  Blanc,  who,  by  their 
coolness  and  close  attention  to  duty,  contributed  not  a  little  to  the 
tflEciency  of^  my  battery. 

Repectfully, 

M.  B.  MILLER, 
Captain  commanding  Zd  company  B.  W.  A.- 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  R.  L.  WALKER. 

IIeadquarteus  Artillery  Battalion,  March  1,  18G3. 

Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Light  Division  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  the  artillery  of  the  light  division  in  the  series  of  battles, 
commencing  with  "Warrenton  Springs,  August  24,  1862: 

We  arrived,  as  you  know,  near  Warrenton  Springs;,  on  Fri'tav 
evening  the  22d  of  August.  My  command  was  all  encamped  that 
nigbt  near  Scott's  house.  At  early  d:iwn  on  Saturday  morning,  I 
had  all  my  batteries,  with  the  exception  of  Captain  Crenshaw's  (his 
being  short-range  guns)  battery,  posted  on  the  heights.  Captain 
^Mcintosh's  occupying  the  right.  Captain  Latham  next,  Captain  Fleet  and 
Lieutenant  Hardy  next.  On  west  side  of  the  road  leading  from  Jef- 
fersonton  to  Warrenton  Springs,  Captains  Braxton  and  Davidson  were 
in  position.  All  was  quiet  on  Saturday,  until  late  in  the  evening,  when 
the  enemy  advanced  several  of  their  batteries  and  attacked  the  artil- 
lery and  infantry  of  General  Early's  brigade,  which  had  been  thrown 
across  the  river.  In  this  we  took  no  part.  On  Sunday  morning,  the 
24th  August,  the  enemy  commenced  taking  position  opposite  our 
batteries.  General  Early  having  been  withdrawn,  at  ten  o'clock  they 
opened  a  terrific  fire  upon  our  position,  to  which  we  replied  for  a  few 
minutes,  but  received  an  order  to  withhold  our  fire  until  the  infantry 
Ehould  make  its  appearance.  At  about  twelve,  the  enemy's  infantry 
advanced,  apparently  with  the  intention  of  taking  possession  of  the 
bridge  which  we,  the  day  before,  constructed.  In  accordance  with 
orders,  we  opened  upon  them  with  all  the '  guns.  They  were  soon 
driven  back,  occasionally  showing  themselves  afterwards;  but  with 
the  same  result.  Their  loss  was  great,  and,  though  we  were  under  a 
terrific  fire  from  not  less  than  seven  butteries  from  ten  o'clock  till  six, 
P.  M.,  our  loss  was  very  small.  The  officers  and  men  distinguished 
themselves  on  this  occasion.  We  were  relieved,  at  six  o'clock,  P.  M., 
by  the  artillery  of  General  Hood's  division,  and  retired  to  camp  near 
Jeffersontwi.  My  batteries  were  unparked  a\  early  dawn  on  Monday 
morning,  August  2oth,  and,  after  a  most  fiiti<^uing  march,  arrived  at 
Bristoe  Station  about  nine  o'clock  Tuesday  night,  where  we  camped 
for  the  night.  Wednesday  morning,  I  was  ordered  to  follow  ray 
division  to  Manassas.  As  we  approached  the  junction  we  were  fired 
upon  by  two  of  the  enemy's  rifled  guns.  Captain  Pegram  being  in 
front,  his  battery  was  carried  forward  and  placed  in  position  in  an  old 
redoubt.  Captain  Braxton's  battery  was  posted  on  the  east  side  of 
the  railroad,  and  the  batteries  of  Captains  Mcintosh  and  Crenshaw 
occupied  the  intermediate  ground.  The  enemy's  battery  was  soon 
silenced,  and  a  New  Jersey  brigade  was,  after  some  very  pretty  prac- 
tice on  the  part  of  Captaina  Pegram,  Crenshaw,  Mcintosh  and  Brax- 
ton, broken  and  put  to  flight.  We  moved  on  with  the  intention  of 
27 


413 

following  them  up,  but  the  character  of  the  country  \t33  such  as  to 
ren<3er  succcBsful  pursuit  impossible,  and  the  idea  was  abandoned. 
There  was  no  loss  on  our  side ;  but  it  is  believed  that  the  loss  of  tho 
enemy  was  considerable.  Wednesday  night,  at  twelve  o'clock,  we 
took  up  line  of  march  for  Centreville,  and  from  thence  we  marched 
to  the  battle-field  of  Manassas,  where  we  arrived  Thursday  evening, 
the  2Sth  of  August.  The  artillery  took  no  part  in  tho  engagement 
of  that  afternoon.  On  Friday,  the  29th  August,  the  batteries  wero 
placed  in  position  on  the  ridge  in  rear  and  to  the  left  of  General  A. 
P.  Hill's  division.  Captain  Braxton's  battery  was  engaged  early  in 
the  forenoon  on  the  extreme  left,  with  the  loss  of  some  of  his  horses. 
Upon  the  cessation  of  the  enemy's  fire,  ours  ceased  also.  In  the 
afternoon,  a  section  of  Captain  Pegram's  battery  hotly  engaged  the 
enemy  on  the  right.  His  position  was  in  rear  of  General  Fields'  and 
Gregg's  brigades.  The  loss  of  this  section  was  very  heavy,  and,  the 
fire  continuing  with  unremitted  severity,  it  was  withdrawn.  Captain 
Braxton  was  then  ordered  to  the  position,  and,  with  five  guns,  held  it, 
with  loss,  under  a  terrific  fire,  until  night  closed  in  upon  the  field. 
Captain  Crenshaw's  battery  was  also  engaged  during  the  day  from  a 
point  in  rear  of  General  Pender's  brigade.  On  Saturday,  August 
50th,  the  batteries  of  Captains  Braxton,  Pegram,  Latham,  Davidson, 
Mcintosh  and  Crenshaw,  were  all  engaged  at  intervals  on  the  left  and 
rear  of  the  infantry.  The  enemy  made  several  demonstrations  with 
both  infantry  and  artillery  on  the  left,  all  of  which  were  promptly 
repelled  by  those  batteries. 

In  the  tattle  of  Ox  Hill,  Monday,  September  Ist,  my  command  did 
not  participate,  though  near  the  spot  and  under  fire.  Two  of  the  bat- 
teries, viz :  Captain  Mcintosh's  and  Braxton's,  being  in  position. 

At  Leesburg,  the  batteries  of  Captains  Latham  and  Fleet,  and  a 
section  of  Captain  Pegram's,  were,  by  order,  left  in  camp  to  recruit. 
Nothing  worthy  of  mention  in  this  report  transpired  in  our  march 
through  Maryland,  nor  until  our  arrival  at  Harper's  Ferry  on  the 
13th  of  September. 

In  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  the  14th,  my  artillery,  by  order  of 
Major  General  Hill,  went  into  battery  on  a  height  some  two  miles 
southwest  of  Bolivar  Heights,  from  which  point  we  shelled  the  woods 
on  Bolivar  Heights,  south  of  the  enemy's  earthworks.  About  sunset 
of  the  same  evening,  the  rifle  section  of  Captain  Mclntosh'f  command 
vrent  into  battery  on  Bolivar  Heights  at  a  point  about  eight  hundred 
yards  distant  from  the  eneniy's  earthworks.  General  Hill's  divisioa 
being  in  advance  of  him. 

Before  dawn  next  morning,  Monday  18th,  a  section  from  tho  bat- 
teries of  Captains  Braxton,  Pegram  and  Davidson,  and  the  full  bat- 
tery of  Captain  Crenshaw,  were  carried,  though  with  much  difficulty, 
to  the  point  occupied  by  Captain  Mcintosh,  (Captain  Crenshaw's  bat- 
tery was  held  in  reserve,  there  being  no  position  for  his  guns.)  At 
daylight,  the  batteries  opened  with  rapid  and  effective  fire  upon  the 
enemy's  works,  and  were  responded  to  by  two  batteries,  firing  quickly 
and  without  good  direction. 

By  General  Hill's  order,  our  fire  ceased  as  soon  as  that  of  the 


419 

enemy  was  discontinued,  which  occurred  in  an  hour.  At  the  latter 
part  of  the  engagement,  Captain  Crenshaw  relieved  Captain  Braxton, 
whose  ammunition  was  exhausted. 

After  a  short  interval,  the  enemy's  guns  again  opened,  but  slowly 
and  without  eflfect.  The  guns  of  Captains  Pcgrara  and  Crenshaw 
were  advanced  about  four  hundred  yards  nearer  their  earthworks,  and 
opened  furiously  upon  it.  In  five  minutes  a  white  flag  floated  upon 
the  works,  and  the  battle  ceased.  In  this  battle  our  casualties  were 
slight,  as  heretofore  reported, 

I  carried  four  of  my  batteries  into  the  fight  at  Sharpsburg,  viz : 
Braxton's,  Pegram's,  Mcintosh's  and  Crenthaw's ;  Captain  Davidson's 
was  left  at  Harper's  Ferry  with  General  Thomas'  brigade.  My  com- 
mand arrived  upon  the  field  at  about  three,  P.  M.,  and  went  imme- 
di.'vtely  into  action.  Captain  Mcintosh  took  position  to  the  right  and 
in  rear  of  General  Toombs'  brigade — in  rear  of  the  position  after- 
wards taken  by  General  Archer's  brigade.  Here  he  was  hotly 
encounteued  by  several  batteries  of  the  enemy,  to  whom  he  responded 
vigorously  until  his  attention  was  attracted  by  the  steady  and  formi- 
dable advance  of  the  enemy's  infantiy  upon  his  position.  The  infan- 
try on  the  left  not  supporting  him,  the  enemy  continued  to  advance 
in  defiance  of  his  rapid  and  effective  fire,  until  within  sixty  yards  of 
his  guns,  when  Captain  Mcintosh  was  forced  to  withdraw  his  men, 
horses  and  limbers.  By  this  time.  General  Archer's  brigade  had 
formed  in  line  of  battle  to  the  rear  of  the  battery,  and,  before  the 
enemy  reached  the  guns,  charged  and  drove  them  back  in  great  con- 
fusion. Captain  Pegram's  battery  wai  posted  on  the  right  of  Captaia , 
Mcintosh's,  and  directed  to  fire  chiefly  upon  the  enemy's  infantry. 
One  gun  of  this  battery  (the  ammunition  of  the  balance  having  givea 
out)  together  with  Captain  Braxton's  rifle,  which  had  been  engaging 
the  enemy  from  a  point  to  the  right  and  rear  of  Captain  Pegram's, 
were,  at  four  and-a-half,  P.  M.,  placed  in  battery  on  a  height  forming 
the  extreme  right  of  the  light  division  and  giving  an  enfilading  fire. 
From  this  point,  they  were  worked  with  beautiful  precision  and  great 
effect  upon  the  infantry  of  the  enemy  till  nightfall  closed  the  engage- 
ment. Captain  Pegram's  gun  was  withdrawn  aftcr^a  few  rounds,  the 
men  being  exhausted  by  their  march  from  Harper's  Ferry  and  the 
labor  of  the  guns.  "Captain  Crenshaw's  battery  was  the  last  to  reach 
the  field  and  take  position  on  a  hill  in  front  of  Captain  Mcintosh's, 
from  which,  disregarding  the  enemy's  artillery,  he  directed  his  fire- 
entirely  at  their  infantry. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  L.  WALKER, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Battalion, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  A.  W.  IIARMAN. ' 

Headquarters  Twelfth  Virginia  Cavalrv,  } 

October  6,  1862.      ji 

To  Colonel  T.  T.  Munforp, 

Coynmanding  Jlabcrf son's  Brigade  : 

Colonel:  At  Manassas,  on  tbc  30tb  of  August,  about  four  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  I  Avas  ordcrerl,  Avitb  six  companies  of  my  regiment,  (A,  B,  C, 
P,  E,  F  and  II,)  to  support  the  second  Virginia  cavalry,  I  found 
the  enemy  occupying  the  bill  to  the  right  of  the  Lewis  house  with  the 
first  Virginia  cavalry,  supported  by  a  New  York  and  the  first  Michi- 
gan cavalry,  drawn  up  about  two  hundred  yards  in  their  rear.  I 
charged  the  regiment  on  the  hill  and  drove  them  back  on  their  sup- 
ports, which  were,  in  quick  succession,  broken  and  driven  back  in 
complete  disorder.  I  pursued  them  over  the  run  and  as  far  as  the 
pike,  near  the  stone  bridge,  capturing  many  prisoners,  among  them 
Colonel  Broadhead  and  Major  Atwood,  of  the  first  Michigan  cavalry, 
the  former  severely  wounded.  My  loss  was  six  men  wounded. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  W.  HARMAN, 
Colonel  Ttvz'ftk   Virginia   Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  PELHAM  OF  ACTION  AT  GROVETON 

HEIGHTS. 

Near  Fredericksburg,  January  10,  1863. 
General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart  : 

General  :  In  compliance  with  your  wishes,  I  submit  the  following 
memoranda  of  the  part  taken  by  my  battery  in  the  battle  of  Grove- 
ton  Heights  : 

By  your  orders,  I  left  Centreville  on  Thursday,  the  28th  of 
August,  1862,  in  rear  of  General  Jackson's  corps.  I  marched  with- 
out interruption  till  I  had  crossed  Bull  Run,  at  Lewis'  ford,  when  a 
small  party  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  appeared  in  my  rear,  I  detached 
Lieutenant  Breathed  with  one  piece  as  a  rear-guard,  and  moved  on 
with  the  rest  of  my  battery.  A  few  well-directed  shots  from 
Breathed's  gun  drove  the  enemy  off.  I  moved  up  the  Warrenton 
pike,  and,  when  near  the  "  Jira  Ptobinson  house,"  I  overtook  the  rear 
of  General  A,  P.  HilFs  division,  which  had  just  left  the  turnpike  and 
was  moving  along  a  by-road  to  the  right.  I  moved  to  the  right  of 
this  division  and  passed  it.  I  moved  on  and  parked  my  battery  in  a 
field,  where  General  Jackson  had  ordered  all  his  artillery  to  await 
orders. 

Just  before  night,  orders  came  for  twenty  pieces  to  move  rapidly 
to  the  front.  1  took  three  pieces,  at  a  gallop,  through  a  thick  wood 
in  front  of  this  general  park,  bearing  to  the  right  of  the  troops  in 
position,  (Ewell's  division,)  crossed  the  old  railroad  about  one  mile 
from  Groveton,  and  took  position  between  it  and  the  turnpike.  I 
^neglected  to  state  that  one  of  my  guns  was  unable  to  keep  up  and 
was  lost  from  the  battery,  it  being  dark  and  the  road  narrow  and 
winding.  I  reported  to  General  Jackson,  and  he  told  me  that  his 
chief  of  artillery.  Major  Shumaker,  would  show  mo  a  position.  He 
conducted  me  across  the  railroad,  as  above  stated.  I  moved  on  at  a 
gallop  until  a  heavy  volley  of  musketry  apprised  me  of  the  enemy'a 
presence.  I  immediately  put  my  guns  in  position,  and  engaged 
them  at  about  fifty  or  sixty  yards.  We  continued  the  fight  for  an 
hour  or  more,  yrhen,  our  reinforcements  coming  up,  we  drove  the 
enemy  back. 

During  the  latter  part  of  this  fight  I  had  but  one  gun,  the  other 
having  been  taken  off  by  the  order  of  some  mounted  officer.  It  was 
dark,  and  no  one  could  tell  who  he  was,  while  my  attention  was 
wholly  directed  to  the  right  piece. 

After  the  fight  was  over,  I  collected  the  other  pieces  of  my  battery 
and  report'jd  to  General  Stuart  the  next  morning.  [See  his  memoranda 
up  to  this  time.]  I  was,  by  him,  ordered  to  report  to  General  Jack- 
son, which  I  did ;  and  he  ordered  me  to  ride  over  the  field  with  him, 
and,  after  pointing  out  the  different  roads,  he  gave  me  discretionary 
orders  to  engage  my  battery  wherever  a  fitting  opportunity  should, 


422 

occur.  General  A.  P.  Hill  sent  for  some  artillery  to  be  thrown  rap- 
idly forward,  as  the  enemy  were  giving  way.  I  placed  my  battery 
in  position,  near  the  railroad,  and  opened  on  some  batteries  and  a 
column  of  infantry  posted  on  the  hills  around  Groveton. 

JOHN  TELHAM, 
,  Major ^  Horse  Artillery. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  HAIRSTON. 

Gainesville,  August  29,  1862—8,  P.  M. 

To  Colonel  Chilton,  A.  A.  G.  : 

In  obedience  to  General  Lee's  order,  I  started  this  morning,  at 
eight  o'clock,  vrith  one  hundred  and  fifty  cavalry,  to  goto  Warrenton, 
**  to  find  out  if  any  of  the  enemy's  forces  were  still  in  the  vicinity  of 
that  place."  I  went  from  Thoroughfare  to  tho  right  on  a  by-road, 
"which  took  me  into  the  Winchester  road  two  miles  below  Warrenton, 
and  came  up  to  the  rear  of  the  town.  I  enquired  of  the  citizens  and 
persons  I  met  on  the  way,  but  could  not  hear  that  any  of  their  forces 
were  in  the  vicinity  of  that  place.  They  informed  mo  that  the  last 
left  yesterday  morning  in  the  direction  of  Gainesville  and  Warrenton 
Junction,  We  picked  up  on  tho  way  forty-six  prisoners,  thirty  mus- 
kets and  rifles,  one  deserter  from  the  Stuart  horse  artillery,  and  one 
Kutler,  with  his  wagon  and  driver.  I  also  paroled  two  lieutenants  in 
Warrenton.  who  were  too  sick  to  travel.  What  shall  I  do  with  the 
prisoners  I 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

SAMUEL  II.  HAIRSTON, 
Major   commanding,  by  order  of  General  Lee. 

Note. — This  was  made  of  men  from  every  regiment  in  your  com- 
mand, with  one  entire  company,  headed  by  the  captain,  that  General 
Lee  had  handled  at  Thoroughfare  and  turned  over  to  me  when  he 
ordered  me  to  go  on  the  expedition. 

S.  II.  H. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN    MYERS   OF    SEVENTH  VIRGINIA 

CAVALRY. 


October  :2o,   1 


VALRV^  ) 

S\j2.      \ 


Colonel  MuxFORD, 

Commanding  Jlobertsori's  Brigade  : 

The  seventh  regiment,  under  my  charge  on  the  30th  August  last, 
formed  the  third  regiment  in  column  (the  twelfth  preceding  it  and  the 
second  being  in  advance)  "vvhen  the  order  was  given  for  us  to  advance 
towards  Centreville  from  our  position  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  in- 
fantry that  day.  Y/e  moved  about  two  miles  in  that  direction,  when 
the  command  was  halted  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  road  we  started 
on,  and  the  second  ordered  over  the  hill  on  the  right  .of  the  column. 
The  second  being  soon  engaged  with  the  enemy,  we  were  ordered  to 
support  it,  the  twelfth  preceding  the  seventh  regiment.  AVhen  the 
head  of  our  right  came  to  the  top  of  the  hiii,  on  the  right,  the  enemy 
were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  on  an  opposite-  hill,  about  four  hun- 
dred yards  distant,  their  line  extending  a  considerable  distance  on  the 
left.  When  the  second  and  twelfth  engaged  the  enemy,  I  ordered  the 
regiment  to  charge,  with  drawn  sabres,  on  their  right  flank,  which  the 
whole  command  obeyed  with  the  greatest  ahicrity,  charging  upon 
tliem  with  shouts  that  made  the  very  welkin  ring  and  routing  the  en- 
tire line  on  our  left,  and  by  dashing  on  after  the  retreating  foe,  and 
charging  atiother  force  of  them  that  had  formed  on  our  right,  in  a 
woods,  about  eight  hundred  yards  from  the  first  line,  we  cut  off  a 
large  number  of  them  on  our  right,  a  portion  of  whom  the  seventh 
captured,  and  the  others  by  the  second  and  twelfth.  After  breaking, 
the  enemy  formed  in  the  woods,  we  pursued  them  about  three-quarters 
qf  a  mile  beyond  Bull  Run,  when  we  were  ordered  back.  On  the  op- 
posite bluff  of  Bull  Run,  a  portion  of  them,  with  a  small  piece  of 
artillery,  had  formed  again.  They  fired  one  round  of  grape,  after 
which  they  all  broke  again  and  made  no  other  stand.  We  captured 
some  forty  prisoners  below  Bull  Run.  The  whole  command  did  their 
duty  nobly. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  fervant, 

SAMUEL  B.  MYERS, 

Captain  cotnmanding. 


MAJOR  HAWKS'  REPORT  OF  CAPTURED  STORES. 

Subsistence  Department  Second  Armv  Corps,  } 
Guineas  Station,  Feb.  G,  18G2.       ^ 

Lieutenant  General  Jackson, 

Commanding  Second  Army  Corps  : 

General  :  The  following  statement  of  property  captured  by  your 
command  is  aa  nearly  complete  as  I  can  make  it : 

At  Front  Jloyal — Eighty-five  barrels  of  flour. 

Winchester  and  iMartinsbug — One  hundred  and  three  cattle,  92,7i)0 
pounds  gross,  14,637  pounds  bacon,  6,000  pounds  hard  bread,  2,400 
pounds  sugar,  350  bushels  salt. 

Harper's  Ferry — One  thousand  three  hurfdred  and  fifteen  pounds 
salt  pork,  1,54.5  pounds  salt  beef,  19,267  pounds  bacon,  155,954 
pounds  hard  bread,  628  pounds  rice,  4,930  pounds  co9"ee,  209  pounds 
sugar,  67  pounds  candles,  230  pounds  soap,  9  bushels  beans,  154 
bushels  salt,  ISO  gallons  vinegar,  80  gallons  molasses. 

At  McDowell  nothing  was  captured  except  hard  bread,  which  was 
issued  to  troops  passing  through — an  extra  ration. 

At  W^incliester,  Martin sburg  and  Harper's  Ferry  large  amounts  of 
supplies  were  carried  oif  by  division  wagons,  of  which  no  report  was 
made  to  me.  Full  rations  issued  to  thirteen  thousand  of  the  enemy 
for  two  days  at  Harper's  Ferry.  The  issue  was  made  before  an  in- 
ventory was  taken. 

Very  respectfully, 

W.  J.  HAWKS, 
Mcjor  and  Commissary  nf  Sub.,  Second  Army  Corps,  A.  N.  V. 


MAJOR  HARMAN'S  REPORT  OF  CAPTURED  STORES. 

Lieutenant  General  Jack^^on, 

Commanding  Second  Corps  A.  N.  V,  : 

List  of  property  captured  and  turned  into  the  Chief  Quartermaster 
Valley  District,  during  the  second  and  third  quarters,  18G2  : 

Ninety-four  quires  letter  paper,  64  1-2  quires  cap  paper,  10  quires 
KOte  paper,  3,425  envelopes,  172  st,eel  pens,  95  bottles  ink,  1  bottle 
red  ink,  1  bottle  mucilage,  65  camp  stoves,  2  cooking  stoves,  292 
Tin  plates,  52  spoons,  20  tin  cups,  80  table  knives,  31  taCle  forks,  12 
acksp  cards.  3  anvils,  1  set  blacksmith's  tools,  33  crow-bars,  7  viles, 
575  rasps,  12  files,  31  hatchets,  15  cross-cut  saws,  1  auger,  10  ham- 
mers, 3  sets  carpenter's  tools,  5  chests,  I  iron  maul,  I  peg  cutter,  233 
horses,  21  mules,  19  wagons,  9  sets  lead  harness,  2  sets  wheel  har- 
ness, 87  pair  traces,  13  pair  artillery  traces,  47  halter  chains,  10  tar 
luckets,  61  collars,  12  saddles,  21  bridles,  27  artillery  saddles,  6 
jTtillery  valises,  2  leg  guards,  19  pair  artillery  harness,  5  breast  straps, 
5  breeching,  16  feed  pockets,  25  wagon  bolts,  35'J  wagon  hammers, 
8  wheelbarrows,  13  axes,  127  helves,  277  picks,  212  shovels,  82 
epades,  50  mess  pans,  71  camp  kettles,  I  skillet  lid,  305  pairs  shoes, 
2  pairs  ladies'  shoes,  2  pairs  misses  shoes,  3  pairs  children's  shoes,  30 
cil-cloth  blankets,  14  blankets,  2  hats,  2  3-4  dozen  neck  ties,  7  pairs 
suspenders,  6  handkerchiefs,  28  picked  pins,  I  pulley  block,  1  jack 
fcrew,  IflO  insulators,  134  tents,  144  buckles,  545  yards  cotton  cloth, 
3,816  horse  shoes,  14,061  pounds  do.,  840  pounds  horse  shoe  nails, 
50  pounds  nails,  20  pounds  spikes,  303  pounds  rope,  200  feet  picked 
rope,  275  pounds  iron,  4  kegs  grease,  1  barrel  tar,  5,300  pounds 
leather,  1  case  of  oil,  29  bundles  telegraph  wire,  3  platform  scales,  1 
keg  white  lead. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  which  is  a  list  of  the  captured -property 
that  came  into  ray  possession,  a  considerable  amount  came  into  the 
hands  of  the  various  quartermasters  of  the  command,  which  it  is 
Eupposed  they  have  reported  to  Richmond.  A  large  amount  of  the 
property  captured,  however,  was  not  turned  into  the  quartermaster's 
department  at  all — the  order  to  turn  over  such  property  not  having 
been  fully  carried  out,  especially  by  the  cavalr3^ 

A  very  large  amount  of  medical  and  ordnance  stores  were  captured 
and  sent  off"  by  rae,  for  the  character  and  amounts  of  which  I  refer 
you  to  the  heads  of  those  departments.  Throughout  the  corps,  many 
worn-out  wagons  were  exchanged  for  good  Yankee  ones — the  useless 
cnes  beirg  left  behind. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  A.  HARMAN, 
Major  and  Chief  Quartermaster,  Second  Corps. 


BATTLE  OF  FKEDERICKSBDRG. 


RErORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  LONGSTREET. 


IlEAnquARTERS  FiRST  Army  Corps,  A.  N.  v., 
Near  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  20,  18G2. 

Brigadier  General  R.  IT.  Chilton, 

Assistant  Adjutant  aiid  Inspector  General: 

General:  Upon  my  arrival  at  Fredericksburg,  on  the  19th  of 
November,  the  troops  of  this  command  were  assigned  to  positions  as 
follows,  viz;  IMcLaws  division  upon  the  heights  immediately  behind 
the  city  and  south  of  the  Telegraph  road;  Anderson's  division  on 
McLaws'  left  and  occupying  the  heights  as  far  as  Taylor's  hill  on  the 
Rappahannock  ;  Pickett's  division  on  McLaws'  right  and  extending 
to  the  rear  along  the  margin  of  the  wood  which  skirts  Deep  Run  val- 
ley ;  Hood's  division  near  Hamilton's  Crossing  of  the  railroad ;  Ran- 
som's division  in  reserve,  near  my  headquarters.  Our  batteries  were 
assigned  positions  along  the  heights  by  General  Pendleton,  Colonel 
Cabell,  Colonel  Alexander  and  Captain  Johnson,  (Colonel  Walton  be- 
ing absent  sick.)  Pits  were  made  for  the  protection  of  these  batteries 
under  the  supervision  of  those  officers.  A  portion  of  General  Pen- 
dleton's reserve  artillery  was  assigned-to  the  heights  with  Major  Gen- 
eral McLaws'  division.  Colonel  Walton's  (Washington  Artillery) 
ocupied  the  hights  at  Marye's  Ilill,  and  a  portion  of  Colonel  Alexan- 
der's reserve  occupied  the  other  portion  of  Anderson's  front,  extend- 
ing to  the  Taylor  house,  on  our  left.  The  brigade  batteries  that  were 
not  assigned  to  positions  on  the  heights  were  held  in  readiness  to  co- 
operate with  their  commands,  or  for  any  other  service  that  might  be 
required  of  them.  Our  picket  line  was  established  along  the  river 
bank  extending  from  Bank's  ford  to  Talcott  battery,  the  most  impor- 
tant portion  of  it  under  the  immediate  orders  of  Major  General  Mc- 
Laws. Upon  the  approach  of  GeneralJackson's  army,  Hood's  division 
■was  closed  in  upon  the  right  of  Pickett,  and  put  in  position  upon  the 
heights  on  the  opposite  side  of  Deep  Run  valley.     In  addition  to  the 


428 

natural  strength  of  the  position,  ditches,  stone-fences  and  road-cuts, 
were  found  along  different  portions  of  the  line,  and  parts  of  General 
McLaws'  line  were  further  strengthened  by  rifle-trenches  and  abattis. 

The  enemy  held  quiet  possession  of  the  Staftord  Heights  until  three 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  1 1th,  when  our  signal  guns  gave  notice 
of  his  approach.  The  troops,  being  at  their  different  camp  grounds, 
were  formed  imniediately  and  marched  to  their.positions  along  the  line. 
Ransom's  divi^on  was  ordered  to  take  a  sheltered  position  in  easy 
supporting  distance  of  the  batteries  on  the  Marye  Ilill.  Before  the 
troops  got  to  their  positions,  McLaws'  pickets  (Barksdale's  brigade) 
engaged  the  enemy  at  the  river,  and  from  time  to  time,  drove  back 
different  working  parties  engaged  in  laying  the  bridges.  The  enemy 
was  compelled,  eventually,  to  abandon  his  plan  of  laying  the  bridges, 
and  began  to  throw*  his  troops  across  the  river  in  boats,  undercover  of 
the  fire  of  his  sharpshooters,  and  an  hundred  and  fifty  odd  pieces  of 
artillery. 

At  many  points  along  the  river  bank  our  troops  could  get  no  pro- 
tection from  the  artillery  fire.  This  was  particularly  the  case  at  the 
mouth  of  Deep  Run,  where  the  enemy  succeeded  in  completing  his 
bridge  early  in  the  afternoon.  Later  in  the  afternoon  he  succeeded  in 
throwing  large  bodies  of  troops  across,  at  the  city,  by  using  his  boats. 
Barksdale,  however,  engaged  them  fiercely  at  every  point,  and  with 
remarkable  success.  Soon  after  dark,  General  jNIcLaws  ordered  Barks- 
dale's  brigade  to  retire.  The  General  was  so  confident  of  his  position 
that  a  second  order  was  sent  him  before  he  would  yield  the  field.  His 
brigade  was  then  relieved  by  that  of  Brigadier  General  T.  II.  II.  Cobb, 
which  was  placed  by  General  McLaws  along  the  Telegraph  road,  in 
front  of  Marye's  house,  (a  stone  fence  and  cut  along  this  road  gave 
good  protection  against  infantry.)  When  Cobb's  brigade  got  into 
position.  Ransom's  division  was  withdrawn  and  placed  in  reserve. 
During  the  night  the  enemy  finished  his  bridges  and  began  to  throw 
his  troops  across. 

His  movements,  early  on  the  12th,  seemed  to  be  directly  against 
our  right  ;  but  when  the  fog  lifted,  columns  were  seen  opposite  Freder- 
icksburg,.the  head  of  them  then  crossing  at  the  bridges  opposite  the 
city.  Ransom's  division  was  moved  back  to  the  Marye  Hill,  h'eather- 
ston's  brigade  of  Anderson's  division,  (previously  occupying  this  hill) 
was  closed  in  upon  the  other  brigades  of  Anderson.  The  entire  day 
was  occupied  by  the  enemy  in  throwing  his  forces  across  the  river, 
and  deploying  his  columns.  Our  batteries  were  opened  upon  the 
masses  of  infantry  whenever  they  Avere  in  certain  range.  Our  fire 
invariably  drew  that  of  the  enemy's  on  the  opposite  heights,  and  they 
generally  kept  up  the  fire  long  after  our  batteries  had  ceased. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  I  rode  to  the  right  of  my  posi- 
tion. Hood's  division.  The  dense  fog  in  the  early  twilight  concealed 
the  enemy  from  view  ;  but  his  commands,  '*  Forward,  guide  centre, 
march  !"  were  distinctly  heard  at  diftercnt  points  near  my  right.  From 
the  direction  of  the  sound,  and  the  position  of  his  troops  the  day  be- 
fore, I  concluded  that  his  attack  would  be  upon  General  Jackson,  at 
some  point  beyond  my   right.     I  therefore  rode  back  to  a  point  near 


429 

the  centre  of  my  forces,  giving  notice  to  General  Hood  that  the  ene- 
my would  attack  General  Jackson  beyond  his  right,  that  he  should 
watch  carefully  the  movements,  and  when  an  opportunity  offered,  he 
should  move  forward  and  attack  the  enemy's  flank.  Similar  instruc- 
tions were  given  to  General  Pickett,  with  orders  to  co-operate  with 
General  Ilood.  The  attack  was  made  as  had  been  anticipated.  It  did 
not  appear  to  have  all  the  force  of  a  real  attack,  hov;ever,  and  Gene- 
ral Hood  did  not  feel  authorized  to  make  more  than  a  partial  advance. 
Where  he  did  move  out,  he  drove  the  enemy  back  in  handsome  style. 

About  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  sent  orders  for  the  batteries  to  play 
upon  the  streets  and  bridges  beyond  the  city,  by  way  of  diverson  in 
favor  of  our  right.  The  batteries  had  hardly  opened,  when  the  en- 
emy's infantry  began  to  move  out  to^^ds  my  line.  Our  pickets  in 
front  of  the  Marye  house  were  soon  driven  in,  and  the  enemy  beiraa 
to  deploy  his  forces  in  front  of  that  point.  Our  artilley  being  in  po- 
sition, opened  fire  as  soon  as  the  masses  became  dense  enough  to  Avar- 
rant  it.  This  fire  was  very  destructive  and  demoralizing  in  its  effects, 
and  frequently  made  gaps  in  the  enemy's  ranks  that  could  be  seen  at 
the  distance  of  a  mile.  The  enemy  continued  his  advance  and  mado 
his  attack  at  the  Marye  Hill  in  handsome  style.  He  did  not  meet  the 
fire  of  ourinfantry  with  any  heart,  however,  and  was  therefore  readily 
repulsed.  Another  effort  was  speedily  made  ;  but  with  little  more  suc- 
cess. The  attack  was  again  renewed,  and  again  repulsed.  Other  forces 
were  seen  preparing  for  another  attack,  when  I  suggested  to  General 
McLaws  the  propriety  of  reinforcing  his  advanced  line  with  a  brigade. 
He  had  previously  reinforced  with  part  of  Kershaw's  brigade,  and  or- 
dered forward  the  balance.  About  this  time,  Brigadier  General  T. 
R.  R.  Cobb  fell,  mortally  wounded,  and  almost  simultaneously  Briga- 
dier General  J,  R,  Cooke  was  severely  wounded. 

General  Kershaw  dashed  to  the  front  to  take  the  command.  Gen- 
eral Ransom,  on  the  Marye  Hill,  was  charged  with  the  immediate  care 
of  the  point  attacked,  with  orders  to  send  forward  additional  reinforce- 
ments, if  it  should  become  necessary,  and  to  use  Featherston's  bri- 
gade (Anderson's  division)  if  he  should  require  it. 

The  attack  upon  our  right  seemed  to  subside  about  two  o'clock, 
when  I  directed  Major  General  Pickett  to  send  me  two  of  his  brigades. 
One  (Kemper's)  was  sent  to  General  Ransom,  to  be  placed  in  some 
secure  position  to  be  ready  in  case  it  should  be  wanted.  The  other 
(Jenkins')  was  ordered  to  General  McLaws,  to  replace  that  of  Ker- 
shaw in  his  line.  ' 

The  eiKemy  soon  completed  his  arrangements  for  a  reneweti  attack, 
and  moved  forward  with  much  determination.  He  met  with  mi  better 
success  than  he  had  on  the  previous  occasions.  These  efforts  were 
repeated  and  continued  from  ti^ne  to  time  till  after  night,  when  he 
left  the  field  literally  strewn  with  his  dead  and  wounded. 

Colonel  Walton's  ammunition  was  exhausted  about  sunset,  and  his 
batteries  were  relieved  by  Colonel  Alexander's.  Orders  were  given  for 
fresh  supplies  of  ammunition,  and  for  everything  to  be  prepared  for 
a  renewal  of  the  battle  at  daylight. 

On  the  14th  there  was  little  firing  between  the  sharpshooters.   The 


430 

enemy  screening  his  forces  under  a  sliglit  descent  in  the  ground,  held 
a  position  about  four  hundred  yards  iu  front  of  us.  In  the  afternoon, 
I  sent  Capt.  Latrobe,  of  my  staiT,  to  the  left  to  place  artillery  in  position 
to  play  along  the  enemy's  line,  -svith  instructions  to  Colonel  Alexander 
to  use  such  artillery  there  a's  he  might  think  proper.  The  point  was 
selected  and  the  pits  made  by  light  the  following  morning.  General 
Ransom  was  also  ordered  to  strengthen  his  position  on  the  Marye 
Hill  by  rifle  trenches.  Similar  instructions  were  sent  along  the  en- 
tire line.  These  prcpartions  were  made  to  meet  the  grand  attack  of  the 
enemy,  confidently  expected  on  Monday  morning.  As  the  attack  was  not 
made,  the  artillery  and  General  Ransom's  sharpshooters  opened  upon 
the  enemy  and  drove  him  back  to  cover  in  the  city. 

During  the  night,  the  enemy  recrosscd  the  river.  His  retreat  was 
not  discovered  till  he  had  crossed  the  river  and  cut  his  bridges  at  this 
end.  Our  sharpshooters  were  moved  forward,  and  our  old  positions 
resumed. 

Four  hundred  prisoners,  fifty-five  hundred  stands  of  small  arms, 
and  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  rounds  of  small  arm  ammunition 
were  captured. 

Our  loss,  for  the  number  engaged,  was  quite  heavy.  Brigadier 
General  T.  R.  R.  Cobb  fell,  mortally  wounded,  in  the  heat  of  the  bat- 
tle of  the  13th.  He  defended  his  position  with  great  gallantry  and 
ability.  In  him  w^e  have  lost  one  of  our  most  promising  oflicers  and 
statesmen.  A  tabular  statement  and  lists  of  the  killed,  wounded  and 
missing  accompany  this  report. 

Much  credit  is  due  Major  General  McLaws  for  his  untiring  xeal  and 
ability  in  preparing  his  troops  and  bis  position,  for  a  successful  ro- 
sistance,  and  the  ability  with  which  he  handled  his  troops  after  the 
attack.  I  would  also  mention,  as  particularly  distinguished  in  the  en- 
gagement of  the  13th,  Brigadier  Generals  Ransom,  Kershaw  and 
Cooke,  (severely  wounded,)  and  Colonel  McMillan,  who  succeeded  to 
the  command  of  Cobb's  brigade,  and  Colonel  Walton,  (Washington 
Artillery,)  and   Lieutenant   Colonel    Alexander,  (reserve    artillery.) 

Brigadier  General  Barksdale,  with  his  brigade,  held  the  enemy's 
entire  army  at  the  river  bank  for  sixteen  hours,  giving  us  abundance 
of  time  to  complete  our  arrangements  for  battle.  A  more  gallant  and 
worthy  service  is  rarely  accomplished  by  so  small  a  force. 

I  refer  you  the  reports  of  these  officers  for  more  detailed  accounts 
of  the  engagements.  I  desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Govern- 
ment to  the  gallant  officers  and  men  mentioned  in  their  reports. 

Major^Generals  Anderson,  Pickett  and  Hood,  with  theii*  gallant 
divisions,  were  deprived  of  their  opportunity  by  the  unexpected  and 
hasty  retreat  of  the  enemy.  A  portion  of  General  Anderson's  com- 
mand was  engaged  in  defending  the  passage  of  the  river ;  a  portion 
of  General  Hood's  in  driving  back  the  attack  against  our  right,  and  a 
portion  of  Pickett's  did  important  service  near  the  Marye  Hill.  I 
refer  you  to  their  reports  for  particular  accounts. 

Major  Gaanett  held  three  batteries  in  reserve,  in  the  valley  between 
the  positions  of  Generals  Pickett  and  Hood,  and  was  much  disap- 
pointed not  to  have  the  opportunity  to  use  them. 


431 

My  staff  officers.  Major  Sorrell,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Manning,  Maj 
Fairfax,  Captain  Latrobe,  Captain  Goree,  and  Lieutenant  BlackwelL 
gave  me  their  usual  intelligent,  willing  aid.  Major  Haskell,  Captaia 
Young  and  Captain  Rodgers,  volunteered  their  assistance  and  ren- 
dered important  services. 

My  thanks  are    also  due  to  Surgeon  Cullen,  chief  surgeon  ;  Major 
Mitchell,  chief  quartermaster;  Major  Moses,  chief  of    the  subsist- 
ence departrae^nt,  and  Captain  Manning,  signal  officer,  for  valuable 
services  in  their  respective  departments. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  General, 

Most  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  LONGSTREET, 

Lieutenant  General  commanding. 


432 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  the  First  Army  Corps,  A-vvj  Northern 
Virginia,  in  the  Battles  bffore  Fredericksburg,  December,  1862. 


Diviuiou. 

1            Brigade. 

Befiiment. 

Killed. 

I  Wounded. 

Total. 

'Tt-rry's 

IPi-rry-p 

j^'TrVs    

K»;ithoK-LOii's 

'KcnthcTfton'B... 

1 

1                ".5 
•               6 

'                 5 
0 

1 

j\ndcrHonV 

Aiidereoii'H 

AnderHoii'fi 

AndorsonV 

Sh  Florid:! 

DonaldsoT.villc-  nrtilleiy 

59ih  Wispitfippi 

leii  Mississijip: 

•2ii  Mi«p'efippi  battalioa 

12th  Mississippi 

'I'lirce  tTittL'rits 

'Si  OeuTsia 

1 

i" 

1 i 

4t 
6 
6 

13 
4 

Keutlierston's 

6 

SV'r'L'lit's 

UVri^'ht's 

IWillcox'* 

1 

Aniereon'ii 

2d  Giorifia battalion.... 
nili  Aliibama 

1                  1 

1 
8 

iMnhniii'f 

mh  Virt'iiiia 

1 

41-:  Viruini;!  .. 

2 

6 

6lHt  VirL'inia 

1 

j 

"■^ 

1-7 

lOo 

Prckotl'p 

Kemper's 

K(  mprr's 

Kemper's 

Iki  V'ririiiia 

(1 

5 

4 

13 

7 
4 
1 

40 

103 
L'i 
SS 

:ei 

24 

7;i 

'ill 

9 

9 
5 

4 

mil  Virtrhiia 

13 

7 

p  g   fi 

4 

Fickftl'i' 

1 

Pickett's  

•I  en  kins' 

2d  South  Carolina 



4G 

Cook's 

103 

Ranpom'B 

Kansoin's    

i7ih  Nj^th  Canilina. . . 
4fith  Kwrtn  Carolina 

- 

15 
58 

Cook's 

48;h  Xoilh  Carolina 

24th  North  Carolina.... 
2.')th  JS'crth  Carolina 

17 
4 

13 
9 

ITS 

Ransom's 

'^a 

Ransom's 

Rrvnsom'a 

68 

•J!) 

Rarjsom's •... 

49lh  North  Carolina 

9 

45 

4GG 

508 

Hood's.... 

6il-.  North  Caroliiia 

44tl.  Alabama 

0 

•Jj 

1 

jO 

40 

IW 

25 

Hood's 

Law's 

1 

Hood's... 

19 

Hood's 

54th  North  Carolina 

iJTlli  North  Caroliua...  . 

4C 

Hood's 

Law's 

Toom  bs' 

ToomhH' 

224 

Hood's. . . . 

luth  (leoriria 

1 

....... 

7 

HooJ'r? 

Toombh' 

2()th  (rforsia 

Hood's.. . 

4ih  Te.ws.  : 

1 

5!h  Tcxae 

I 

5 

Hood's 

Aiidersoii's 

Andert-on's 

6 

Hood's '. 

vth  (JeoriT-.a 

9lh  Georgia 

1 

3 

H  ood's  . 

1 

'             _ 

49 

•-■&4 

343 

McLuw'h 

Cobh'p 

Cobb's.     ..    ." 

Cobb's   

Phillip's  Lej,'ioii  

lOth  Georgia 

13 

r.6 
til 
;;o 

iM 
n 

'7 

40 

U'J 
35 
47 

1 

69 

McLawh' 

65 
SO 

Cobb's 

T?Mrks(bde's 

BarksMuleV 

15arkB(l;il('B 

1?  \rkHdn)fi'8    

BlHtr   .' 

3 



23 

McLawtj', 

ISth  MiHsisstppi   

18 

n 

13 

8ili  8onth  Carolina 

7 

McL:iWH' 

2d  Bouth  Carolina 

40 

119 

McL.'i-ttV 

KerbliMM's •.. 

35 

47 

tlames'  battery 

1 

1 

IT 

4C4 

491 

Btuart's 

Stuart 'rt 

W.  H.  F.  Lee's 

W.  H.  F.  Lee's 

W.  U.F.  Lee's 

Waehinston  Artillery.. 
I.'ith  Virjrinia  cavalry., 
nh  Virginia  cavalry... 

'-' 

*6 

1 
0 

25 
6 
1 

Siuan'i 

6 

1 

ns 

433 


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REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  JACKSON.    ' 

Headquarteks  Seco.nd  Corps,  Army  Northern  Virginia,  ) 

January  31,  1SG3.      ] 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

Assistant  Aiijutnnt  and  Inspector  General,  A.  N.  V.: 

Central :  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  submit  to  you  a  report  of  th© 
operations  of  my  corps  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  on  Saturday, 
the  I3ih  of  D'eeeUiber  last:  • 

In  pursuance  of  orders,  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill  moved  Lig 
division  at  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  12th,  from  hia  enoarapmeut 
near  Yerby's,  and  relieved  Major  General  Hood,  then  posted  near 
IIamilton"8  Crossing.  At  the  same  time  Brigaditr  General  Talia- 
ferro, then  in  rommand  of  Jackson's  division,  moved  from  his  encamp- 
iKent  above  Guineas  Depot  and  took  position  in  rear  of  Major  Geu- 
eral  A.  P.  Hill.  • 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  Ewell's  division,  under  Briga- 
dier General  J.  A.  Early,  and  Major  General  D*  II.  Hill,  with  hig 
division,  arrived,  after  a  severe  night's  march  from  their  respective 
encampments,  in  the  vicinity  of  Buckncr  s  Neck  and  Port  Ro3ral — 
ihe  troops  of  Mojor  General  D.  II.  Hill  being  from  fifteen  to  eighteen 
miles  distant  from  the  point  to  which  they  were  ordered.  Oq  tho 
morning  of  that  day  the  troops  were  arranged  as  follows  :  Major 
General  A..  P.  Hill  occupied  the  front  line,  formed  of  two  regiments 
of  Field's  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Brockenbrough,  and  tho 
brigades  of  Archer,  Lane  and  Pender,  (posted  from  right  to  left  io 
ihe  order  named,)  his  right  resting  on  the  road  leading  from  Harail-. 
ton's  Crossing  to  the  Port  Royal  road,  and  his  left  extending  to 
vitliin  a  short  distance  of  Deep  Run.  These  troops  were  partially 
concealed  by  tho  wood,  near  the  edge  of  which  they  were  posted. 
The  remainder  of  Biockenbrough's  command,  consisting  cf  the 
fortieth  and  fifty-fifth  Virginia,  was  immediately  in  rear  of  Walker's 
batteries,  and  acting  as  a  support  to  them.  Of  the  other  two  brigades, 
Gregg's  and  Thomas's,  of  the  same  division,  the  first  was  in  rear  of 
the  interval  between  Archer  and  Lfine,  and  the  second  in  rear  of  the* 
interval  between  Lane  and  Pender.  The  divisions  under  Generals 
Early  and  Taliaferro  formed  the  second  line — Early  being  ou  tho 
right.  The  division  of  Major  General  D.  II.  Hill,  which  was  still 
further  in  rear,  constituting  the  reserve.  Upon  tho  eminence  imme- 
diately to  the  right.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker  (Major  General  A. 
P.  Hill's  chief  of  artillery)  had  in  position  fourteen  guns,  composed 
of  the  batteries  of  Pegram  and  Mcintosh,  with  sections'  from  the  bat- 
teries of  Crenshaw,  Latham  and  Johnson,  commanded  respectively 
by  Lieutenants  Ellett,  Potts  and  Clutter.  On  the  left  of  the  line  and 
near  the  Bernard  cabins,  were  posted  twenty-one  guns  of  the  batte- 
ries of  Captains  Davidson,  Raine,  Caskic  and  Braxton,  all  under  the 
immediate  direction  of  Captain  Davidson.     To  the  right  and  Pome  two 


435       • 

handred  yards  in  front  of  theae,  and  beyond  the  railroad,  were  posted 
twelve  guns,  from  the  batteries  of  Ciptains  Carpenter,  Woodini^  and 
liraxton,  under  the  direction  of  Captain  BrockenbiK)ugh,  General 
Taliaferro's  chief  of  artillery  ;  Carpenter's  battery,  cotnmanded  by 
Jjieutenant  McKendree,  and  Braxton's,  by  Lieutenant  Mirye.  On 
lay  left  was  Major  General  Hood,  of  Lon^street's  corps,  and  on  ray 
right  and  front,  the  cavalry,  under  comm;ind  of  Major  General  Stuart,, 
with  a  battery,  near  the  Port  Royal  roid,  under  the  direction  of  Mijor 
Pelhain,  of  the  Stuart  horse  artillery,  aided,  in  the  course  of  the  day, 
by  sections, from  the  batteries^  <>f  Captain  Poague,  (Lieutenant  Gra- 
ham commanding.)  Captains  Wilsoi,  Smith,  Garber,  Dince,  and  the 
ijOuisiana  Guards,  of  my  corps,  thrown  into  position  so  as  to  cross 
^heir  liro  with  the  guns  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker,  and  designed 
to  check  the  advance  of  the  enemy  in  tl^at  direction.  About  ten 
o'clock,  as  the  fog  disappeared,  the  lines  of  the  enemy,  arranged  in 
order  of  battle,  were  distinctly  visible  in  the  plain  between  us  and 
the  river,  covering  my  f;ont  and  extending  far  to  the  left  tow  irds 
Fredeiicksbuig.  The  ftjrce  in  front  of  me  I  supposed  to  number 
hbout  fifty-five  thousar.il.      Pelham,  with   part   of   the   Stuart   horse 

^srtillory,  was  soon  engaged  with  the  artillery  of  the  enemy,  and  a 
brisk  and  an  animated  cojitest  was  kept  up  for  about  an  hour.  Sooa 
after  Pelham.  in  obedience  to  orders,  had  withdrawn  from  his  position, 
on  the  Port  Royal  road,  the  enemy  directed  his  artillery  on  the  heights 
held  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker,  and  upon  the  woods  generally, 
occupied  by  our  troops,  evidently  with  a  view  of  causing  us  to  disclose 
whatever  tioops  or  artillery  were  there.  Not  eliciting  any  response,, 
the  enemy  was  seemingly  satisfied  that  he  would  experience  but  little 
resistance  to  an  effort  Ht  obtain  possession  of  this  hill.  Accordingly, 
about  eleven  o'clock,  he  advanced  by  the  flank,  parallel  to  the  Port 
Royal  road,  nearly  to  the  road  running  from  therice  to  Iliimilton's- 
Crossing,  now  unimpeded  in  his  march,  as  Pelham  was  withlrawn. 
Facing  to  the  front,   he   advanced   in   line  of  battle   across  the  plain 

.straight  upon  the  position  occupied  by  Walker.  His  batteries  reserved' 
thoir  fire  until  the  enemy's  lines  came  within  less  than  t-ight  hundred 
yards,  wlien  the  fourteen  guns  opened,  pouring  sut;h  a  storm  of  shot 
ind  shell  into  his  ranks  as  to  cause  him  first  to  halt,  then  to  waver, 
lUid,  at  last,  seek  shelter  by  fiight.  About  one  o'clock,  the  main- 
attack  was  made  by  heavy  anl  rapid  discharges  of  artillery.  Under  the' 
protpclicn  of  this  warm  and  well-directed  fire,  his  infantry,  in  heavy 
force,  advanced,  seeking  th-e  partial  protection  of  a  piece  of  wood 
.ixteiiding  beyond  the  railroad.  The  batteries  on  the  right  played  oq 
".heir  ranks  with  destructive  effect.  The  advancing  force  was  visibly 
staggered  by  our  rapid  and  well-directed  artillery;  but,  soon  recov- 
ering from  the  shock,  the  Federal  troops,  consisting  of  the  main  body 
of  l?'^lnklin'8  grand  division,  supported  by  a  portion  of  Hooker's- 
^rand  division,  continued  to  press  forward.  Advancing  within  point 
blank  range  of  our  infantry,  and  thus  exposed  to  thd  murderous  fir^- 
^f  musketry  and  artillery,  the  struggle  became  fierce  and  sanguinary.. 
They  continued,  however,  jftill  to  press  forward,  an<l,  before  General 
A.  P.  Hill  closed  the  iaterval  which  he  bad  left  between  Archer  andi 


«       436 

Lane,  it  was  penetrated,  and,  the  enemy  pressing;  forward  m'over- 
•whelming  numbers  through  th^t-  interval,  turned  Lane's  right  an« 
Archer's  left.  .Thus  attacked  in  front  and  rear,  the  fourteenth  Ten- 
nessee and  nineteenth  Georgia,  of  Archer's  brigade,  and  the  entire 
brigade  of  Lane,  fell  back  ;  but  not  until  after  a  brave  and  obstinate 
resistance.  Notwithstanding  the  perilous  situation  in  which  Archer's 
brigade  was  placed,  his  right,  changing  front,  coiitiuued  to  Btrngglo 
with  undaunted  firmness,  materially  checking  the  advance  of  the 
enemy  until  reinforcements  came  to  its  support.  The  brigade  of 
General  Thomas,  posted  as  before  ptated,  moved  gallantly  forward,  and. 
joined  by  the  seventh  and  part  of  the  eighteenth  North  Carolina,  of 
Lane's  biigade,  gallantly  drove  back  a  Federal  column  which  had 
broken  thiough  Lane's  lire.  In  the  meantime,  a  large  force  of  the 
enemy  penetrated  the  wood  in  rear  of  the  position  occupied  by  the 
brigades  of  Lane  and  Archer,  and  came  in  contact  with  Gregg's  bri- 
gade. Taken  by  surprise,  Orr's  rifles  were  thrown  into  confusion. 
It  was  in  the  act  of  rallying  this  regiment  that  Brigadier  General 
Maxey  Gregg  fell,  in  front  of  the  rifles,  mortally  wounded.  General 
Gregg  was  a  brave  and  accomplished  oflicer,  full  of  heroic  sentiment 
and  chivalrous  honor.  He  had  rendered  valuable  service  in  this  great 
struggle  for  our  freedom,  and  the  country  has  much  reason  to  deplore 
the  loss  sustained  by  his  premature  death.  Colonel  ITa'-nilton,  upon 
■whom  the  command  of  that  brigade  now  devolved,  hastened  to  meet 
the  emergencies  of  his  position,  and,  with  the.  four  remaining  regi- 
ments and  one  company  of  the  Orr  rifles,  (Lieutenant-Charles,)  gave 
the  enemy  a  warm  reception. 

The  enemy  was  not  long  permitted  to  hold  the  advantage  which  he 
had  thus  gained.  The  second  line  came  promptly  to  the  support. of 
the  first.  Lawton's  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Atkinson,  sub- 
sequently by  Colonel  Evans,  Trimble's  brigade,  commanded  by  Col- 
onel R.  F.  Hoke,  and  Farley's  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Walker,  (all  under  the  conimand  of  Brigadier  General  Early,)  and 
the  forty  seventh  and  twentj-second  Virginia  regiments  of  Colonel 
Brockenbruugh's  command,  were  already  rushing  with  impetuous  valor 
to  the  support  of  the  first  line.  In  Taliaferro's  eomiiiand,  hia  right 
regitnent,  the  second  Virginia,  of  Paxt  n's  brigade,  became  engaged 
with  part  of  the  eneiry,  which,  after  a  slight  re8ist;i.nce,  retreated. 
The  combat  in  the  wood  was  brief  ^nd  decisive  The  further  advance 
of  the  enemy  was  checked.  He  was  driven  with  great  f^laughter  fiom 
the  wood  to  the  railroad;  the  two  regiments  of  Brockenbrougb's com- 
mand, Archer,  with  the  first  Tennessee  and  fifth  Alabama  battalion, 
and  the  three  brigades  commanded  by  Colonels  Hoke,  Walker  and 
Atkinson,  pursuing  the  retreating  Federals  to  the  railroad,  where 
they  made  a  biief  ptand,  when  Hoke  and  Atkinson  charged  upon  them 
with  impetuosity,  destroying  many  in  the  charge,  and  taking  a  large- 
number  of  prisoners.  Nor  did  they  stop  there  ;  but.  impelled  by  an 
•ardor  which  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  their  courage  and  patriot- 
ism, this  comparatively  small  force  pressed  the  discomtitted  foe  in  hot 
pursuit,  until  they  appeared  so  far  within'range  of  his  artillery  and 
the  fire  of  a  large  force  of  his  infantry,  as  to  make  further  parsuit  an 


437 

act  of  rashness.  In  this  gallant  charge.  Colonel  Atkinson  wag  se- 
verely wounde'l  and  foil  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Captain  E. 
P.  Lawton,  assistant  adjutant  general  of  the  brigade,  thoucrh  injured 
during  the  advance,  by  the  fall  of  his  horse,  continued  to  press  for- 
ward on  foot,  heroically  encouraging  the  brigade,  until  he  fell  mor- 
tally wo.unded. 

During  the  day,  some  of  the  guns  under  Colonel  Walker  becoming 
short  of  men  and  ammunition,  and  otherwise  disabled  from  further 
service,  were  relieved  by  Captain  Poague's  battery  with  two  twenty- 
pound  Parrotts.  These  two  pieces  actively  engaged  the  enemy's  ar- 
tillery, and  afterwards  opened  on  the  infantry.  The  exact  range  of 
the  hill  having  been  accurately  obtained  by  much  previous  firing,  the 
loss  at  this  point  was  heavy.  It  is  due  to  Captain  Poague  here  to 
state  that  when,  late  on  the  evening  previous,  he  received  orders  to 
move  his  battery,  he  was  distant  some  sixteen  miles  from  the  battle- 
field, and  the  promptitude  with  which  he  responded  to  the  order,  bj 
a  fatiguing  night's  march,  is  worthy  of  notice.  Some  guns  of  Major 
General  D.  11.  HilTs  division  were  put  in  at  this  time  on  our  right,  un- 
der the  direction  of  his  chief  of  artillery.  Major  T.  H.  Garter,  which 
were  all  well  served.  Later  in  the  evening.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cole- 
man brought  up  two  howitzers,  from  Captain  Dance's  battery,  and 
placed  them  on  the  left  of  Captain  Poague's  guns.  About  this  time 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman  was  severely  wounded.  (%  the  extreme 
light,  beyond  the  Masaaponax,  was  a  Whitworth  gun,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Captain  Ilardaway,T>f  Major  General  D,  H.  Hill's  division, 
which  was  well  served. 

On  the  extreme  left,  the  day  did  not  pass  without  some  incidents 
wdrthy  of  notice.  Early  in  the  day,  the  enemy  opened  n^n  the  left 
with  sixteen  guns,  afterwards  increased  to  twenty-four.-  The  officers 
in  command  obeyed  their  orders,  and,  reserving  their  fire,  the  enemy 
advanced  his  skirmishers  in  heavy  line  upon  the  points  occupied  by 
the  commands  of  Captains  Davidson  and  Brockenbrough.  They  were 
soon  driven  off  by  canister;  but  the  position  of  these  batteries  being 
thus  disclosed  to  the  enemy,  a  heavy  artillery  fire  was  directed  upon 
them,  which  was  replied  to  •'^th  animation  and  spirit.  The  ammuni- 
tion of  C^iptain  Raine's  battery  proving  defective,  it  was  withdrawn, 
r.nd  Captain  Latimer  (acting  chief  of  artillery  of  EwelKs  division) 
was  orderedto  take  a  position  still  further  to  the  front  and  left.  These 
last  pieces  were  admirably  served,  and  though  suffering  severely  from 
skirmishers  and  sharpshooters,  drove  them  back,  and,  by  the  accuracy 
and  rapidity  of  their  fire, .inflicted  a  severe  loss  upon  the  enemy.  As 
the  Federal  infantry  pressed  forward  upon  our  front,  it  was  deemed 
advisable  to  withdraw  the  batteries  of  Captain  Brockenbrough,  placed 
in  advance  of  the  railroad,  before  the  enemy  should  seize  the  point  of 
woods  to  their  right  and  rear,  which  they  a  short  time  afterwards  pen- 
etrated— the  withdrawal  of  the  batteries  being  covered  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Hill,  of  the  seventh  North  Carolina.  The  brigade  of  Gene- 
ral Pender  was  immediately  in  rear  of  tho  batteries  of  Captains  Da- 
vidson and  Latimer,  and  was  without  any  protection  from  the  enemy's 
artillery  ;  and  thus,  notwithatandiog  the  efficacy  of  the  batteries  act- 


438 

JDg  in  conjunction  with  Major  Cole,  of  the  twenty-seconl  North  Car- 
olina, in  disficrsing  the  clouil  of  skirmishers  and  sharpshooters  that 
hung  all  day  upon  that  part  of  the  line,  that  brigade  received  much 
of  the  Cre  that  was  directed  at  these  guns,  and  sufftered  severely. 
General  Fender  was  himself  wounded.  The  sixteenth  North  Cirolina 
Colonel  McElroy,  which  had  been-  thrown  out  as  a  support  to  Lati- 
mer's battery,  became  warmly  engaged  with  a  brigade  of  the  enemy, 
which  had  advanced  up  Deep  Run,  under  cover,  and,  ac'ing  .vith  two 
ether  North  Carolina  regiments,  (the  fifty-fourth  and  fifty-sCventh,) 
of  Laws'  b)igade,  Hood's  division,  drove  them  back.  Kepulscd  on  tho 
right,  left  and  centre,  the  enemy  soon  after  reformed  his  lines,  and> 
gave  some  indications  of  a  purpose  to  renew  the  attack.  I  waited 
some  time  to  receive  it,  but  he  making  no  forward  movement,  I  deter- 
mined, if  prudent,  to  do  so  myself.  The  artillery  of  the  enemy  was 
so  judiciously  posted  as  to  make  an  advance  of  our  troops  across  the 
plain  very  hazardous  ;  yet  it  was  so  promising  of  good  results,  if  suc- 
cessfully executed,  as  to  induce  me  to  make  preparations  for  the  at- 
tempt. In  order  to  guafd  agninst  .disaster,  the  infantry  was  to  bo 
preceded  by  artillery,  and  the  movement  postponed  until  lato  in  tho 
evening,  so  that  if  compelled  to  retire,  it  would  be  under  the  cover  of 
night.  Owing  to  unexpected  delay,  tbe  movement  could  not  be  gottea 
ready  until  latfi  in  the  evening.  The  first  gun  had  hardly  moved  for- 
ward from  th  *wood  a  hundred  yards,  when  the  enemy's  artillery  re- 
opened, and  so  completely  swept  our  front,  as  to  satisfy  me  that  the 
proposed  movement  should  be  abandoneid. 

The  next  day,  (14th,)  the  divisions  under  the  command  of  Brij^a- 
dier  Generals  Early  and  Taliaferro  formed  the  first  lino  ;  that  of  Ma- 
jor General  D.  11.  Hill  the  second,  and  the  division  of  Major  Genera! 
A.  P.  Hill  the  reserve,  -^rhc  enemy  continued  in  our  front  all  day, 
apparently  awaiting  an  attack  from  us.  During  tho  night,  our  lines 
were  again  changed  so  as  to  place  the  division  of  Major  General  D.  H. 
Hill  in  the  front  line.  Major  General  A.  P  Hill  in  the  second,  and 
the  divisions  commanded  by  Brigadier  Generals  Early  and  Taliaferro 
the  reserve. 

On  the  15th,  the  enemy  still  re'maineiUn  our  front,  and,  in  the  eve- 
ning of  that  day,  sent  in  a  flag  of  triree  requesting  a  cessation  of 
hostilities  between  his  left  and  our  right  wing,  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
moving his  wounded  from  the  field,  which,  under  previous'instructiona 
from  the*  commanding  General,  was  granted.  Our  troops  putiently 
remained  in  position  on  that,  as  they  had  done  the  previous  day, 
-eagerly  awaiting  another  attack  from  the  enemy,  and  such  was.  tho 
desire  to  occupy  the  front  line,  when  such  an  attack  should  be  made, 
4hat  the  division  of  Major  General  D.  H  Hill  sent  in  a  written  re- 
quest to  be  permitted  to  remain  in  the  front  line  until  next  day.  But 
•  our  brave  troops  were  disappointed  in  the  expectation  of  another  at- 
tack. For  whilst  they  patiently  waited  during  the  night  of  tho 
'15th,  in  the  hope  of  another  encounter  on  the  following  day,  and  of 
■visiting  upon  the  invaders  of  their  sacred  homes  and  firesides  a  just 
jetiibution  for  the  outrages  of  this  most  unprovoked  and  unchristian  . 


439 

war,  the  enemy  hurriedly  and  silently,  during  that  night,  made  good 
his  retreat  by  recrossing  the  river. 

For  further  details  of  tlie  operations  of  my  corps  in  the  baMlc,  I 
respectfully  refer  you. to  the  reports  of  the  division,  brigade  and  regi- 
mental commanders,  who  participated  in  the  engagement,  also  to  the 
reports  of  Colonel  Crutchfield,  ray  chief  of  artillery,  Lieutenant^, 
Colonel  "\ralker,  Colonel  Brown,  of  the  reserve  artillery,  and  Cap- 
tain Latimer,  detailing  the  operations  of  the  artillery,  I  refer  you 
also  to  the  same  source  of  information  for  the  nsimes  cf  ra-iny  officers 
who  distinguished  themselves  in  this  battle,  and,  by  their  good  conduct, 
fpccially  merit  the  approbation  of  the  Government  and  of  the  coun- 
try. 

I  herewith  forward  to  yoa  a  list  of  the  casualties  of  this  corps  on 
the  loth  December,  from  which  it  will  appear  that  twenty-six  oilicers 
were  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  ninety-five  wounded.  Three  hun- 
dred and  eighteen  enlisted  men  killed,  and  two  thousand  three  hun- 
dred and  Sfty  wounded  ;  eighteen  officers  and  five  hundred  and  eight 
enlisted  men  misfciug,  making  a  total  loss  in  this  corps  of  thr(^  thou- 
sand four  huTidred  and  fifteen.  Nearly  all  who  are  reported  as  miss- 
ing were  taken  prisoners  in  the  fight.  By  the  oj^cial  report  of  Major 
Bridgford,  provost  martihal  of  the  corps,  herewith  submitted,  it  ap- 
pears that  w'o  captured  five  hundred  and  twenty-one  prisoners,  of 
whom  eleven  were  ofiicers.  The  report  of  Major  Bridgford  exhibits 
a  gratifying  statement  of  the  small  number  who  straggled  "from  the 
ranks  daring  the  last  action,  and  alfords  farther  evidence  of  the  im- 
proving discipline  and  tsflnt  Qf  the  army. 

The  report  of  Major  Bier,  ray  chief  of  ordnance,  shows  that  wo 
captured  lour  thousand  four  hundred  and  forty-six  email  arms. 

My  medical  director.  Dr.  Hunter  McGuife,  gave  special  and  skill- 
ful attention  to  the  wounded. 

M?jjor  J.  A.  Harman,  chief  quartermaster;  Major  W,  J.  Hawks, 
chief  commi-ssary,  and'MiJJor  Q.  H.  Bier,  chief  of  ordnance,  dis- 
charged their  respective  duties  well. 

During  the  action,  I  received  valuable  assistance  in  transmitting- 
orders,  and  discharging  other  duties,  from  the  following  members  of 
my  staff: 

Colonel  S    Crutchfield,  chief  of  artillery. 

Colonel  A-  Smeade,  inspector  general. 

Captain  A    S.  Pendleton,  assistant  a  Ijutant  general. 

C;ii>tairi  J    K    BoHwell,  chief  of  engineers. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  G.  ^lorriaon,  aiti-de-camp. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  P.  Smith,  aid-de-camp. 

Second  jjieutenant  W.  Williamson,  engineer  department. 

I  trust  that  tlie  victory  of  Frclericksburg,   with  which  God  has 
blessed  our  cause,  will  continue  to  be  gratefully  remembered. 
I  am,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 

LieuUnant  General, 


440 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in    Semvd    Army   Corpa,  Army   Northern 
Virginia,  in  the  Battles  brforc  Fredericksburg,  Dcambcr,  18ti2  : 


DIV13I05. 

Brioidk. 

ilSOIMSNT. 

KiLLKD 

WOBSDBD. 

88 
25 
10 
68 
T 
f2 
2S 
149 
110 
82 
43 
53 
(.1 
49 
7fi 
77 
82 
33 
52 
55 
89 
18 
48 
17 
30  . 
44 
14 
88 

Total. 

A  p  niu's 

Field'* 

I"th  Vi'-ginia 

i'i  Virginia  battalioi).. . 

lOlh  Virainia 

Isi  8  >uth  Carolina 

12lh  Sou'hCaroliiia 

iJth  South  Caro  iiia 

14th  rfouth  Caroliiui.. . . 

7 

i 

15 
I 
S 

45 

■1 

II 

27 
11 
78 

•I 
II 
•1 

CI 

II 

8 
55 
28 

II 

Orr's  Kifto* 

21 

"f 

6 

8 

5 
16 
17 
13 

9 

5 
•    5 

4 
15 

3 

6 

2 

1 

""ii" 

211 

170 

14lli  G('orj.'ia .. . 

■'.51  h  Georgia 

l!12 

II 

11 

89 

II 

4;pfb   Georgia 

48 

II 

4'J:Ii  Gnoruia 

7tli  North  Caiolina 

2Stli  North   Caroina... 
;;7tli  T  orth  Caroiua... 

IS  b  North  Cnroiina 

:..W  North  Carolina 

7lh  Teniiesece.. 

Itii  Tonnepseo 

61 

86 

tfr 
II 
II 
i( 

II 

(1 
II 

Archev's 

Peifter'a 

II 

II 
Artillery 

93 
90 
41 

38 

^7 

14th  Tennessee 

59 

CI 

19th  Georgia 

&t 

l( 

(1 

II 
II 

iVh  Aiabona  battalion. 

ICth  North  Carolina 

;i4lli  North  Carolint... 
13. h  North  Carolina... 

■J2it  North  Carolina 

S8th  Norl.h  (Carolina  .. . 
Seven  Butteries 

21 
54 
19 
87 
45 
14 
99 

•  ■^■'  -  ■■-  ■■ 

1,403 

1,619 

D.  n.  Hiil's      

6'ii  Alabama 

1 
7 

4 

2 

i 

5 
3 
fi 
15 
3 
1 
3 

2 
S 
17 
21 
9 
4 

3 
2 

21 

1 

II 

» 
IversoD's 

II 

II 

II 
Rlpley'8 

Ci'.h  Alabama 

1 

8 

•           It 

20th  Ala1)aDia 

4 

'.i<\  Aiabntna 

1 

3 

8    ' 

2>i  North  Carolina.... 

I2ih  Norih  Carolina 

5ib  North  Curolinu 

4ih  Gcoiffia 

Is!  North  Carolina 

l" 
1 

1 
5 
4 
7 

15 

8il  North  C'lirolina 

8 

1 

2 

X     II 

t)lh  Georgia 

8 

^1.      

II 
II 

2 

27  h  Qtiorifia        

2 

2Sth  Gi'orairt 

8 

'Jl  Nonh  Ciirolina 

4th  North  Carolina..  .. 
3'Uh  Nonh  Carolina    . . 
I4ih  North  Carolina 

4 
4 

«1 

II 
II 
Artillery 

II 
Colonel   Brown'? 

25 
9 

4 

.li  ir  L):.vi8  Artillery  .. 

I*:iii'i''i>  Battery 

Kry'8  Battery 

1 
2 

1 

9 

4 
5 
3 

Artilli-iy  r<  ginient 

SO 

. 

20 

146 

172 

Kwell'f 

5 

7 

6 

7 

12 

8 

1 

1 

24 

24 

84 

16 

19 

13 

14 

13 

46 

12 

CI 

i: 

11 

Trimble's 

II 

Early's 

6 

II 
II 
II 

7th   I.oiiiniana  

(itli  Louiniani 

7 

12 
S 

II 

II 

Louisiana Gu'ird  Arl'y. 
Carrinifton'B  Htittcrv  .". . 
21st  North  Carolina 

1 

2 

1 

2* 

CI 

II 

•21  "t  Georgia 

15th  Alabama 

121  h  Georgia 

3 
1 
4 
3 
•      1 
2 
2 
6 

27 

85 
20 

II 

22 

li 

25th  Virginia 

14 

II 

Sl-ii  Virginia 

18 

11 

15 

If 

4yib  Virginia 

•2 

Carried  forward 

28 

245 

273 

441 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  Second  Corjs^— Continued. 


Division. 


Brought  forwani . 
EwellV 


Taliaferro's. 


Cricadk. 


Paste 


.]cnci 


Sd,  Col.  WaiTL^n. 


4tli,Co!.  Pcnilc'.on. 


Kkgimest. 


ri2d  VirL'iiiia.  . 
5Sth  Viririjiia.. 
:-ilst  ucoraiii... 
filet  Gtioreiii  .. 
f'Olh  Gi'ovxia.. 
1.3th  Ofcngin.. 
'26  h  (iporgio.. 
3Sth  Georgia  . . 


KlI.LEI^    WOUNDID 


2'1  Vjrginir. 

Dili  v'irsj  nia 

4'li  Viru:inla  

1  'arponter'*  Battery. 
21ft  Virginia 

48-h  Vii-ifinia 

H:ti cf.'  nattory 

Oiiakic's  Buttery 

-t-^'h    Alabama 

2Sil  Vireinia 

37tli  Viiiiinia 

Woodiiig's  Battery.. 

I^t  I.ouioiniia 

2(1  T-ouisinn" 

lOlh  Louisiana. , 

14lh  Louifli.iiia 

15ili  Lonirtiana 

LM6l;'8  Batt.ry 


21.5 
13 
6 
63 
83 
72 
Vi 
4.S 
91 


Total. 


2T3 
13 
9 

78 

100 

78 

14 

101 


719 

21 
IX 

T2 

2'J 
4 

26 
T 
1 
3 
5 
1 
3 

13 
8 
7 
7 
6 


172 


REPORT. OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  R.  H.  ANDERSON. 

IlKAnQUAnTERS  Anderson's  Division',      ) 
Near  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Junuary  3,  1863,  i 

To  Mi)jor  G.  MoxLEY  Sorrel, 

A.  A.  General,  Headquarters  First  Army  Corps : 

IMajor  :  I  have  the  honor  to  euhmit  the  following  report  of  th?  part 
taken  by  my  division,  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg: 

Upon  the  signal  being  given,  on.  the  morning  of  the  !  Uh  of  Decem- 
ber, the  troops  were  placed  rapidly  in  position,  in  rear  of  the  line  of 
field  works  and  batti  lies,  extending  from  Hazel  Run,  on  the  right,  to 
tlie  Waterworks  dam  on  the  left,  in  the  following  order  :  Feathersfcon's, 
Perry's,  Mahone's?,  Wright's  and  Wilcox's  brigades. 

in  the  afternoon  of  the  1 1th,  R;insom's  division  having  been  placed 
between  Hazel  Run  and  the  plank  road,  Featherston's  brigade  wa< 
moved- to  the  left  of  that  road.  About  dark  General  Ransom  recrosscd 
Jlazel  Run.  and  Featherston  was  replaced  in  his  former  position. 

Detachments  of  one  regiment  from  each  brigade  were  thrown  in 
front  of  the  batteries,  and  strong  pickets  were  pushed  forward  towards 
the  town  and  along  the  canal. 

Earl}-  on  the  12th,  General  Ransom  resumed  his  former  place  be- 
hind Hizel  Run  and  the  plank  road,  and  Feiitlierston's  brigade  was 
again  drawn  to  the  left  of  the  road.  Thi?  position  of  the  brigades,  in 
the  order* above  mentioned,  was  maintained  until  Thursday  the  ITtii 
of  December,  when  the  division  was  withdrawn,  and  the  troops  re- 
turned to  their  camps.  Previous  to  the  commencetoent  of  the  en- 
gagement there  were  two  recitnents,  the  third  Georgia,  and  eighth 
Florida,  of  Wright's  and  Perry's  jjrigades,  on  duty  in  and  near  Fred- 
ericksburg. These  regiments  had  been  placed  under  the  orders  of 
Brigadier  General  Barksdale,  commanding  in  the  town,  and  were  en- 
gaged with  the  eneujy  when  he  was  laying  his  bridges,  and  preparing 
to  cross  the  river.  The  third  Georgia  met  with  but  very  slight  loss*. 
The  eighth  Florida  suffered  a  loss  of  eighty- seven  killed,  wounded 
and  missing.  The  missing  (43)  were  undoubtedly  captured.  The  de- 
tachments and  pickets  which  were  advanced  the  first  night  in  front  of" 
the  batteries  and  along  the  canal,  continued  to  occupy  their  post?, 
and  they  suffered  some  loss. 

^'he  whole  loss  of  the  division  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-eight 
JcWed,  wounded  and  missing.  The  commanders  cf  batteries,  Captaiu:? 
Marion,  Huger  and  Lewis,  and  Lieutenant  Peet,  commanding  Gran- 
de's battery,  merit  especial  notice  for  their  skill,  courage  and  good 
management  throughout  the  five  days.  Their  batteries  were  subjected 
to  a  very  heavy  fiie  from  those  of  the  enemy.  None  of  their  shot,, 
however,  were  spent  in  an  artillery  duel;  but  were  reserved  for  those 
opportunities  which  the  advancing  and  retiring  columns  of  the  enemy 
gave  them. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  say  that  the  inosfc  commendable  spirit  was 


443 

exhibite<l  by  tbo  officers  and  solrliers  of  the  whole  division.  Their 
patient  endurance  of  the  exposure  to  which  they  were  suhjected,  gave 
assurance  of  good  conduct  and  gallant  deeds,  had  an  opportunity  been 
presented.  Featherston's  and  Perr^^'s  brigades  lay  four  days  and  nights 
in  an  open  field  without  sheUev  and  ^\ithout  fire.  It  is  due  to  Briga- 
dier General  Mahone  to  say  that  he  discovered  and  pointed  out  the 
important  posicion  for  a  battery,  which  enfiladed  the  slope  upon  which 
the  enemy  formed  his  battalions  before  and  after  his  attacks  upon 
Marye's  Hill,  and  that  he  rendered  very  efficient  service,  assisting  in 
the  construction  of  the  battery  which  drove  them  from  that  place  oj' 
ehclter.  I  beg  leave  to  mention  also  Brigadier  General  Cadmus  M. 
Wilcox,  and  to  ask  attention  to  his  long-continued  and  uniformiy 
meritorious  conduct  in  his  present  grade.  I  have  witnessed  his  cour- 
age, zeal  and  ability,  an  1  have  received  most  efficient  co-operation  from 
him,  in  the  battles  of  Wiliiarasbar^.  Seven  Pines,  Gaines'  Mill,  Fra- 
zier's  Farm,  Second  Manassas  and  Fredericksburg.  I  earnestly  recom- 
mend his  promotion.  Mr,  Jctt,  an  engineer  attached  to  my  division, 
rendered  good  service  in  the  erection  of  field  works,  making  and  repair- 
ing roads,  digging  rifle  pits  and  trenches,  and  such  like  work.  The  re- 
ports of  the  commanders  of  brigades  are  herewith  submitted. 
I  am,  very. respectfully,  jour  most  obedient  servant, 

11.  II.  ANDEllSON, 
Major  General  commanding  Division. 


RErORT  MAJOR  GENERAL  McLAWS. 

# 

IIeadquartrr's  Division,  ) 

Camp  near  Frederkksburg,  December  30^  1862.  J 

Major  Sorrel, 

Aujutant  General : 

•  Major:  My  division  occupied  the  front  line  of  defence  from  Hazel 
river  along  the  ridge  of  liills  to  the  right  and  through  the  point  of 
woods  extending  into  Mr,  Alfred  Bernard's  field,  one  brifiade  being 
in  reserve.  The  brigades  on  the  right  had  an  extended  rifle-pit  at  the 
foot  of  the  main  ridge  from  the  left  of  the  telegraph  road  to  a  private 
road  near  Mr.  Ilowison'a  barn.  The  next  brigide  had  rifle-pits 
along  the  foot  of  the  hills  in  front  of  its  position  and  others  on  the 
crest  of 'the  hills.  The  right  brigade  constructed  rifle-pits  and  breast- 
works of  logs,  through  the  woods,  with  abattis  in  front  of  them. 
The  crests  of  the  hills  were  occupied  by  the  batteries  of  Captain 
Read,  one  ten-pounder  Parrott,  one  twelve-pounder  howitzer,  one 
three-inch  rifle;  Captain  Manly's  batterj'-,  one  three-inch  rifle,  two 
twelve-pounder  howitzers;  Captain  Ells,  one  thirty-pounder  Parrott; 
Captain  Macon,  two  ten-pounder  Parrott's  and  two  six  pounders  ; 
Cooper's,  three  ten- pounder  Parrott's;  Carlton's,  two  ten  pounder 
Parrott's;  Eubank's,  one  three-inch  rifle;  McCarthy':^,  two  three-incli 
rifles;  Dearing,  one  ten-pounder  Parrott;  Rcss,  three  ten-pounder 
Parrott's,  and,  in  addition,  there  were  a  number  of  smooth  bore  pieces 
placed  along  the  hills,  to  be  used  should  the  enemy  advance  near 
enough  for  their  effectual  range.  One  brigade  was  contantly  on  duty 
in  the  city  to  guard  the  town  and  defend  the  river  crosyings  as  far 
down  as  one-fourth  of  a  mile  below  Deep  Run  creek.  Two  regiments 
from  Gen^^ral  Anderson's  division  picketed  the  river  bank  above  the 
town,  reporting  to  the  Brigadier  General  in  charge  of  the  brigade  on 
duty  in  the  city.  The  orders  were  that  two  guns  should  be  fired  from 
one  of  my  batteries  in  a  central  position,  which  would  be  the  signal 
that  the  enemy  was  attempting  to  cross.  These  were  the  posinons  of 
my*comiuand  arid  the  orders  governing  them  -up  to  the  10th  iastant. 
On  that  day,  the  brigade  of  General  Barksdale,  composed  of  Missis- 
sippi troops,  was  on  duty  in  the  city.  About  iwo  o'clock,  A.  M., 
on  the  1  lih.  General  Barksdale  sent  mo  word  that  the  j:novement8  of 
the  enemy  indicated  they  were  preparing  to  lay  down  their  pontoon 
bridges,  and  his  men  were  getting  into  position  to  defend  the  crossing. 
About  half  past  lour  he  notified  me  that  the  bridges  were  being 
placed,  and  he  would  open  fire  so  soon  as  the  working  parties  came  in 
good  range  of  his  rifles.  I  gave  the  order,  and  the  signal  guns  were 
fired  about  five  o'clock,  A.  M.  I  had  been  notified  from  your  head- 
quarters the  evening  previous  (the  lUth' instant)  to  have  all  the  bat- 
teries harnessed  up  at  daylight,  on  the  1 1th  instant,  and  1  had  given 
orders  that  my  whole  command  should  be  under  arms  at  the  same 
time.     General  Barksdale  kept  his  men  quiet  and  concealed  until  the 


445 

bridges  were  so  arlvanced  that  the  \vorlcing  parties  were  in  easy  range, 
when  he  opened  fire  with  such  effect  that  the  bridges  were  abandoned 
at  once.  Nine  separate  and  desperate  attempts  were  made  to  complete  the 
bridges,  under  fi;e  of  their  sharpshooters  and  guns  on  the  opposite  bank?; 
but  every  attempt  being  attended  with  such  severe  loss,  from  our  men 
posted  in  rifle-pita,  in  the  cellars  of  houses  along  the  banks,  and  from 
behind  whatever  offered  concealment,  that  the  enemy  abandoned  his 
attempts  for  the  time  and  opened  a  terrific  fire  from  their  numerous 
batteries  constructed  along  the  hills  just  above  the  river.  The  fire 
was  so  severe  that  the  men  could  not  use  their  rifles,- and  the  different 
places  occupied  by  them  becoming  untenable,  the  troops  were  with- 
drawn from  the,river  bank  back  to  Caroline  street,  at  half  past  four 
o'clock,  P.  M.  The  enemy  then  crossed  in  boats,  and,  completing 
their  bridges,  nat-sed  over  in  force  and  advanced  into  the  town.  The 
seventeenth  Mississippi  (Colonel  Fizer)  and  ton  sharpshooters  from 
Colonel  Carter's  regiment  (the  thirteenth)  and  three  companies  of  the 
eighteenth  Mississippi  regiment,  (Lieutenant  Colonel  Luse,)  under 
Lieutenant  Radlif,  were  all  the  troops  that  were  actually  engaged  in 
defending  the  crossings  in  front  of  the  city.  More#roops  were  offered; 
but  the  positions  were  such  that  but  the  number  already  there  could 
be  employed.  As  the  enemy  advanced  into  the  town  our  troops  fell  back 
to  Princess  Ann  street,  and,  as  the  enemy  came  up,  they  Svere  driven 
back  with  loss.  This  street  fighting  continued  until  seven»  P.  M., 
when  I  ordered  General  Earksdale  to  fall  lark  and  take  position  along 
and  behind  the  stone  wall  below  Marye's  Hill,  where  it  was  relieved 
l»||the  brigade  of  Brigadier  General  Thomas  R.  R.  Cobb,  and  retired 
to  their  position  on  the  right  of  my  line  of  defence  in -the  woods  of 
Mr.  Bernard.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Luse,  with  bis  reigiment,  (the 
eighteenth  Mississippi.)  who  occupied  the  river  bank  below  the  town, 
drove  b;<ck  the  enemy  in  their  first  attempt  to  cross  th6  river,  and 
kept  them  in  check  until  about  half  past  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when 
two  regiments,  the  sixteenth  Georgia  (Colonel  Bryan)  and  fifteenth 
South  Carolina  Colonel  DeSaussnre)  were  sent  to  his  support ;  it  was 
then  deemed  advisable  and  the  whole  force  was  withdrawn  to  tbe  river 
road,  where  they  remained  until  daylight  the  next  diiy,  when  they  re- 
joined their  brigades,  excepting  the  sixteenth  G>  orgia,  which  reto^Jr 
its  position  in  the  general  line  of  defence.  TheiVe  regiments  performed 
their  duties  under  a  severe  and  destructive  fiie  from  the  enemy's  guns, 
posted  along  the  hills  jut-t  above  the  river  on  the  opposite  s-ide. 
Early  on  the  morning  of  the  1  Ith,  a  battalion  of  the  eighth  Florida 
regiment,  numbering  about 'One  hundred  and  fifty  mtn  was  put  in 
position  to  the  left  of  Colonel  Fizer,  and  in  easy  r:.nge  of  the  enemy 
hbove  the  u.pper  bridge,  then  being  rapidly  constructed  by  them.  This 
battalion  was  coroman^lod  by  Captain  Long,  and,  whde  under  his  direc- 
tion, it  acted  gillantly  and  did  good  service — Captain  Long  proving 
himself  a  gallant  and  efficient  officer;  but  he  was  severcdy  wounded 
about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  AL,  and  the  battalion  then  rendered  but  little 
assistance  I  call  your  attention  to  the  special  report  of  Lieutenant; 
Colonel  Fizer  on  the  subject,  and  to  Captain  (Jovan,  in  relation 
to  the  conduct  of  three  companies  of  the  same  regiment,  which  were 


4:1S  I 

on  fluty  with  tho  right  of  Colonel"  Fixer's  regiment,  and  also  to  the 
endorsement  of  Colonel  Humphries,  on  the  special  report  of  Captain 
Govan.  The  brigade  oi  Ceneral  Barksdale, .  I  consider,  did  their 
whole  duty,  and  in  a  manner  highly  creditable  to  every  oflicer  and 
roan  engnged  in  the  fight.  An  examination  of  the  positions  they 
held  shows  that  no*  troops  couhi  have  behaved  more  gallantly. 

On  the  night  of  the  ek'venth  instant,  the  eighteenth  and  twenty- 
fourth  Georgia  regiments  and  Philips'  Georgia  legion,  of  Cobb'a 
brif^ade,  relieved  Genernl  Carksdale's  command  behind  the  atone  wall 
at  the  foot  of  Mnrye's  Hill.  Philips'  legion  on  the  left,  the  twenty- 
fouTth  Georgia  in  the  centre,  and  eighteenth  Georgia  regiment  on  the 
right,  occupying  the  entire  front  under  the  hill.  Diuing  that  night, 
the  scouts  took  (iftecn  prisoners.  On  the  Pith  inst.,  close  and  heavy 
skirmishing  was  kept  up,  but  no  real  attack  was  m-ide.  On  the  13th, 
skirnishmg  commenced  at  e:»rly  dawn,  the  enemy  shelling  in  that 
direction  until  about  eleven  o'clock,  when  the  advance  of  the  enemy 
drove  in  our  pickets,  and  his  column  approached  the  left  of  the  line 
by  the  telegraph  road  and  deployed  to  our  right,  planting  three  stands 
of  colors  along  ourifront;  before  their  deployment  was  completed,  our 
lire  ha<l  so  thinned  their  ranks  that  the  survivors  retreated,  leaving 
t.lieir  colors  planted  in  the  first  position.  tSoon  another  column, 
heavier  than  the  first,  advanced  to  the  colors  ;  but  were  driven  back 
with  great  slaughter.  They  were  met,  on  retiring,  by  reinforcements, 
and  advanced  ygain  ;    but  wore  agaifi    repul.-ed   with    increased   loss. 

About  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  General  Kerwhaw  was  directed  to  send 
two  regiments  from  his  brigade  to  the  support  of  General  Cobb,  who 
reported  that  he  was  getting  short  of  an^munition.  The  sixteenth 
Georgia  regiment  was  sent  forward  at  the  same  time.  Is'ot  long  after 
••his.  General  Ker&haw  was  directed  to  take  his  whole  brigade  Just  a3 
Ivis  command  was  moving,  he  wasordcred  to  hast^-n  forward  in  person, 
and  assume  command  of  the  position  und(r  Marye's  Hid,  as  General 
(vobb  had  been  wounded  and  disabled.  The  South  Carolina  regiments 
^vere  p(»sted,  the  second  and  eighth  (Colonel  Kennedy  and  Captain 
Stockbuin  commanding)  in  the  road,  doubling  on  Philips'legion,  (Col-' 
onel  Cook,)  and  t!ie  twenty-fourth  Georgia,  (Colonel  McMillan,)  the 
third  and  seventh  South  Carolina  (Colonel  Nance  and  Li-..-uteiiant 
Colonel  Bland)  on  the  hill  to  the  loft  of  Marye's  house;  the  seventh 
was  afterwards  moved  (on  a  call  from  the  fifteenth  North  Carolin*' 
regiment  for  reinforcement)  to  the  right  and  front  of  Marye's  house, 
Jhe  three  left  companies  being  on  the  left  of  the  hou  e,  the  fifteenth 
South  Carolina  (Colonel  De  ^aus8ure)  in  "reserve  at  the  cemetary  ;  the 
third  battalion  (Lieutenant  Colonel  Rice)  was  posted  at  Howison's 
mill  to  resist  any  a^.tack  that  might  have  been  made  up  Hazel  Run. 
The  eighth  and  seventh  regiments  arrived  in  time  to  assist  in  repelling 
a  heavy  assault  made  on  the  lefc  at  quaiter  to  three,  P  M,  The 
third  and  seventh  regiments  suffered  severely  while  getting  into  posi- 
tion, et^pecially  the  former  Colonel  Nance,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
K.utherford,  Major  Mofiit,  Captains  Todd,  Summers  and  Nance,  were 
:^hot  down  in  succession.  Captain  Summers  killed,  the  othera  more 
or  less  dangorously  wounded,  leaving  the  regiujenc  under  the  com- 


447 

xnanil  of  Captain  John  K.  G.  Nance,  assiaterl  by  Lieutenant  T)oT)y, 
idd-de-carap  of  General  Kersfiavr,  ^  Colonel  Nance,  althouojh  badly 
wounded,  declined  being  removed  at  tha  time,  and  continued  to 
encourage  and  direct  his  men,  an  1,  after  he  was  removeil  back  to 
Marye's  house,  ordered  that  his  regiment  take  a  new  position,  wh'ere 
the  men  would  be  less  exposed,  and  sent  directions  to  have  them 
r-,3supplled  with  araraunition.  In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  deployed 
ia  a  ravine,  which  was  between  us  and  the  city,  and  distant  about 
three  or  four  hundred  yards  from  the  stone  wall,  and  advanced  with 
fresh  columns  to  the  attack,  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  fifteen 
ininuti^a  ;[  but  they  were  repuhed  with  ease,  and  driven  back  with 
much  loss,  on  every  occasion.  This  continued  until  about  half 
past  four,  P.  M  ,  when  the  enemy  ceased  in  their  assaults  for  a  time, 
and  posting  some  aitillery  in  front  of  the  town  on  the  left  of  the  tele- 
graph rc^id.  opened  on  our  position,  doins^:  but  little  damage  Tho 
batteries  of  Colonel  ^v"alton.  on  Marye's  IIiU,  were  at  this  time  silent, 
having  exhauj'ted  their  ammunition,  and  they  were  being  r«liev(^il  by 
others  from  Colonel  Alexander's  battalion  Taking  advantage  of  tho 
hill,  the  fifteenth  S<mth  Carolina  (Colonel  De  Saussure)  was  brought 
forward  from  the  cemefary,  and  posted  behind  tho  stone  wail,  sup« 
porting  the  second  ^outh  Carolina  regiment.  The  enemy,  in  tho 
meanwhile,  formed  a  stiong  column  ot  attack,  and  advanced  under 
cover  of  their  own  artillery,  and,  no  longer  impeded  by  ours,  camo 
forward  along  our  whole  front,  in  tho  nust  determined  manner;  but 
they  were  repulsed  at  all  points.  The  firing  ceased  as  night  came  on, 
si.nd  about  seven  o'clock  our  pickets  and  those  of  tho  enemy  were 
posted  within  a  short  distance  of  each  other 

About  six,  P.  M.,  the  tbiid  South  .Cnrolina  regiment  was  brought 
from  the  hili,  ai.d  posted  on  the  left  of  Philips'  (ieorgia  legion,  where 
it  was  relieved  by  General  Kemper,  with  a  portion  of  his  brigade, 
about  seven,  P.  M.,  and  was  then  .ordered  in  reserve  bv  General 
Ker>haw,  bt'cause  of  it^  previous  heavy  loss. 

The  body  of  one  man,  believtd  to  be  an  ofiicer,  was  found  within  abi.ut 
thirty  yi.  rdsof  the  stone  wall,  and  other  f ingle  bodies  were  scattered 
at  increased  distances,  until  the  main  mass  of  the  dead  lay  thickly 
Rtrewn  over  the  giound  at  something  over  one  hundred  yards  olT,  and 
extending  to  the  ravine,  conimcneing  at  the  point  %^u:re  our  men 
would  allow  the  enemy's  column  to  approach  before  opening  fire,  and 
bc^'oiid  which  no  organized  body  of  men  was  able  to  pass. 

On  tho  1 4th,  the  enemy  were  in  position  behind  the  declivities  ia 
front,  hut  the  operations  ou  both  sides  were  confined'  to  skirmishing 
of  sh  irjishooters. 

On  the  15th  it  was  disco^red  that  the  enemy  had  constructed  rifle- 
pits  en  the  edgo  of  the  ravine ;  but  ncthing  of  interest  occurred 
during  the  day.  Cobb's  brigade  was  relieved  by  that  of  General 
Semmea  on  tht^  night  of  that  day,  against  the  wishes,  however,  of 
Colonel  McMillan,  commanding  Cobb's  biigade,  who  objected  to  relin- 
quishing such  an  honorable  po8ition.  On  the  ICth,  Tuesday  morning, 
as  the  tog  lifted,  it  was  discovered  that  tho  enemy's  pickets  were 
withdrawn,  and  scouts,  being  sent  out,  reported  that  the  cneDpy  had 


4f48 

retired  across  the  river*  r8ihovin<r  their  brilgee.-  .The  town  wag  re- 
occupied  by  two  regiments  from  K^rtbaw's  brigade,  and  a  number  cf 
prisoners,  arms,  &c.,  were  taken,     , 

Captain  Outhbcrt,  of  the  second  South  Carolina  regiment,  with  his 
company  of  eharp«;hooter8,  was  thrown  out  on  the  edge  of  Hazel 
Run,  and  did  good  servicia  in  annoying  tho  fiank  of  the  enemy  as 
their  columns  advanced  to  the  attack.     His  loss  was  considerfibie. 

When  General  Kcrshnw's  brigade  was  sent  to  the  front,  its  place 
along  the  main  lino  of  defence  was  occupied  by  the  brigade  of  Brig- 
adier General  Jcnkinp,  a  regiment  from  which  occupied  the  righf  flrink 
of  the  troops  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill,  along  Hazel  Run,  and  was 
of  esspntial  service. 

The  Lieutenant  General  was,  however,  overlooking  the  movements 
of  all,  and'every  order  was  issued  under  his  supervision  The  pre-, 
gence  of  himself  and  the  General-in-Chief  inspired  the  troops  and 
rendered  them  invinciblje.  The  very  groat  enthusiasm  and  ardent 
desire  fur  the  enemy  to  advance  which  'xisted  and  was  evident  among 
'all,  officers  and  men,  could  not  be  surpassed.  And,  when  it  was 
discovered,  on  the  16th,  that  the  enemy  had  retired,  there  was  an 
universal  expression  of  disappointment. 

The  artillery  along  the  heights,  under  the  supervision  of  Colonel 
n.  C.  Cnbell,  chief  of  artillery,  and  his  subordinate,  Major  Hamilton, 
•opened  fire  on  the  enemy's  left  flank  whenever  the  column  advanced, 
with  such  effect  as  to  always  force  them  to  retire  in  disorder,  or  to 
incline  to  their  right  under  shelter  of  ravines  and  rising  ground  ; 
forced  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  to  retire  which  had  come  forward 
'on  the  light,  and  was  of  material  assistance  in  checking  the  advance 
of  their  troops,  which  were  threatening  the  centre  I  refer  you  to 
the  special  report  of  Colonel  Cabell  in  reterence  to  the  operations  of 
the  artillery.  , 

The  country  and  the  array  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  Brigadier 
General  Thomas  R.  R.  Cobb,  who  fell  while  in  position  with  his  brig- 
ade, and  was  borne  from  the  field  while  his  men  were  repClsing  the 
first  assaults  of  tKe' enemy.  He  had  but  lately  been  promoted  to  a 
brigai^ie.  and  his  devotion  to  his  duties,  his  aptitude  for  the  profession 
of  arms,  and  his  contiol  over  his  men,  I  have  never  seen  surpassed. 
Our  country  ^s  lost  a  pure- and  able  defender  of  her  rights,  both  in 
the  council  arm  the  field. 

My  aid-de-camp.  Captain  H.  L  King,  was  killed  on  Marye's  Hill, 
pierced  with  five  balls,  while  conveying  an  order  to  Brigadier  General 
Co1)b.  He  was  a  brave  and 'accomplished  officer  and  gentleman,  and 
had  already  distinguished  himself  during  the  operations  in  Iront  of 
Frederickbburg,  as  he  had  done  in  all  th|  other  engagements  when 
on  duty.  ' 

Lieutenant  T.  S.  B,  Tucker,  ray  other  aid-de-camp,  was  badly 
wounded,  while  bearing  one  of  my  ordt^rs.  He  has  always  been  noted 
for  his  daring  and  gallantry. 

The  services  of  my  adjutant  general.  Major  James  M.  Goggin,  were 
importantLand  distinguished,  as  tliey  have  been  always. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  tho  other  members  of  my  staff',  Mojor  McLaws 


449 

and  M.'ijor  Edwards,  for  their  assistance ;  to  Lieutenant  EdwarJa* 
ordnance  ofiicer,  ivho  was  active  and  cfBcient  in  supplying  ammunx- 
tion  to  the  troops  ;  and  to.  Lieutenant  Garepbell.  of  the  engineers, 
who  h:id  been  engaged  day  "and  night,  f'roqnently  all  night,  in 
8treni:thening  the  different  positions,  and  on  all  o'ocasions  "vvas  very 
devoteil  and  }.rorapt  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

Colonel  McWillan,  of  the  twenty-fourth  Georgia,  who  succeeded  to 
the  coniraimd  of  the  brigade  when  General  Cobb  w?^  disabled,  during 
the  first,  assaults  of  the  enemy  on  Marye's  Hill,  behaved  vf'iih.  distijx- 
guisht'd  gallantry  and  coolncBS. 

General  Barksdale  cominandcd  his  fine   brigade   as    it   shouhl  have 
been  coiQm?nd(d,  and  added' new    laurels   to   those  gained   on  every' 
other  previous  battle-field,  • 

I  call  attention  to  the  conduct  of  General  Kershaw,  who,  after  the 
fall,  of  General  Cobb,  commanded  the  troops  about  Marye's  Hill,  com- 
posed of  his  own  lirigade  and  that  of  General  Cobb.  He  poseesscB 
military  talents  of  a  high  order,  and  unites  with  them  that  sclf-po.i(- 
ise^sion  an(i  daring  gallantry  which  endears  him  to  his  cvminaad,  and 
inspires  a  confidence  which  but  increases  as  the  danger  grows  more 
imniini-nt. 

My  inspector  general,  M;)jor  Costin,  was  particularly  active  nnd 
distinguished  in  leading  troops  into  position  and  carrying  orders, 
frcquLiiily  under  the  hottest  fire,  and  for  his  close  attention  to  all 
his  duties. 

The  brigade  of  General  Seraraes  was  not  actually  engaged  ;  but, 
under  his  supervision,  the  position  he  commatuled  was  strongly  for- 
tified, and  his  men  Vtcre  well  prepared  and  eager  for  the  fight  under 
his  leadership. 

Surgeon  Gilmon,  chief  surgeon  of  the  division,  had  his  field  hoi»- 
pital  in  r^diness,  and  his  arrangements  were  so  complete  that  there 
Vas  no  detention  or  unnecessary  suffering  of  the  wounded,  and  thosa 
who  cuuhi  not  remain  in  camp  were  ^ent  at  once  to  the  hospitals  ia 
Richmond. 

The  loss  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  in  vm  command,  was  as 
follows : 


Command. 

1-1 

P 

O 

6 

1-5 

o 

■ 

Kbhaeks. 

• 

Kersliaw"s  brigade 

Bark^ditlc's  b  igRdc... 

39 

HO 
•62 

333 

198 
4 

1 

62 
4 

373 

i:;)4 
4 

Ono  missina;,   supposed   to   have 
been  killed  wbilc  the  regiuionk 
was  on  j>i'.>.ket. 

Grniid  totnl '. 

100 

f.?6 

fi7 

8r»3 

I  enclose  reports  of  tho  several  brigade  comraanderfl,  with  tho33  ol 
29 


450 

their  respective  regimental  and  battalion  commanders,  excepting  Gen- 
eral Barksdale,  who,  receiving  a  leave  of  absence,  went  away  withouf: 
rendering  Lis  report ;  those  of  his  regimental  commanders  are,  how- 
ever, enclosed. 

^  Very  reepectfullv, 

L.  McLAWS,  Major  Geveral. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  RANSOM. 


Headquarters  Djvipion, 
*  Camp  near  Fredericksburg,  Va,,  Dec.  20,  186 

Major  G.  M.  Sorrel, 

As.isant  Adjutant   General,  First  Corps,  A.  N.  V.  : 


U 


Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  my  division 
<iuring  the  several  days'  operations  before  Fredericksburg,  commenc- 
cing  on  the  llth  instant: 

On  the  morning  of  that  day  the  division  took  position  about  bij; 
hundred  yards  in  rear  of  our  batteries,  which  were  upon  Marye's  and 
Willis'  Hills,  and  at  the  time  occupied  by  the  Washington  artillery, 
About  noon,  it  was  withdrawn  to  the  Telegraph  road,  a  little  in  rear, 
of  where  General  Longstreet  had  his  headquarters  during  the  day 
At  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  it  retook  the  position  of  the  morning,  Cooke's 
brigade  being  advanced  to  within  two  hundred  yards  of  our  batteries, 
and  the  twenty-fourth  North  Carolina,  of  my  brigade,  was  placed  in  » 
ditch  on  the  left,  and  in  the-  prolongation  of  Cobb's  brigade,  which 
o-ccupied  the  Telegraph  road  in  front  of  Marye's  and  Willis'  hills. 
The  left  of  the  twenty-fourth  rested  ou  the  plank  road.  My  batteries 
remained  iu  rear  of  the  division. 

On  the  12ch  there  was  no  change,  except  the  placing  of  three  long 
rafige  guns  from  Cooper's  battery  near  Howison's  house  on  the  right 
of  the  Telegraph  road.  During  these  two  days  occasional  shells  from 
the  enemy's  guns  burst  among  and  near  the  troops,  but  there  were 
few  or  no  injuries. 

About  half  past  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  13th,  large  numbers 
»of  skirmishers  were  thrown  out  from  the  town  by  the  enemy,  and  it 
goon  became  evident  that  an  eft'ort  would  be  made  to  take  our  batteries, 
Avhich  I  was  supporting,  Cooke's  brigade  was  ordered  to  occupy  the 
crest  of  Marye's  and  Willis'  hills,  which  was  done  in  fine  style.  By 
this  time  the  enemy  backed  his  skirmishers  with  a  compact  line,  and 
Advanced  towards  the  hills;  but  the  Washington  artillery  and  a  well 
directed  lire  from  Cobbs'  and  Cooke's  brigades  drove  them  quickly 
back  to  their  shelter  in  the  town.  But  a  few  minutes  elapsed  before 
another  line  was  formed  by  the  enemy,  he  all  the  while  keeping  up  a 
brisk  tire  with  sharpshooters.  This  line  advanced  with  the  utmost 
determination,  and  some  few  of  them  got  within  fifty  yards  of  our  line, 
but  the  whole  were  forced  to  retire  in  wild  confusion  before  the  tellinc 
tire  of  our  small  arms  at  such  short  range. 

During  this  attack,  two  of  Cooke's  regiments,  being  badly  exposed, 
(for  there  were  then  no  rifle-pits  on  the  hills,)  were  thrown  into  the 
road  with  Cobb's  brigade.  For  some  few  minutes  there  was  a  cessa- 
tion of  fire;  but  we  were  not  kept  long  in  expectancy.  The  enemy 
now  seemed  determined  to  reach  our  position,  and  formed,  apparently, 


452 

a  triple  line.  Observing  this. movement  on  his  part,  I  brought  up  the 
three  regimetits  of  my  brigade  to  within  one  hundred  yards  of  the 
crest  of  the  hills,  and  pushed  forward  the  twenty-fifth  North  Carolina, 
volunteers  to  the  crest.  The  enemy,  almost  massed,  moved  to  the 
charge  heroically,  and  met  the  withering  fire  of  our  artillery  and 
small  arms  with  wonde)ful  staunchness.  On  they  came  to  within  less 
than  one  hundred  and  fifty  paces  of  our  line  ;  but  nothing  could  live 
before  the  sheet  of  lead  that  was  hurled  at  them  from  this  distance. 
They  momentarily  wavered,  broke  and  rushed  headlong  from  the  field. 
A  few,  however,  more  resolute  than  the  rest,  lingered  under  cover  of 
some  fences  and  houses,  and  annoyed  us  with  a  scattering,  but  well 
directed  fire.  The  twenty-fifth  North  Carolina  vcluuteers  reached  the 
crest  of  the  hill  just  in  time  to  pour  into  the  enemy  a,  few  volleys  at 
most  deadly  range,  and  then  took  position  shoulder  to  eh  )ulder  with 
Cobb's  and  Cooke's  men  in  the  road. 

Duiing  this  attack,  the  gallant  Brigadier  General  Cobb  was  mortally 
woun(ied,  and  almost  at  the  same  instant  Brijradier  General  Cooke  was 
wounded  and  taken  from  the  field.  Colonel  H'-.ill.  forty-f-ixth  North 
Carolina  volunteers,  succeeded  to  the  command  of  his  brigade.  Nothing 
daunted  by  the  fearful  punishment  he  had  received,  tlie  enemy  hruugh; 
out  fresh  and  increased  numbers  of  troops.  Fearing  lest  he  might,  by 
.mere  force  of  numbers,  pass  over  our  line,  I  determined  to  meet  him 
with  every  man  at  my  disposal,  and  started  in  person  to  place  the  re- 
maining tvo  regiments  of  my  brigade.  Just  at  this  infjtant,  Briga- 
dier General  Kershaw  dasheil,  on  horseback,  at  the  head  of  one  of  his 
regiments  up  the  new  road  leading  from  the  Telegraph  road,  and  near 
the  mill,  and  led  it  into  the  fight  imnediately  at  Marye's  house.  A 
second  regiment  from  his  brigade  folloAved  and  took  position  in  r«ar 
of  and  near  the  grave-yard  on  Willis'  hill,  and  remained  there.  I  now 
advanced  my  regiments  and  pJjiced  one  a  few  yards  in  rear  of  Marye's 
house,  and  the  other  on  its  right  and  a  little  more  retired.  With  his 
increased  numbers  the  enemy  moved  forward.  Our  men  held  their 
fire  until  it  would  be  fatally  effective  ;  meantime,  our  artillery  was, 
spreading  fearful  havoc  among  the  enemy's  ranks.  Still  he  advanced 
and  received  the  destructive  tire  of  our  line  ;  even  more  re>olute  than 
before,  he  seemed  determined,  nndly,  to  press  on  ;  but  his  effVrts  could 
avail  nothing.  At  length,  broken  and  seemingly  dismayed,  tue  whole 
mass  turned  and  fled  to  the  very  centre  of  the  town.  At  this  time, 
I  sent  my  adjutant  general  to  the  road  to  ascertain  the  condition  of 
'  the  troops  and  tlie  amount  of  ammunition  on  hand.  His  leport  was 
truly  gratifying,  representing  the  men  in  highest  spirits,  an(l  abun- 
dance of  ammunition.  1  had  ordered  Cobb's  brigade  to  be  supplied 
from  my  wagons. 

The  afternoon  was  now  nearly  spent,  and  it  appeared  that  the  ene- 
my would  not  again  renew  his  attempts  to  carry  our  position.  Again, 
however,  an  effort,  more  feeble  than  those  which  had  preceded,  was 
made  to  push  his  troops  over  the  bodies  of  the  now  nuBiierous  slain. 
The  sun  was  down,  and  darkness  was  fast  hiding  the  enemy  froru  view, 
and  It  was  resonable  to  suppose  there  would  be  no  further  movement^ 
at  least,  towards  the  point  we  held  ;  but  the  frequent  and  determined 


453 

assaults  he  had  made  would  not  permit  me  to  despise  either  his  courage 
or  his  hardihood,  and  thinking  that,  as  a  last  alternative,  he  might 
resort  to  the  bayonet  under  cover  of  darkness,  I  massed  my  little 
command  so  as  to  meet  such  an  attack  with  all  the  power  we  were 
capahle  of  exerting.  Instead,  however,  of  a  charge  with  tUe  bayonet, 
just  after  dark  he  opened  a  tremendous  fire  of  small  arras,  and  at  short 
range,  mpon  my  w-holo  line.  This  la;it  desperate  and  maddened  attack 
met  the  same  fate  which  had  befallen  those  which  preceded,  and  his 
hosts  were  sent,  actually  howling,  back  to  their  beaten  comrades  in  the 
town.  A  short  time  before  the  last  attack.  Brigadier  General  Kemper 
had  reported  to  me  with  his  brigade.  With  two  of  his  regiments  I 
relieved  the  twenty-fourth  North  Carolina  volunteers,  which  had  been 
in  the  ditch  two  days,  and  placed  the  others  in  close  supporting  dis- 
tance at  the  crest  of  the  hill. 

During  the  whole  time  the  enemy's  artillery  had  not  ceased  to  play 
upon  us,  but  our  batteries  took  no  notice  of  it,  reserving  their  fire 
and  using  it  against  the  enemy's  infantry,  as  it  would  form  and  ad- 
vance, with  extraordinary^elfect.  Thus  ended  the  fighting  in  front  of 
Fredericksburg.  » 

By  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  General  Kershaw  had  put  the  whole  of  his 
brigade  in  the  road,  and  sent  me  word  he  could  hold  it.  I  was  satis- 
fied no  furthsr  attempt  would  be  made  by  the  enemy  before  daylight^ 
and  withdrew  ray  division  two  hundred  yards,  and  permitted  it  to 
rest.  At  this  time  of  night,  I  received  orders  to  send  a  battery  of 
long-range  guns  to  Major  Garnett.  The  three  guns  of  Cooper's,  at 
Howison's  house,  were  sent,  and  they  replaced  by  a  like  number  from 
Branch's  battery. 

Until  about  four,  P.  M  ,  on  the  13th,  the  Washington  artillery  had 
served  in  the  batteries,  when  it  was  relieved  by  Colonel  Alexander's 
battalion,  and,  during  the  night,  I  replaced  five  of  his  guns  with 
twelve- pounder  howitzers  from  my  batteries.  Daring  the  day,  only 
three  of  my  guns  were  in  action,  and  those  were  at  the  Howison 
house.  I  am  informed  by  the  report  of  the  captain  that  they  did  good 
service,  both  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg  and  more  to  the  right. 

On  the  14th,  little  of  moment  occurred.  The  enemy  annoyed  us 
by  an  unceasing  fire  from  sharpshooters,  but  did  little  injury.  Early 
itn  that  night,  I  was  directed  to  return  Kemper's  brigade  to  General 
Pickett.  It  was  replaced  by  my  own.  Before  daylight,  orders  came 
to  relieve  Jenkins'  brigade,  on  the  right  of  the  telegraph  road,  which 
I  had  now  with  my  own,  and  the  latter  was  replaced  by  Cooke's  and 
one  regiment  from  Featherston's,  which  was  immediately  on  my  left. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  15th,  large  numbers  of  infantry  were 
H;een  collecting  in  the  town,  and  the  sharpshooters  again  began  to  be 
troublesome.  Colononel  Alexander  and  Lieutenant  Branch,  the  latter 
having  charge  of  a  twelve-pounder  howitzer  and  a  Napoleon  which 
Colonel  A.  had  sent  me,  by  a  few  well  directed  shells  dispersed  the 
infantry  in  the  town  and  dislodged  the  sharpshooters.  • 

About  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  Kith,  liri^adier  General 
Jer.kir.s,  with  his  briii^ade,  reported  tome,  and  relieved  Cooke's. 

Too  high  commendation  cannot  be  bestowed  upon  the  troops  under 


454 

any  command,  and  those  of  other  corps,  who  came  under  my  observa- 
tion, and  I  trust  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  mention  some,  at  least, 
of  the  latter.  The  unwavering  firmness  evinced  throughout,  by  all, 
raises  them  to  the  highest  pitch  of  admiration. 

The  fiel^,  on  the  ISth,  presented  the  unprecedented  spectacle  of  a 
fierce  battle  raging  and  not  a  straggler  from  the  ranks. 

Brigadier  General  Cooke  was  wounded  early  in  the  action,  but 
bandied  his  trwops  well. 

Brigadier  General  Kemper  came  upon  the  field  late,  but  in  the 
handoomest  style,  under  a  galling  fire,  moved  his  command  into  posi- 
tion with  the  greatest  alacrity  and  steadiness,  and,  during  this  time, 
lost  a  few  killed  and  quite  a  number  wounded. 

While  I  do  not  disparage  any,  I  cannot  fiiil  to  mention  the  splendid 
and  dashing  action  of  the  twenty-fifth  North  Carolina  volunteers, 
Lieutj|pant  Colonel  Brj'-son  commanding,  in  going  into  battle. 

Though  ao  part  of  my  command,  I  will  not  pass  over  the  already 
famous  Washington  artillery.  Its  gallantry  and  eificicncy  arc  above 
praise. 

Colonel  Alexander,  of  the  aiitillery,  brought  in  his  battalion  admi- 
rably, and  relieved  the  Washington  artillery  under  a  hot  fire. 

I  regret  that  I  could  not  witness  the  part  taken  by  the  long-range 
guns  of  oay  batteries,  but,  from  the  commanders'  reports,  they  did  good 
service^  both  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg  and  more  to  the  right 
of  our  lines.  Lieutenant  Branch,  in  charge  of  the  two  pieces  above 
mentiaaed,  handled  them  beautifully. 

Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  Cooke,  twenty-fourth  North  Carolina  vol- 
unteers, was  Boverely  wounded.  I  have  before  witnessed  his  conduct, 
;izi-d  no  one  more  highly  merits  promotion. 

The  valuable  assistance  and  daring  gallantry  of  my  assistant  adju- 
tant general.  Captain  Thomas  Rowland,  and  volunteer  aid,  Dr.  H.  L 
Davis,  deserve  my  warmest  commendation.  They,  three  times  each 
-during  the  day,  traversed  the  entire  front  of  my  line,  descending  and 
returning  from  the  road,  thus  sis  times  running  the  gauntlet  of  a 
onost  fearful  fire. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  Lieutenant  E.  A.  Thorn,  ordnance  officer 
ioK  division,  fur  his  devotion  and  energy.  Whatever  might  have  been 
the  duration  of  the  battle,  so  long  as  ammunition  could  have  been 
had,  1  felt  sure  that  my  troops  would  be  supplied.  After  the  battle, 
he  collected  about  two  thousand  small  arms. 

Lieutenant  and  Aid-de-Camp  Brodnax  rendered  valuable  aid. 

I  should  fail  in  my  duty  if  1  did  not  notice  the  splendid  dash  of 
Greneral  Kershaw  and  his  staiT. 

Lieutenant  Landry,  of  Captain  Maurin's  battery,  I  believe,  called 
the  Donelson  artillery,  by  direction  of  Captain  Latrobe,  assistant  ad- 
jutant and  inspector  general,  took  hia  piece  from  behind  the  epaul- 
ment  in  order  to  dislodge  a  body  of  the  enemy  upon  whom  the  bat- 
tery couhi  not  play.  Most  effectually  he  performed  this  service,  but, 
in  doing  so,  lost  several  of  his  men  and  had  his  piece  disabled.  His 
conduct  was  admirable,  for,  during  the  time,  he  was  exposed  to  a 
direct  fire  of  six  and  an  enfilade  fire  of  four  guns. 


455 

•With  sadness,  ^ve  mourn  the  loss  of  many  gallant  men ;  but  I  will 
pay  a  special  tribute  to  the  intrepid  Genei'al  Cobb,  who  fell,  mortally 
■wounded,  in  the  midst  of  his  men,  while  nobly  defending  our  righteoufi 
cause.  His  brigade,  throughout  the  day,  remained  at  the  post  of 
honor,  in  the  front  line. 

Among  those  who  fell,  and  those  of  hia  comrades  who  lament  bis 
loss,  there  was  not  one  more  meritorious  than  the  modest,  but  brave 
and  manly,  Mvijor  Kelly,  of  the  thirty-fifth  North  Carolina  volunteers. 

To  two  of  my  couriers,  private  Devam,  twenty-fourth,  and  private 
Hood,  thirty-sixth  North  Carolina  volunteers,  I  am  truly  indebted  fcr 
their  devotion,  gallantry  anddntcUigence,  during  the  several  days. 

I  herewith  enclose  a  complete  list  of  the  casualties  in  my  division  ; 
m  the  aggregate  five  hundred  and  thirty.  The  wounded  bear  a  large 
proportion  to  the  killed.  Before  the  town  there  were  not  engaged,  all 
told,  on  our  part,  more  than  five  thousand.  It  is  impossible  to  esti- 
mate exactly  the  number  of  the  en^my  who  were  opposed  to  us 
From  prisoners  taken,  it  is  certain  that  all  of  Sumner's  grand  division 
and  part  of  Hooker's  were  brought  against  the  position.  Among 
these  can  be  named,  specially,  Hancock's  and  Whipple's  division,  the 
Irish  brigade,  and  the  whole  of  the  regular  infantry  of  the  old  United 
States  ai'm3%  the  latter  under  Sykes. 

The  enemy's  loss  in  killed  mu>t  have  bc<^  very  large.  Each  of  the 
nights  of  Saturday,  Sunday  and  Monday,  the  enemy  bore  oif  large 
Biumbers.  On  Tuesday  I  walked  over  the  field,  and  the  slain  lay  la 
ratiny  places  piled  up  on  each  other.  As  I  understand  an  accurate 
count  of  those  buried  has  been  madv?,  I  v^ftU  not  hazard  an  opinion  aa 
to  the  real  number  killed.     The  havoc  was  appalling. 

I  am,  sir,  \ery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  RANSOM,  Jr., 
Brigadier  General  commandiiyg  Division. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  HOOD. 

Division  IIeadquartf.ks,  near  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Sir;  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  par- 
ticipation of  my  command,  composed  of  the  Texas  brigade,  Brigadier 
General  J.  B.  Robertson,  commanding;  Law's  brigade.  Brigadier 
General  E.  M.  L-^w,  commanding;  Anderson's  brigade,  Brigadier 
General  G.  T.  Anderson,  commanding;  Toombs'  brigade,  Colonel  II, 
L.  Benning  commanding,  and  Reilly's,  Bachman's  and  Gardner's  bat- 
teries, in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  December  13th,  1862,  and 
operations  in  connection  therewith  : 

In  obedience  to  instructions  from  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
inanJing,on  hearing  the  signal  ^uns,  about  two  o'clock,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  11th  December,  I  immediately  formed  my  command  and 
moved  into  position  along  the  crest  of  the  hills  stretching  from  Dr. 
Reynolds'  house  to- near  the  railroad  crossing,  and  occupied  the  Bow- 
ling Green  road  with  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers.  Soon  afterwards, 
I  pushed  forward  about  one  hundred  riflemen  to  harass  the  enemy  in 
his  efforts  to  throw  a  bridge  across  the  Rappahannock  river,  at  the 
mouth  of  Deep  Run,  This  party  was  unable,  however,  to  effect  the 
desired  object,  m  consequence  of  the  ground  not  affording  shelter  to 
the  men  within  riSe-range  of  the  river.  My  scouts  having  reported, 
cear  dark,  that  the  enemy  hjd  completed  a  bridge  across  the  river  im- 
cicdiately  below  the  mouth  of  Deep  Run,  and  in  my  front,  I  increased 
iny  force  in  the  Bowling  Green  road  and  threw  a  line  of  skirmishers 
to  the  front,  with  orders  to  the  commanding  ofScer  to  hold  the  road. 
The  enemy  commenced  crossing  infantry  and  artillery  at  dark,  and 
continued  doing  so  throughout  the  night,  at  the  same  time  deploying 
to  their  left,  to  and  below  Mr,  Arthur  Bernard's  house,  thereby  indi- 
cating Lis  intention  to  attack  our  right, 

Turing  the  ni^ht,  I  withdrew  the  force  from  the  Bowling  Green 
road,  and  the  line  of  skirmishers  back-  to  the  road.  At  about  ten 
o*c)ock,  on  the  morning  of  the  12th,  I  -was  relieved  by  General  A. 
P.  liiU's  division,  and,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  the  Lieutenant 
General  commanding,  relieved  General  Pickett  on  my  left.  Discov- 
ering a  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  deployed  along  the  railroad,  I 
detached  two  companies  from  Toombs'  and  one  company  from  Laws' 
brigade,  and,  without  loss  on  our  side,  drove  them  off,  killing  two  or 
tbree  men  and  five  horses.  About  dark,  General  Pickett  reoccupied 
fcia  original  position  ;  and,  in  compliance  with  instructions  from  the 
Lieutenant  General  commanding,  I  moved  my  command  back  to  my 
original  position,  with  orders  to  co-operate  with  A.  P.  Ilill'o  or  any 
other  troops  of  General  T,  J,  Jackson's  corps. 

On  the  13th,  during  the  engagement  on  the  right  of  our  line,  a  con- 
fiiderable  force  of  the  enemy  defiled  from  the  right  bank  of  Deep  Run, 
and,  forming  line  of  battle,  advanced,  driving  aur  skirmishers  froja 
»nd  occupying  the  railroad.     Two  of  Brigadier  General  Law's  regi- 


457 

luentg,  iho  fifty-seventli  North  Carolina,  Colonel  A.  C.  Godwin  com- 
liiaiiding,,  and  fifty-fourth  North  Carolina,  Colonel  J.  C.  McDowell 
commanding,  were  thrown  forward,  the  fifty-seventh  leading,  and  in 
i'alhint  style  drove  the  enemy  from  the  position  he  hid  gained,  tol- 
owirtg  him  up  to  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  Bowlir.g  <ireen 
road  and  punishing  him  severely.  These  regimfuta,  with  the  fourth 
Alabama,  Law's  brigade,  support,  held  the  railroad  until  dark,  whoa 
ihey  were  relieved  by  other  troops  from  ray  command,  who  retained 
possession  of  it  until  the  enemy  vecrosacd  the  river,  on  the  night  of 
the    I5ih. 

As  usual,  Brigadier  General  Law  was  conspicuous  upon  the  field, 
^-voting  with  great  gallantry,  and  had  his  horse  killed  under  him  whilst 
personally  directing  the  movements  of  his  brigade. 

It  is  with  much  pleasure  that  I  call  your  attention  to  the  gallant 
bearing  of  both  the  officers  and  men  of  the  fifty-seventh  North  Caro- 
ina  regiment.  Colonel  A.  C.  Godwin  commanding,  in  their  charge  on 
■I  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  posted  in  the  strong  position  he  had 
gained.  Equal  praise  is  due  the  fifty-fourth  North  Carolina  regiment', 
Colonel  J.  C.  McDowell  commanding,  for  their  able  support  of  the 
fifty-seventh,  and  especially  for  their  display  of  discipline  in  chang- 
ing front  under  fire,  to  cover  the  left  flank  of  the  fifty-seventh  froin 
um  fire  of  a  force  of  the  enemy  occupying  Deep  Run,  below  the  rail*- 
road,  to  which  they  became  exposed  in  consaqueiico  of  their  pursuit 
uf  l\%  force  they  had  dislodged.  Indeed,  I  cannot  in  justice  omit  to 
mention  the  bearing  and  morale  of  my  entire  command  during  the 
time  the  cnemj^  was  in  our  front,  as  evidenced  by  their  earnest  desire 
to  be  led  to  battle  and  their  presence  at  all  times,  as,  to  the  best  of 
3iy  knowledge,  not  a  single  officer  or  man  left  ranks  without  proper 
authority. 

The  members  of  my  stafi'were,  as  usual,  at  their  posts,  and  zeat- 
cns  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty  devolving  upon  them.  Below  will 
will  be  found  a  summary  of  the  casualties  of  my  command. 

For  further  particulars,  attention  is  called  to  accompanying  reports 
of  brigade  commanders. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  HOOD, 
Major  General  commanding.    '" 


'  Killed. 

Wounded. 

1 
Missisa. 

H 

Bbigades. 

o 

CJ 

O 

a.    <y 

V:  q 

w 

to 
o 

O 

o 

m 

o 

w 

O 

w 

O      1 

o 

1 

45 

2 

1 

4 

156 

8 

10 

5 

5 

6 

(i 

4 

218 

Anderson's   brifade   

14 

Toonibs'  briijado   

1 

14 



5 

49  , 

7 

178 

12 

251 

RErORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  D.  H.  HILL. 

Headquarters  Division,  December  24,  1862. 

Captain  A.  S.   Pendleton,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  my  command 
around  Fredericksburg,  On  the  3rd  December  my  division  was  eent 
to  Port  Royal,  to  prevent  the  crossing  of  the  Yankees  at  or  near  that 
point.  Four  Yankee  gunboats  were  then  lying  opposite  the  town. 
Rifle-pits  were  constructed  above  the  town  on  the  night  of  the  4th,  to 
prevent  the  pirates  from  ascending;-  and  Hardaway's  Whitworth  gun 
was  placed  on  Jack's  Hill,  some  throe  miles  below  the  town,  and  his 
remaining  two  guns,  with  Carter's  Parrott's,  were  placed  cm.  the  hill 
due  west  of  the  town.  Hardaway  opened  upon  the  gunboats  about 
three  o'clock,  on  the  5th  instant.  Finding  the  fire  too  hot  for  them, 
they  fled  back  to  town,  where  they  were  sheltered  from  Carter's  fire. 
Hare  away  continued  to  pelt  them;  and,  to  stop  his  fire,  (as  is  sup- 
posed,) the  ruffians  commenced  shelling  the  town,  full  of  women  and 
children.  The  town  Mas  partially  destroyed,  but  'a  merciful  God 
kindly  protected  the  inoffensive  inhabitants.  A  dog  was  killed  and  a 
negro  wounded  ;  no  other  living  being  was  injured.  Finding  that 
Hardaway's  lire  did  not  slacken,  the  pirates  fled  down  the  river.  But 
now  a  worse  fate  awaited  them  than  a  distant  cannonade.  The  gal- 
lant ]\lajor  Pelham,  of  General  Stuart's  horse  artillery,  had  a  section 
of  artillery  immediately  on  the  bank  of  the  river  and  gave  them  a 
parting  salute.  He  was  greeted  with  grape  and  canister,  and  had 
one  man  killed.  There  were  no  casualties  at  ray  batteries.  From' 
Yankee  sources,  we  learned  that  the  pirates  lost  six  killed  and  twenty 
wounded.  Whether  they  over-estimated  or  under-estimated  their 
loss,  I  do  not  know.  They  sometimes  lie  on  one  side,  and  sometimes 
on  another.  In  a  few  days,  the  pirates  returned  as  high  as  Port  To- 
bago, with  five  more  of  their  thievish  consorts.  Eleven  rifle  guns  of 
Colonel  Browne's  reserve  artillery  and  all  my  division  batteries  were 
brought  down  to  the  river,  under  cover  of  a  dense  fog,  and,  when  it 
lifted,  were  opened  upon  them.  The  firing  was  bad,  except  from  the 
Whitworth,  and  it  soon  drove  them  under  cover  of  a  thick  growth  of 
woods,  where  they  lay  concealed.  We  have  learned,  from  the  same 
respectable  lankee  source,  that  three  of  the  pirates  "were  struck,  one 
three  times,  and  that  a  captain  was  killed  and  four  or  five  other 
thievey knocked  on  the  head.  We  had  no  casualties.  Just  before 
fiundown,  on  the  12rh  instant,  I  received  an  order  to  march  that 
night  to  Fredericksburg,  as  the  Yankees  were  expected  to  attack  Gen- 
eral Lee  the  next  day.  A  portion  of  my  command  was  iwenty-two 
miles  from  that  city,  and  the  most  of  them  from  eighteen  to  twenty. 
We  began  our  march  immediately  and*  proceeded  until  we  were 
stopped  by  encountering  General  Early's  .  column,  some  three  miles 
from  Hamilton's  crossing.  We  waited  until  daylight,  and  then  fol- 
lowed General  Early.     His  division  was  placed   in   the  second  line. 


459 

])ehind  General  A.  P.  Hill,  and  my  division  in  the  third  lino,  behind 
General  Early.  We  remained  in  that  position  until  noon,  when  the 
division  was  ordered  on  the  extreme  right  to  meet  a  flank  movemmt 
of  the  Yankees,  under  General  Doubleday.  We  were,  however,  soon 
ordered  back,  as  Doubleday  did  not  advance,  and  our  front  line,  under 
General  A.  P.  Hill,  had  been  broken.  General  Early  pushed  forward 
and'recovered  the  lost  ground,  and  my  division  took  Early's  position. 
My  division  artillery  and  the  reserve  artillery,  under  Colonel  Brown, 
(temporarily  under  ray  command,)  were  sent  forward  in  the  afternooa 
to  relieve  the  batteries  which  had  been  engaged  in  the  morning. 
The. relieving  batteries  have  been  highly  commended  for  gallant  and 
eftective  service.  Captains  Carter,  Hardaway,  Bondurant,  Fry  and 
Page  were  conspicuous  here,  as  everywhere,  for  gallantry  and  alacrity 
in  the  discharge  of  duty.  Towards  sundown,  on  the  I3th,  a  general 
advance-of  our  lines  was  ordered,  preceded  by  artillery.  Artillery 
officers  were  called  for  to  volunteer  for  this  hazardous  duty.  Captain 
Bondurant  and  Lieutenants  Pendleton  and  Carter,  of  my  division, 
Tolunteored  and  brought  out  their  batteries.  The  answering  reply  of 
the  Yankee  artillery  to  ours  was  so  rapid  and  constant  that  the  ad- 
vance was  halted  before  our  columns  emerged  from  the  woods  to  vi;'w. 
On  the  Mth  instant,  General  Early  and  Taliaferro  occupied  the 
»front  line,  my  division  the  second  line,  and  General  A.  P.  Hill  the 
third.  The  Yankees,  having  been  terribly  thrashed  the  day  before, 
were  quiescent  on  the  14th.  They  had  ostablished  themselves  in  a 
hedge-row,  and  hid  it  lined  with  artillery.  Hardaway  got  a  position, 
with  his  Whitworth  gun,  from  which  he  could  enfilade  the  line.  He 
drove  out  all  tlieir  batteries  and  made  them  leave  at  a  gallop.  I 
think  that  his  gun  killed  the  Yankee  General  Bayard,  as  no  other  of 
our  guns  could  carry  so  far  as  to  the  point  where  he  was  struck.  At 
Upperville,  on  November  2nd,  this  gun  put  to  flight  two  Yankee  bat-^ 
teries,  and  cavalry  and  artillery,  at  the  distance  of  three  miles  and  a 
half.  Grimes'  brigade  occupied  tIio  extreme  right  of  our  front  line 
on  the  night  of  the  13th,  and  held  the  same  position  for  the  next  two 
days.  This  brigade  also  furnished  a  hundred  sharpshooters  to  support 
Stuart,  and  these  were  constantly  skirmit^hing  with  the  Y^ankces 
during  the  Uth  and  15th.  Colonel  Estes,  "<^ith  his  regiment,  forty- 
fourth  Georgia,  Doles'  brigade,  was  also  sent  to  support  Stuart  on 
the  night  of  the  I3th,  and  remained  with  him  until  the  15th.  These 
advance  troops,  together  with  the  skirmishers  thrown  out  from  each 
brigade  when  on  the  advance  line,  were  the  only  portions  of  my  di- 
vision actively  engaged  with  the  Yankees.  My  division  relieved 
Generals  Early  and  Taliaferro  before  day  on  the  1 5th,  and  remained 
all  day  in  the  advance.  Miijor  Jones'  battalion,  of  my  division  artil- 
lery, was  placed  on  our  left  flank.  The  Y'^ankeca  were  unusualiy 
placid  on  the  15th.  The  only  firing  worthy  of  notice  was  from  some 
dozen  or  twenty  pieces  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  attempting  to 
dislodge  Hardaway  from  his  enfilading  position.  He,  however,  lay 
quietly  on  his  straw-rick,  looking  at  them  with  his  glass,  and  only 
firing  when  he  could  make  his  shot  tell.  As  the  day  of  the  1 5th  wore 
away  without  a  fight,  the  division,  with' the  exception  of  the  advance 


460 

<?etachmpntg,  not  having  drawn  trigger,  applied  to  Lieutpnant  General 
Jackson  to  remuin  one  day  longer  on  the  front  line."  This  request 
was  granted.  At  daylight,  our  pickets  were  thrown  forward  and  the 
enemy  fcimd  to  be  gone.  Burnsido  had  changed  his  base.  We  cap- 
tured two  hundred  and  ninety-two  of  the  Yankee  pickets  and  strag- 
2!ors,  and  f^ut'iorcd  up  between  three  and  four  thousand  excellent 
rifles  and  muskets.  I  regret  to  add  that,  although  none  of  iny  troops 
drew  trigger,  with  the  exceptions  above  made,  we  had  oue  hundred 
and  seventv-three  casuaUics  in  the  division,  nearly  all  from  the  artil- 
lery fire  of  tiie  Yankees. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  all  my  staff  for  faithful  and  efficient  services. 
Major  J.  W.  Ratchford  and  Major  Archer  Anderson,  a'ljutant  gen- 
eral's staff;  Major  Jones,  commandin'jf  battalion  of  artillery  ;  Captain 
Carter,  chief  of  attillery;  Captain  M.  L.  Randolph,  signal  officer; 
Lieutenant  R.  H.  Morrison,  aid-de-carap  ;  Lieutenant  E.  F.  Brevard, 
volunteer  aid;  Lieutenants  Harris  and  Estelle,  ordnance  officers; 
Mr.  Arthur  Chichester,  engineer  officer  ;  Sergeant  Harraeling,  com- 
manding the  couriers,  ail  rendered  valuable  aad  importaat  service. 

I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  the  steadiness  of  my  men  under  fire, 
their  confidence  of  victory  and  eagernevSS  to  lend  their  efforts  to 
achieve  it.  their  patient  endurance  of  a  fatiguing  march  the  night 
before  the  battle,  and  their  general  subordination  and  good  conduct. 41 
Under  tried  veterans  as  brigade  cororaanders — Rodes,.  Colquitt.  Pier- 
aon,  Doles  and  Grimes — I  feel  confident  that  they  will  do  v/ell  when- 
ever called  upon  to  meet  the  infernal  Yankees.  In  no  battle  of  the 
war  has  the  signal  interposition  of  God  in  our  favor  been  more  won- 
derfully displayed  than  at  Fredericksburg,  and  it  is  to  be  earnestly 
lioped  that  our  gratitude  will  correspond  in  some  degree  with  His  favor. 
Re.'^pectfully  submitted. 

D.  H.  HILL,  3Iojor  General. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  A,  P.  HILL. 


IIeadq'rs  a.  p.  Hill's  Light  Division,  Jackson's  Conpa,  ) 
Ckmp  near  Fredericksburg,  January  1,  1863.       S 

Captai/i  A,  S.  Prndleton, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Jmkson^s  Corps: 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  ths 
part  taken   by  the  light  division  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg: 

It  having  been  definitely  ascertained  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  tbo 
Bappahannook  in  large  force,  on  the  evening  of  the  llth  December^ 
I  was  directed  by  General  R.  E.  Lee,  subsequently  by^the  Lieutenant 
General,  also,  to  move  my  division  at  dawn,  on  the  l2th,  and  relieve- 
Major  Gener;\l  Hood.  In  obedience  to  this  order,  I  put  my  troops  in 
position,  ray  front  line  consisting  of  two  regiments  of  Brcckenbrough's 
brigade,  the  brigades  of  Generals  Archer,  Ti»ne  and  Pender,  my  ex- 
treme right  resting  upon  the  rond  leading  from  Hamilton's  Crossing 
to  the  Port  Royal  road,  and  my  left  to  within  a  short  distance  of  Deep 
Creek.  Upon  the  hill  crowning  the  right  of  uiy  line.  Lieutenant  Col- 
ontl  Lindsay  Walker,  iny  chief  of  artillery,  had  in  position,  under 
his  own  immediate  direction,  fourteen  rilie  and  Napoleon  guns,  com- 
posed of  the  batteries  of  Pegram  and  Mcintosh,  with  sections  from  the 
batteries  of  Crenshaw,  Ijathara  and  Johnson,  commanded  respectively 
by  Lieutenants  Ellett,  Potts  and  Chitter.  The  batteries  of  Captains 
l^avideon  and  Braxton  (the  latter  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Marye) 
were  placed  to  cover  my  left,  about  two  hundred  yards  in  front  of 
Pender's  brig.ide. 

My  line  of  battle,  as  thus  forriied,  was  fully  one  mile  and  a  half  in 
extent,  the  division  of  Major  General  Hood  being  on  my  left.  Lane's 
brigade  was  some  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  advance  of  my  gene- 
ral line,  the  timber,  in  the  skirt  of  which  wa*  posted  his  brigade, 
jutting  out  into  the  low  grounds  some  distance  from  the  main  body. 
Along  the  military  road — a  new  road  running  in  rear  of  my  front  line 
from  ny|i)i,  lo  left,  cut  by  Major  General  Hood — were  posted  my  re- 
serves, consisting  of  the  remainder  of  Brockenbrough's  brigade, 
fortieth  and  tllty-fifth  Virginia,  as  a  support  to  Walker's  batteries, 
Greggs  brigade  crossing  the  interval  between  Archer  and  Lane,  and 
Thoma.-i  brigade  the  interval  between  Lane  and  Pender.  The  division 
remaiiie'i  a->  thus  posted  during  Friday  and  Friday  night  undisturbed, 
except  by  the  thelling  from  the  aneray's  guns. 

On  Saturday'  morning.  Lieutenant  General  Jackson  directed  that 
Braxton's  liatitry  and  two  batteries  from  Brigadier  General  Taliaferro's 
division  be  placed  in  advance  of  the  railroad,  and  General  Lane  waa 
directed  to  nijiport  them.  Braxton's  batt-ery  was  relieved  by  Latimer, 
a  young  vcteian.  About  ten  o'clock,  Saturday  morning,  the  litting 
of  the  i\'g  discovered  to  us  the  lines  of  the  enemy,  drawn  out  in  battle 


462 
» 
array  on  the  low  grounds  between  us  and  the  river,  covering  tho 
-whole  of  my  front,  and  extending  far  to  the  left,  towards  Fredericks- 
burg. They  were  deployed  in  three  lines,  with  he.avy  reserves  behind 
the  Port  Royal  road.  Soon  their  lines,  accompanied  by  ten  batteries, 
six  on  their  left  and  four  on  the  right,  moved  forward  to  the  attack. 
They  had  advanced  but  a  short  distance,  when  Stuart's  horse  artillery 
opening  on  them  from  the  Port  Royal  road  and  enfilading  their  liites, 
the  advance  was  halted  and  four  of  the  batteries  gave  their  attention 
for  an  hour  or  more  to  Major  Pelham.  As  soon  as  Pelham  ceased  hia 
fire,  all  their  batteries,  right  and  left,  opened  a  teriific  fire  upon  the 
positions  occupied  by  my  batteries,  and  shelled  the  woods  promiscu- 
ously. There  being  no  reply  from  any  of  our  batteries,  and  being 
unable  to  elicit  any  discoveries  from  this  sharp  practice,  continued  for 
an  hour  or  more,  the  advance  was  again  sounded,  and,  preceded  by 
clouds  of  skirmishers,  the  right  gallantly  essayed  another  attempt. 
To  cover  this  advance,  their  batteries  were  now  served  with  redoubled 
activity,  and  now,  the  masses  of  infantry  being  within  point  blank 
range,  the  roar  was  deepened  and  made  deadly  to  the  enemy  as  shell 
and  canister  from  our  long  silent,  but  now  madly  aroused,  batteries 
ploughed  through  their  ranks.  The  enemy,  however,  continued  to 
advance,  and  the  three  batteries  already  mentioned  as  having  been 
posted  in  advance  of  the  ^-ailroad  were  compelled  to  retire,  their  with- 
drawal being  covered  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hill,  with  the  seventh 
North  Carolina.  Lane's  brigade  was  the  first  to  encounter  the  masses 
of  the  enemy,  who,  recoiling  somewhat  from  his  direct  front,  shifted 
their  main  attack  to  his  right,  endeavoring  to  penetrate  through  the 
interval  between  Archer  and  himself.  The  attack  directly  in  front  of 
Archer  and  of  Walker's  guns  had  been  gallantly  repulsed,  the. enemy 
finding  what  shelter  they  could  along  the  railroad.  Concentrating 
their  columns  of  attack,  the  enemy  now  made  a  bold  effort,  and,  push- 
ing onward,  turned  Lane's  right,  although  obstinately  resisted  by  tho 
twenty-eighth  and  thirty-seventh  North  Carolina  regiments.  Colonel 
Barber,  of  the  thirty-seventh,  finding  his  right  turned,  changed  front 
with  his  three  right  companies,  and  poured  in  a  destructive  fire.  These 
two  regiments  continued  to  fight  until  their  ammunition  was  exhausted, 
and  were  then  quickly  and  steadily  retired  from  the  field,  refilling 
their  boxes  and  rejoining  their  brigade.  The  three  remaining  regi- 
ments of  Lane's  brigade  (seventh,  eighteenth  and  thirty-thir(i  North 
Carolina)  steadily  continued  to  battle  against  overwhelming  numbers, 
and  the  attack  was  checked  by  well  directed  volleys  from  the  thirty- 
third  regiment.  Colonel  Avery.  General  Thomas,  responding  to  the 
call  of  General  Lane,  rapidly  threw  forward  his  brigade  of  Georgians, 
by  the  flank,  and  deploying  by  successive  formations,  squarely  mat 
the  enemy,  charged  them,  and,  joined  by  the  seventh  and  part  of  the 
eighteenth  North  Carolina,  drove  them  back,  with  tremendous  loss,  to 
their  original  position.  In  the  meantime,  the  main  column  of  attack 
had  wedged  in  to  the  right  and  rear  of  Lane,  encountered  Archer's 
left,  and,  attacked  in  flank  and  rear,  the  fourteenth  Tennessee  and 
nineteenth  Georgia  were  compelled  to  give  back.  General  Archer,  ob- 
serving the  threatening  condi^on  of  affairs  on  his  left,  very  promptly 


462 

detached  the  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  holding  his  line  with  the  brare 
first  Tennessee,  under  the  gallant  Turrlej,  and  this  movement,  rapidly 
executed,  and  assisted  by  two  regiments  of  Brockenbrough,  (forty- 
seventh  Virginia  and  twenty-second  Virginia  battalion,)  was  attended 
with  signal  success.  The  advancing  columns  of  the  enemy  had  also 
encountered  an  obstacle  in  the  military  road  which  they  little  ex- 
pected— Gregg's  brigade  of  South  Carolinians  stood  in  the  way. 
Taken  somewhat  by  surprise,  Orr's  rifles  were  thrown  into  confusion, 
mistaking  the  advancing  enemy  for  our  own  troops  falling  back.  It 
was  at  this  moment  that  Brigadier  General  Maxcy  Gregg — himself 
fearful  of  harming  our  friends — fell,  in  front  of  the  rifles,  mortally 
wounded.  A  more  chivalrous  gentleman  anii  gallant  soldier  never 
adorned  the  service  which  he  so  loved.  One  company  of  the  rifles, 
Lieutenant  Charles,  and  the  four  remaining  regiments,  the  first, 
twelfth,  thirteenth  and  fourteenth,  stood  firm  as  on  parade.  Colonel 
Hamilton,  now  in  command  of  the  brigade,  threw  back  the  right  wing 
of  his  regiment  and  opened  a  destructive  fire,  the  twelfth  faced  about, 
and  the  thirteenth  and  fourteenth,,  under  the  direction  of  Colonel 
McGowan,  faced  by  the  rear  rank,  changed  front  forward,  and  stood 
prepared  to  resist  any  attempt  to  sweep  down  my  rear.  The  combat 
was  short,  sharp  and  decisive.  The  rattling  mu:iketry  and  charging 
yell  of  the  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  the  forty-seventh  Virginia  regi- 
ment and  twenty-second  Virginia  battalion,  and  the  withering  fire  from 
Hamilton's  regiment,  right  in  their  faces,  was  more  than  Yankee 
firmness  could  stand.  In  addition  to  this,  that  gallant  old  warrior. 
General  Early,  to  whom  I  had  sent,  requesting  that  he  would  raovo 
down  to  my  support,  came  crashing  through  the  woods  at  the  double- 
quick. 

The  enemy,  completely  broken,  fled  in  confusion.  The  two  regi- 
ments of  Brockenbrough's  brigade,  Archer,  with  the  first  Tennessee 
and  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  and  Early's  troops,  chased  them  across 
the  railroad  and  back  to  their  reserves.  In  this  backward  movement 
cf  theirs,  my  artillery  again  inflicted  heavy  loss  upon  them.  "On  the 
extreme  left  of  my  line,  held  by  the  North  Carolina  brigade  of  General 
Pender,  (thirteenth,  sixteenth,  twenty-second,  thirty-fourth  and  thir- 
ty-eighth,) the  enemy  made  several  threatening  attempts  to  advance, 
but  were  invariably  repulsed  by  the  well-directed  fire  from  Davidson's 
and  Latimer's  guns.  From  the  nature  of  the  ground  occupied  by 
Pender's  brigade,  and  the  entire  absence  of  all  protection  against 
artillery,  his  brigade  received  the  greater  part  of  the  terrible  tire 
directed  at  Davidson  and  Latimer,  and  suffered  severely.  General 
Pender  was  himself  wounded,  and  his  aid,  Lieutenant  Sheppard, 
killed,  whilst  gallantly  rallying  a  portion  of  the  eighteenth  regiment 
of  Lane's  brigade.  During  the  temporary  absence  of  General  Pen- 
der, the  command  of  t'ae  brigade  devolved  upon  Colonel  Scales,  of  the 
thirteenth.  The  two  batteries  suffered  much  by  the  fire  of  a  heavy 
line  of  skirmishers.  Colonel  Scales  directed  Major  Cole,  of  the' 
twenty-second  North  Carolina,  to  dislodge  them,  which  was  hand- 
somely done.  The  sixteenth,  Colonel  McElroy,  which  had  been 
thrown  out  as  a  support  to  Latimer's  battery,  became  pretty  hotly 


464 

cufirngefl  with  a  brigade  of  the  enemy  wbioh  had  advanced  up  Deep 
Run  under  cover,  and,  assisted  by  two  North  Carolina  regiments  o: 
Law's  brigade,  Hood's  division,  drove  them  back.  The  enemy  hav- 
ing thus  been  repulaed  at  all  points,  ray  brigades  remained  in  their 
original  positions,  save  General  TliomaS',  (fourteenth,  thirty-Sfth, 
forty- fifth  and  forty-ninth  Georgia,)  which  was  not  recalled  from  th^ 
position  it  had  so  gallantly  won  in  the  front  line,  and  General  Archer, 
who,  being  out  of  ammunition,  was  relieved  by  Colonel  Hoke,  or" 
Early's  division.  About  dusk  I  received  nn  order  from  the  Lieuten- 
ant  General  to  advance  ray  whole  line  and  drive  "the  enemy.  This 
order  was,  however,  countermanded  while  preparations  were  being 
made  to  carry  it  out.  During  the  night  my  division  was  rel-ieve*^ 
from  the  front  by  the  divisions  of  Generals  Early  and  Taliaferro. 
When  the  fight  was  hottest,  General  Taliaferro  very  promptly- re- 
sponded to  uiy  call,  and  moved  down  his  division  to  within  easy  sup- 
porting distance  of  ray  left.  I  cannot  close  this  report  withou; 
calling  the  attention  of  the  Lieutenant  General  to  the  admirable 
manner  in  which  the  troops  of  this  division  behaved  under  that  most 
trying  of  all  things  to  the  soldier,  viz  :  inaction  under  a  heavy  fire 
of  artillery.  The  absence  of  all  straggling  was  remarkable,  and  i<. 
entitled  to  high  commendation.  The  conscripts  showed  themselves 
desirous  of  being  thoutiht  worthy  comrades  of  our  veteran  soldiers. 
In  this,  as  in  ah  previous  battles,  my  thanks  are  eminently  due*  to 
the  brigade  commanders'  for  their  hearty  co-operation,  the  coolnes? 
and  skill  with  v/hich  th«y  have  handled  their  troops.  General  Pen- 
der, though  wounded,  resumed  the  command  of  his  brigade  as  soon  aa 
his  wound  was  dressed. 

Amongst  the  field  officers  wounded  are  Colonels  Turney,  Barber, 
Purdir^ ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  George,  first  Tennessee;  Majors  Vande- 
graif,  Konon,  Lee,  Neill  and  Buchanan.  The  three  field  officers  and 
senior  captain  (Turney)  of  the  first  Tennessee  were  struck  down. 
General  Pender  mentions  especially  First  Lieutenant  S.  S.  Kirklahd 
and  Mi».  John  Young,  volunteer  aid  de-camp.  General  Ascher  was 
efficiently  served  by  Lieutenants  Lcmmon  and  Thomas.  Genera': 
Lane  speaks  cf  the  good  conduct  of  Captain  Hawks  and  Lieutenan:; 
Lane,  A.  D.  C.  And  General  Thomas,  that  when  all  did  so  well  he 
cannot  say  more.  Captain  Alexander  Haskell,  assistant  adjutant 
general  to  theJarnenied  Gregg,  was  severely  wounded,  but  refused  to 
leave  the  field,  until,  fainting  from  oxhau8ti;;n  and  loSs  of  blootl,  he  was 
carried  off.  Captain  Alston,  of  the  first  South  Carolina  volunteers, 
also  deserves  special  mention;  he,  having  been  severely  wounded, 
after  being  dressed  at  the  hospital,  returned  to  the  field  in  spite  of 
the  remonstrance  of  the  surgeon.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker,  as- 
sisted by  Lieutenant  Chamberiaine,  directed  the  fire  from  his  guns 
with  admirable  coolness  and  precision.  Pegram,  as  usual,  with 
Mcintosh  to  help  him,  managed  to  find  the  hottest  place,  though 
'perhaps  Davidson  might  have  been  willing  to  exchange  positions  with 
them. 

I  had  forgotten  to  mention  that  at  half-past  three  o'clock  my  batte- 


465 

ries  on  ths  right,  except  one  section  of  Pegram's,  ^Yere  relieved  by 
tho  corps  of  Colonel  Brown. 

The  chief  surgeon  of  the  division,  Dr.  Powell,  by  hia  system  an-l 
order  and  untiring  personal  attention,  secured  more  comfort  to  rbo. 
wounded  than  has  been  usual.  Bj  ten  o'clock  the  next  day  his  hospital 
had  been  cleared  of  all  those  who  could  be  moved,  and,  with  their  wounds 
dressed,  were  on  their  way  to  llichraond.  He  acknowledges  valuable 
assistance  from  the  Richmond  committee. 

The  merabors  of  my  staff.  Major  Morgan,  assistant  adjurant  gen- 
eral;  Captain  Wihg.ill,  assistant  adjutant  and  inspector  general; 
Captain  Hill,  aid-de  camp ;  Major  Palmer,  first  Virginia  regiment, 
Captain  Adams,  signal  oliieer,  and  Captsiin  Gordon,  volunteer  aid-de- 
camp.  (whose  horse  was  killed,)  were  active  and  zealous  in  the  discharge 
of  their  duties.  Captain  Howard,  my  engineer  officer,  was  particu- 
larly efficient  in  strengthening  ray  lines.  Captain  Stauard,  ordnance 
officer,  made  efficient  arrangements  for  tho  supply  of  ammunition,  and 
fought  with  his  guns.  Captain  Braxton,  though  sick,  appeared  oa 
the  field.  Sergeant  Tucker,  chief  of  couriers,  was,  as  usual,  al'>?ay3 
by  my  side,  active  and  fearless. 

The  loss  in  the  light  division  is: 

Officers — Killed,  16;  wounded  119.  Enlisted  men — Killed,  215; 
wounded,  1,355.  Missing — OlBcers,  U;  enlisted  men,  406.  To- 
tal, 2,085. 

I  respectfully  refer  you  to  the  accompanying  reports  of  command- 
ing ollicers  of  brigades. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.   P.  HILL, 
Major  General  commanding  Light  Division. 


30 


KBPORT  OF  BRIGADIER.   GENERAL    TALIAFERRO,  COM- 
MANDING JACKSON'S   DIVISION. 

IIkadquakters  Jackson's  Division, 


Ukadquakters  Jackson  s  Uivision,      > 
Camp  nt'<r  Moas  Neck,  Dccembei-  24^  18C2.  > 


Captain  A.  S.  Pcnuletox, 

Assistant  Adjutard  General :  '  , 

CikpTAiN  :  In  coriformity  -with  the  order  of  the  Lieutenant  General 
coDjmanding,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  this 
division,  on  the  iSthand  14th  instants,  before  Fredericksburg: 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  I  marched  from  Guineas  Station  to 
Hamilton's  Crobsing,  at  vfhieh  place  I  found  the  division  of  Miijor 
General  A.  P.  IIill  posted  in  order  of  battle  from  the  crossing,  on  the 
right,  to  Bernard's  quarters,  on  the  left.  I  took  position  on  the  rail- 
road, to  his  right ;  but  was  subsequently  ordered  to  move  my  com- 
i!;and  to  the  rear  of  the  left  of  bis  line.  I  posted  Paxton's  and 
Starke's  brigades  fh  rear  of  Gregg's  and  Thomas',  of  Hill's  division, 
und  held  Taliaferro's  and  Jones'  biigades  in  reserve.  In  the  evening 
i  ordered  Colonel  Warren,  commanding  Taliaferro's  brigade,  to  the 
rear  of  Hamilton's  house,  to  support  the  artillery  posted  on  the  hill 
in  front.  Upon  the  arrival  pf  Early's  division  next  morning,  this 
brigade  was  withdrawn  and  le-occupied  its  old  position.  General 
Early's  line  connected  with  mine  on  'the  right.  My  artillery  was 
l^eld  at  the  crossing  on  the  Mine  road,  to  the  left  of  the  division.  I 
reported  to  General  A.  P.  lIiU  my  dispositions  in  his  rear,  and 
informed  him  that  1  had  ordered  the  brigade  and  battery  commanders 
to  recognize  any  demands  for  support,  if  pressing,  without  the  inter- 
vention of  immediate  superiors. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  tho  13th,  the  lotteries  of  Captains  Wood- 
ing and  Carpenter,  the  latter  comm.inded  by  Lieutenant  McKendrec, 
were  posted  in  the  field,  across  the  railroad,  to  tho  right  of  Bernard's 
.;uartt-rs,  and  the  Lee  battery,  Lieutenaut  Statham,  and  two  pieces  of 
Lufck's  battery  on  the  hill  to  the  left.  The  other  pieces  of  these  bat- 
teries operated  on  the  extreme  right. 

The  enemy  advanced  about  nine  o'clock,  when  our  batteries  opened 
a  destructive  fire  upon  them,  causing  them  to  waver  and  break ;  but 
ihey  again  advanced,  concentrating  80  heavy  a  fire  of  artillery  upon 
tthe  position  that  it  became  necessary  to  retire  the  batteries  behind 
the  railroad,  in  rear  of  the  quarters,  after  two  hours  action.  The 
infantry  of  the  division,  during  this  time,  were  subjected  to  the  shells 
tf  the  enemy,  but  advanced  to  the  military  road,  to  be  in  easy  sup- 
port of  General  Hill's  line,  with  perfect  steadiness  and  enthusiasm. 
General  Paxton,  finding  that  our  trotps  were  giving  back  to  the  right 
of  Gregg's  brigade,  and  the  enemy  advancing  beyond  the  front  line, 
through  a  gap,  wliich  fronted  a  boggy  wood,  supposed  to  be  inacces- 
aibie  to  the  enemy,  moved  his  brigade  to  the  right,  and  engaged,  with 


467 

two  of  his  regiments,  the  enemy,  y/ho  had  penetrated  to  the  military 
road,  but  who  wire  retiring  by  the  time  he  reached  that  point.  He 
then  pushed  forward  to  the  front,  and  occupied,  for  the  rest  of  the 
ilay,  the  front  line  at  that  pbice.  The  other  brigades  were  heM  in 
position  in  rear  of  the  military  road  until  the  morning  of  the  14th, 
v-hen  I. relieved  General  A.  P.  Hill's  troops  in  the  front;  Starke's 
brigade  relieving  General  Pender's  on  the  left;  Jones',  Taliaferro's 
and  Paxton's  occupying  the  railroad,  and  connecting  with  General 
Early's  troops  on  the  right.  At  daybreak  the  enemy  made  a  slight 
demonstration  on  usy  i  itt,  their  skirmishers  advancing  nearly  to  the 
railroad  cut,  but  they  were  instantly  driven  back,  I  thought, it  advi- 
sable to  cjiangc  tlie  position  of  iStarke's  brigade,  which  had  relieved 
Pender's,  and  extend  my  left  on  the  railroad.  This  was  ordered  and 
accompli -shed,  but  I  subsequently  with  irew  part  of  that  bri,'3;ado  and 
}i(dd  it  in  position  to  command  the  rising  ground  near  Bernard's 
tjuarters  The  skirmishing,  in  the  early  part  of  the  day,  was  quite 
brisk  and. animated  along  the  whole  line,  but  ceased  about  midday.  I 
had  given  positive  orders  to  waste  no  ammunition,  and  to  fire  only; 
when  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers  rendered  it  necessary. . 
1  am  satisfied  the  men  fired  with  deliberation  and  considerable  cifect. . 
1  bad  a  battery  masked  behind  ilernard's  house,  and  some  of  my  pieces  \ 
tn  the  left  co-operated  with  those  of  General  Hood. 

At  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the    15th,  I  was  relieved  by  General  D, . 
II.  Hill,  and  moveil  my  command  hack  to  the  Mine  road 

I  take  pleasure  in  stating  that  otficersand  men  behaved  admirably,. 
displaying  coolness  and  courage  under   fire,  and  changing   positions 
with  )Ut  any  disorder  or  confusion. 

I  would  particularly  mention  Brigadier  Generals  Jonesand  Paxton,  . 
Colonel  W^rron,  (tenth  Virginia,)  commanding  Taliaferro's'brig-de,  . 
and  Colonel  Pendleton,  (fifteenth  Louifiiana,)  commanding  Staike's  bri- 
gade, whose  reports  are  herewith  forwarded,  and  wiio  make  especial 
^mention  ot  solne  of  their  otficers,  amo;ig  them  most  particularly  is 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardner,  fourth  Virginia  iniantry,  who  was  se- 
verely wounded. 

I  cannot  too  highly  mention  the  gallantry  of  Capt  dn  Brockenbrough, . 
chief  of  artillery,  and   cf  Captain    Wooding   and   Lieutecanfc   Jones, 
Wooding's  battery,  and  Lieutenant  Liuibie,  Carpente-r's   battery,   all  ; 
of  whora  were  severely  wounded  ;  and  of  Captain  Caskie,  Lieuteaanta 
McKendreo,  Hunton,  Statham,  Early  and  Donald 

It  is  witii  great  pain  I  have  to  add  that  the  division  has  to  deplore 
the  loss  of  one  of  its  most    gallant   oificers   of  artillery,    Lieatcr.aat 
Parton,  and  two  galhint  officers  of  thv  twenty-first  Virginia  regi,vj:eat,. 
Captain  Ames  and  Lieutenant  JSweop,  who  fell  ,n,obly  discharging  iheicv 
duty. 

1  take  occasion,  in  conclusion,  to  acknowledge  my  obligatiotis  ta^'he-- 
ofTjcers  oT  my  staff,  Captain  W.  T.  Taliaferro,  assistant  afljutant  'fone- 
ral.  Captain  jMoore,  inspector  general,  and  Mnjor  T.  S  Taliaferro, 
volunteer  aid-de-camp,  and  to  call  atrcntiun  to  the  excellent  ar.?.inge- 
nieuts  made  for  the  comfort  of  the  wounded  by  Surg-2ou  Ci  J:em.>i3, 
medical  director  of  division. 


468 

I  encloFe  a  list  of  .killed  and  wounded,  amounting  to  ono  hundred 
»cd  ninety. 

I  haye  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  B.  TALIAKERRO, 
Brigadier  General,  cornmandirfg  Jackf!(m's  Division. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER   GENERAL  EARLY,  COMMAND: 

3NG  DIVISION. 


RcADQUARTERS  EwELl's  DlVrSlON^ 

December  27,  1862, 

Captain  A.  S.  PeNni.KTOiv, 

A.  A.  (several  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V. : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  this  division  in  the  action  of  the  13th  instant,  near 
i'^rcJcricksburg : 

In  obedionco  to  orders  from  the  Lieutenant  Gejieral  command- 
iiig  the  second  corps,  I  marched  the  division,  on  the  night  of  the 
)3ih  instant,  to  the  vicinity  of  Hamilton's  Crossing,  on  the  Richmond, 
Fredericksburg  and  Potomac  railroad,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night. 
Early  next  morning,  in  accordance  with  like  orders,  I  moved  to  the 
crossing  and  posted  the  division,  nearly  at  right  angles  with  the  rail- 
road, along  the  direct  road,  which  here  crosses  the  railroad,  with  my 
right  resting  on  the  latter,  so  as  to  support  the  right  of  Major  Gene- 
ral A.  P.  IlilTs  division,  which  occupied  the  front  lincj.  Hays* 
brigade  was  placed  on  the  right,  with  Trimble's  brigade,  under  com- 
mand of  Colonel  R.  F.  Iloke,  of  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina  re- 
giment, immediately  in  rear  of  it.  To  the  loft  of  Il'^ys'  was  Lawton's 
brigade,  under  comiiiand  of  Col.  E.  N.  Atkinson,  of  the  twenty-sixth 
Georgia  regiment;  and  to  the  left  of  the  latter  was  my  own  brigade, 
under  commund  of  Colonel  J.  A.  Walker,  of  the  thir^penth  Virginia 
regiment.  The  batteries  of  the  division,  under  charge  of  Captain  J. 
W.  Latimer,  who  was  detailed  to  act  as  chief  of  artillery  for  the  occa- 
sion, in  consequence  of  Captain  William  D.  Brown  (who  was  pre- 
viously ;ictiiig  in  that  capacity)  having  been  disabled  by  an  accident, 
■were  directed  to  be  parked,  under  cover,  in  the  rear,  until  wanted. 
As  the  divi^>ion  moved  into  position,  the  artillery  fire  commenced  from 
the  encYny's  batteries,  though  not  at  first  directed  towards  the  place 
occupied  by  the  division.  After  a  short  interval,  however,  shells  be- 
gan to  full  in  the  vicinity,  and  i'or  two  or  three  hours  the  division  was 
cxposeil  to  quite  a  severe  cannonade,  and  suffered,  to  some  extent, 
from  the  shells  and  other  missiles  which  passed  through  the  woods  in 
front. 

About  or  a  little  after  noon,  the  infantry  fire  having  commenced  in 
front  and  becoming  quite  animrjted,  a  messenger  from  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Archer,  of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division,  came  to  the  rear,  stating 
that  General  Archer  was  pressed  and  wished  reinforcements.  Just  at 
this  moment  I  received  an  order  fjom  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding the  corps,  through  one  of  his  staff  officers,  to  hold  my  divis- 
ion in  readiness  to  move  to  the  right  of  the  railroad  as  the  enemy  was 
making  a  demonstration  in  that  direction.  This  caused  me  to  hesitate 
a  niomi-nt  about  sending  a  brigade  forward,  but  I  directed  Colonel 
AtkiuEon  to  get  ready  to  advance  with  his  brigade,  and  the  order  had 


4T0 

hardly  been  given  before  an  officer  of  artillery  came  galloping  to  tlie 
rear  witli  the  information  that  an  interval  (an  a>Yful  gulf,  as  he  desig- 
nated it)  had  been  left  in  our  front  line  on  the  left  of  General 
Archer's  brigade,  through  vhich  the  enemy  were  penetrating  with  a 
havy  column,  thus  endangering  Archer's  brigade  and  all  our  batteries 
on  the  right.  I  immediately  ordered  Colonel  Atkinson  to  move 
forward  with  his  brigade,  (Lawton's,)  as  I  was  informed  the  interval 
was  in  front  of  it.  This  order  was  promptly  complied  with,  and  the 
brigade,  with  the  exception  of  one  regiment,  (the  thirteenth  Georgia,) 
moved  forward  in  fine  style,  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  encountered  the 
enemy  in  the  woods  on  the  hill  immediately  in  rear  of  a  point  .nt 
which  the  railroad  passes  through  a  small  neck  of  swampy  woods, 
which  position  he  had  reached  almost  without  opposition,  thus  greatly 
endangering  our  right,  as,  in  a  few  minutes,  Archers  and  Field's 
brigaacs,  with  our  batteries  on  the  right,  would  have  been  surrQunded 
and  the  enemy  have  obtained  a  lodgment  from  which  it  would  have 
been  difficult  to  drive  him.  Lawton's  brigade,  without  hesitating,  at 
once  dashed  upon  the  enemy  with  the  cheering  peculiar  to  the  Con- 
federate soldier,  and  which  is  never  mistaken  for  the  studied  hurrahs  of 
the  Yankees,  and  drove  the  column  opposed  to  it  down  the  hill,  across 
the  railroad  and  out  into  the  open  plain,  advancing  so  far  and  with 
such  ardor  as  to  cause  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  to  be  abcuidoncd. 
This  brigade  was,  however,  compelled  to  fall  back  from  this  point  by 
the  approach  of  a  large  colum.n  on  its  right  flank,  which  proved  to  be 
Birney's  division  of  iStoneman's  corps  and  Hooker's  grand  division. 
In  a  very  few  moments  after  ordering  the  advance  of  Lawton's  brig- 
ade, I  also  ordered  Colonel  Vv' alker  forward  with  roy  own  brigade,  as 
I  was  informed  Lawton's  brigade  would  not  cover  the  interval  in  the 
line.  This  order  was  executed  in  double-quick  time,  and  Walker  en- 
countered the  enemy  in  the  woods  to  the  left  of  the  place  at  which 
Lawton's  brigade  encountered  one  coloumn,  another  having  turned 
General  Lane's  right  flank  and  his  biigade  having  given  way  in  con- 
sequence. This  column  was  quickly  driven  out  of  the  woods  by 
Walker,  across  the  railroad  and  into  the  plain  beyond,  but,  perceiving 
still  another  column  crossing  the  railroad  to  his  left  and  entering  the 
woods,  he  withdrew  the  brigade  back  to  the  railroad  and  took  position 
on  it,  detaching,  at  the  same  time,  the  thirteenth  Georgia  regiment, 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Terrill,  to  attack  the  last-named  column  of 
the  enemy  on  the  flank.  About  the  same  time  General  Thomas,  of 
General  A.  P.  Hill's  division,  with  his  brigade,  attacked  this  column 
in  front,  and,  under  the  two  fires,  it  was  driv<?n  back,  with  considera- 
ble slaughter.  As  soon  as  Lawton's  and  my  own  brigades  were  or- 
dered forward,  I  directed  Colonel  Hoke  to  move  with  his  brigade 
i^Trimble's)  to  the  left  of  Hays,  on  the  same  line,  but  he  had  hardly 
got  into  position  before  I  received  information  that  Archer's  brigade 
■jvas  giving  way,  and  I  ordered  Hoke  to  advance  to  his  support, 
obliquing  to  the  right.  This  was  done  in  gallant  style,  and  Hoke 
found  the  enemy  in  possession  of  the  trench  which  had  been  occupied 
by  General  Archer's  brigade,  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  in  the  woods 
in  rear  of  it.     Hoke  attacked  the  enemy  vigorously  and  drove  hicu 


471 

from  tlie  woods  and  trench  to  the  railroad  in  front,  in  which  there 
were  reserveg.  lie  followed  up  his  attack  and  drove  tl^  enemy  from 
.the  railroad,  ^vhicl>  was  a  strong  position,  some  distance  in  front, 
capturing  a  considerable  number  of  prisoners  and  afterwards  securing 
several  hundred  stands  of  arms.  He  advanced  his  brigade  to  a  fence 
Bome  distance  in  front  of  the  railroul,  but  perceiving  his  danger  of 
being  flanked  by  the  enemy,  who  had  brought  up  large  fresh  columns, 
I  sent  an  order  to  him  to  fail  back  to  the  original  line,  which  order, 
however,  he  anticipated  by  retiring  in  good  order,  leaving  two  regi- 
ments and  a  battalion  on  the  railroad,  and  occupying  the  trench  on 
the  crest  of  the  hill  with  the  two  other  regiments  and  the  thirteenth 
Georgia  regiment,  which  latter  having  faileil  to  accompany  its 
brigade  on  account  of  a  misapprehension  of  its  Colonel,  had  been 
ordered  forwaid  with  Hoke's  brigade,  and  got  up  in  time  to  occupy 
the  trench,  bat  not  to  participate  in  tiie  cliarge. 

Just  as  I  had  ordered  Colonel  Hoke  forward,  I  received  a  message 
from  Lieutenant  General  Jackson  to  advance  to  the  front  with  the 
whole  division,  and  I  thereupon  ordered  General  Hays  to  advance 
in  rear  of  Ccdonel  Hoke  with  hiB  brigade,  Avhich  movement  wag 
promptly  executed;  the  enemy,  v;ho  had  discontinued  hi3  artillery  fire 
while  his  infantry  was  advancing  on  the  hill,  having  reopened  his 
batteries,  so  that  this  brigade  was  exposed  to  a  galling  5re  while  ad- 
vancing. 

This  brigade  did  not  engage  in  the  infantry  fight  because,  by  the 
time  it  reached  the  front  lino,  the  enemy  had  been  eflVotually  repulsed. 
The  movements  of  the  three  brig  ides  which  were  engaged  are  neces- 
sarily described  separately,  because  they  engaged  three  separate  bodies 
of  the  enemy.  They  were,  howev(;r,  mo^ied  forward  in  rapid  succes- 
sion in  the  order  stated,  and  vvere  in  fact  ail  engaged  at  the  same  time, 
though  commencing  their  several  engagements  at  different  times  in 
the  same  order  in  which  they  advanced.  The  railroad  makes  a  circle 
jn  passing  from  the  right  of  our  position  around  to  the  left,  so  that 
Lawton's  brigade  in  passing  to  the  front,  with  Walker's  and  Iloke'a 
respectively  on  the  left  and  right  of  it,  was  thrown  into  the  apex  of 
?n  angle,  nnd  having  the  stait»of  them  both,  it  was  necessarily  thrown 
farther  forward  than  cither  of  the  others  when  it  crossfd  the  railroad 
and  advanced  into  the  plain.  This  exposed  its  fianks,  and  hence  it 
was  that  this  brigade  was  compelled  to  fall  back  as  before  stated, 
which,  however,  it  did  not  do  until  its  commander,  Colonel  Atkinson, 
and  Capt  E.  P  Lawton,  the  assistant  adjutant  general,  were  both  disa- 
bled by  wounds,  and  its  ammunitionwas  almost  entirely  exhausted.  See- 
ing this  brigade  falliug  back,  1  halted  it  on  the  hill  in  the  woodti  immedi- 
ately in  rear  of  the  place  at  which  it  had  first  met  the  enemy,  and 
cau8e<Kit  to  be  reformed  under  the  command  of  Colonel  C.  A.  Evans, 
of  the  thirty-firrtt  (Georgia  regiment,  and,  fearing  that  the  enemy  might 
follow  thtough  the  same  interval  with  a  fre^*h  column,  1  sent  to  Gen- 
eral D.  H.  Hill  for  reinforcements,  and  he  sent  two  brigades  forward, 
Before,  however,  they  arrived,  Brigadier  General  Taxton,  of  General 
Taliaferro's  division,  had  filled  the  interval  left  open  by  the  falling 
back  of  this  brigade,  by  promptly  moving  his  own  brigade  into  it.     I 


472 

then  sent  Lawton's  brigade  to  the  rear  to  replenish  its  ammunition. 
Being  posted  at  first  in  the  second  line,  I  did  not  have  any  immediate 
ase  for  tlie  huttori  £  of  the  division, and  therefore,  after  placing  them 
under  the  charge  of  Captain  Latimer,  as  stated,  1  requested  Colonel' 
Crutchfield,  chief  of  artillery  for  the  corps,  to  make  such  use  of 
theio  as  the  emergencies  of  the  day  might  require.  In  a  short  time 
he  detached  two  batteries  to  a  pusitioTi  on  the  left  of  Gen  A.  P.  lliirs 
line:  these  ^vere  Captain  Latimer's  own  battery  and  Capt.  Brown's  bat- 
tery, both  being  under  charge  of  Captain  Latimer,  who  accompanied 
them.  These  batteries  did  not  operate  in  my  view,  but  I  am  informed 
that  they  did  excellent  service,  Captain  Latimer  having  repulsed  the 
enemy  with  canister  after  a  regiment  of  infantry  sent  to  support  him 
ryid  retired.  Cnptain  D'Aq>\in's  and  Captain  (jarber's  batteries  were 
also  detached  to  ihe  right  of  the  railroad  and  placed  under  charge  of 
General  Stuart's  chief  of  artillery,  Major  Pelham,  and  likev^ise  did 
exceiknt  service,  as  I  am  informed.  I-ate  in  the  evening,  Captain 
Carringtcn,  with  his  battorj'-,  relieved  the  two  which  had  been  sent  to 
trie  left,  under  Captain  Latiiner,  and  next  morning  did    good  STjrvice. 

On  the  next  day,  Captain  Doiticnt,  with  hit?  battery,  was  placed  in 
position  on  the  hil!  on  she  right  occupied  by  the  batteries  the  day  be- 
fore, but  did  not  become  engaged. 

About  sundown,  on  the  13th,  I  saw  General  D,  H.  Hill's  division 
moving  to  the  front,  and  was  informed  by  on.;  of  his  B.-igadier  Gen- 
erals that  the  wh^lc  line  was  ord-^red  to  advance,  and  that  his  divid- 
ion  was  ordered  to  f<diow.-  This  was  the  first  intinuiMon  I  hud  of  it, 
as  no  such  order  had  been  given  me.  Irs  a  few  moments,  however. 
Lieutenant  Morrison,  aid-de-carop,  rode  up  and  informed  n^ethatGen- 
■j.'ral  Jackson's  orders  were'that  1  should  hold  uiyseit  in  readiness  to 
advance  ;  and  immediately  afterwauls  one  of  my  own  ataif  ofBcora 
rode  up  and  stated  that  General  Jackson  witched  me  to  take  command 
^f  the  whole  troops  on  the  right  and  advance,  regula.ing  the  distance 
by  the  effect  produced  on  the  enemy  by  our  artillery.  This  was  ra- 
ther emb;:rrassirg  to  me,  as  my  brigade  had  become  separated  in  tho 
positions  assumed  by  them«  after  repulsing  the  enemy,  and  a  part  of 
the  troops  on  the  right  consisted  of  parts  of  two  Itiigades  of  Maj.  Gen. 
A.  P.  Hill's  divii-ion.  I  rode  immediately  to  where  Colonel  Hoke 
was  posted  antl  met  General  Jackson  himself,  from  whom  I  received 
the  order  in  person  to  advance,  supporting  the  artillery  which  he  waJ 
about  sending  forward.  I  gave  the  order  to  Colonel  ILjke  and  Gen- 
eral Hays  accordingh%  and  some  pieces  of  artillery  having  been  ad- 
vanced a  short  distance  to  the  front,  Colonel  Hoke  advanced  with  a 
ipJirt  of  his  command  to  the  railroad,  a  portion  being  already  there. 
The  enemy  immediately  opened  a  terrible  artillery  fire,  and,  it  becora- 
iir.g  quite  dark,  our  own  artillery  was  withdrawn  and  the  movement 
countermanded.  In  a  short  time  afterwanhs,  1  received  notice  from 
General  Jackson,  through  one  of  my  staff  ofli  -ers,  that  as  soon  aa 
Gen.  A.  P.  Hill's  troops  took  position  in  front,  I  would  move  my  own 
back  and  make  them  comfortable.getting  provisions  for  them.  No  troops, 
however,  of  Gen.  Hill,  came  to  relieve  me,  and  Walker,  Hukeand  H  lys, 
with  their  brigades,  remained  during  the  night  in  the  same  positions 


473 

;u  v.hich  tLey  ■were  at  the  close  of  the  fight.  Durinj:  the  night,  I  re- 
:«ived  an  order,  through  Lieutenant  8mith,  aid-de  Cfutip,  directing 
•.■:iat  General  Taliaferro  Avould  relieve  General  A.  P.  Hill's  division 
>tj  the  front  line,  beginning  on  the  left  and  relieving  to  the  extent  of 
his  troops,  and  that  I  would  supply  the  deficiency.  I  was  already 
'.••cupping  the  front  line  with  three  brigades. 

Earlj  next  morning,  Walker  was  relieved  by  General  Paxton's  bri- 
i^ade,  and  I  then  placed  Hays'  brigade  in  the  position  which  Paxton 
had  left,  and  placed  one  regiment  in  front  on  the  railro.id,  so  as  to 
uiske  a  continuous  line  on  that  road.  Hoke- was  lei'c  in  the  same  po- 
sition; Lawton's  brigade  was  placed  on  the  right  of  Hoke,  and 
•Valker  was  moved  to  the  right  and  placed  in  the  rear  of  Hoke's  and 
i.awton's  biigades,  so.  as  to  support  either  of  them  in  case  of  need, 
or  be  thrown  upon  the  right  flank,  as  occasion  might  require. 

On  the  morning  <sf  the  loth,  the  division  was  relieved  b}  the  tlivis- 
i.jn  of  General  D.  H.  Jlill  and  niove«i  to  the  rear,  ir,  re>:erve,  there 
having  been  no  renewal  of  the  enemy's  attack  on  the  l-Uh.  Having 
received  orders  to  occupy  the  second  line  on  the  16th,  as  I  was  pro- 
oecding  to  do  so,  I  was  ordered  to  move  to  the  vicinity  of  Port  Royal,  % 
'  ;;d  moved  accordingly. 

I  cannot  too  warmly  express  my  admiration  of  the  conduct  of  the 
troops  of  this  division  on  the  loth.  The  absence  of  straggling  or 
'kulking,  to  any  considerable  extent,  was  a  gratifying  fact.  OfHoers 
ud'men,  g(norally,  b'havcd admirably,.  To  Brigadier  General  Hays 
".^nd  Colonels  Walker,  Aikinson  and  Hoke  credit  is  due  for  having 
jvroraptly  obeyed  my  orders  and  managed  their  respective  commands 
witli  coolness,  courage  and  intelligence,  and  the  same  meed  of  praise 
i>  due  Colonel  Evans,  who  succeeded  to  the  command  of  Lawton'8 
brigade  after  Colonel  Atkinson  was  wounded.  Captain  E.  P.  Law- 
ii>^,  assistant  adjutant  general  of  Lawton's  brigade,  display ed  great 
courage  and  energy,  and  1  call  especial  attention  to  the  remarks  of 
I'oloncl  Evans  in  repard  to  him.  I  reget  very  much  ih<it  Captain 
Lawton  was  S()  seriously  wounded  in  the  advanced  position  to  which 
liis  brigade  went  as  not  to  bo  In  a  condition  to  be  brought  off  when 
the  brigade  retired,  and  he  consequently  fell  into  the  hands  of  tho 
enemy,  as  ^\d  also  Colonel  Atkinson,  it  will  be  observfd  that  Law- 
ton's  brigade  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  but  in  dcing  so  it  lost  no 
credit,  for  it  was  impossible  for  this  biigade  to  withstand  the  heavy 
column  brought  against  it. 

To  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  M.  Jones,  inspector  general  ;  Major  S, 
Hale,  acting  assistant  adjutant  general;  Major  J.  P.  Wilbon,  and 
"dr.  H,  Heaton,  volunteer  aids,  ai;d  Cssptain  L  Marye,  of  the  artil- 
■  ry,  and  Captain  William  F.  Uandolph,  of  Ewell's  body-guard, 'all  of 
whom  accompanied  me  on  the  field,  credit  is  due  for  the  coolness, 
^ouiage  and  intelligence  with  which  they  lent  me  their  aid  and  bore 
jy  orders.  To  Captain  Latimer  is  due  the  credit  of  having  performed 
All  the  duties  of  his  pot*ition  efficiently  and  intelligently,  and  of  hav- 
ing displayed  great  gallantr}'  under  fire.  This  young  officer  is  one  of 
great  promise  and  deserves  promotion.  Tho  i'ailure  to  mention  other 
officers  is  not  intended  to  exoluda  them   from  the  coLimendatiou  be- 


474 

etowed  on  those  mentioned,  but  it  is  impracticable  to  mention  all 
that  are  deserving  of  praise.  1  feel  it  incumbent  on  me  to  state 
that  to  Tlrigadier  General  Archer,  of  General  A.  P.  llilTs  division. 
is  due  the  credit  of  having  held  the  enemy  in  check  with  a  small  por- 
tion of  his  men,  after  his  flank  and  rear  had  been  gained,  until  rein- 
forcements arrived,  and  that,  with  what  of  his  brigade  wa3  left,  he  ac- 
companied Colonel  Hoke  in  his  charge  across  the  railroad.  Bat  for 
the  giillant  stand  made  by  General  Archer,  the  enemy  would  have 
gained  an  advantage  which  it  would  have  required  a  greater  sacri6*^e 
of  life  to  wrest  from  him  than  was  made.  The  reports  of  brigade 
commanders,  and  also  of  Captain  Latitfier,  acting  chief  of  artillery, 
are  herewith  submitted.  A.  list  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing  ha>5 
been  heretofore  forwarded,  from  which  it  will  be  seen  that  the  total 
kjlled  was  one  hundred  and  two;  total  wounded,  seven  hundr^  and 
twenty  six  ;  total  missing,  one  hundred  and  five.  Most  of  the 
•wounded  are  but  slightly  injured,  and  about  fiftj'- of  the  missing,  being 
entirely  from  Lawtou's  brigade,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  th« 
greater  part  being  in  all  probability  wounded. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  A.  EARLY, 

**  Bris.adt('.r.  Guneral  commanding  Division. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PENDLETON. 

IlEADQUAnTERS   ArTILT.ERY  CoRPS,   A.   N.    V.,         \ 

Carnv  Near  Chesterfidd  Station,  R.  J:  F.  R.  R.,  Caroline  C'".,  Pcj.,  \ 

March   12,   18G3.      ) 

General  R.  E.  Lee,  commanding  : 

General:  Constant  pressure  of  duty  since  the  battle  of  Frefler- 
icksburg  has  prevented  an  earlier  report  of  the  part  which  then 
devolved  upon  the  reserve  artillery,  and  upon  the  unilersigncd  as  its 
commander  and  as  supervisor  of  the  artillery  service  in  this  army. 
Such  report  the  undersigned  has  no'.v  the  honor  to  submit,  as  proper 
in  itself,  and  as  part  of  the  history  of  important  transactions.  Whila 
the  army  remained  in  the  Valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  after  returning 
from  Maryland,  the  undersigned  was  diligently  engaged  in  reorganiz- 
ing the  artillery  and  in  directing  adequate  forage  arrangements.  On 
November  1st,  v, ith  tho  reserve  artillery  and  ordnance  trains,  he 
took  up  the  line  of  raarch  for  Culpeper  Court-IIouso,  and  on  tho 
evening  of  the  4th  encamped  near  that  place*.  On  the  14th,  at  the 
request  of  the  commanding  General,  he  sent  Lane's  battery  to  co- 
operate with  General  Stuart  in  an  attack  upon  a  body  of  the  enemy 
near  Warrenton  Springs.  And  on  the  17th,  the  satne  battery  of 
superior  guns  was  despatched,  as  requested,  towards  Frederick:*burg, 
to  co-operate  under  direction  of  General  MoLa-.vs.  On  the  li)th, 
orders  to  that  effect  having  been  received,  the  undersigned  marched, 
with  the  reserve  artillery  and  ordnance  train,  towards  Fredci'icksburg, 
taking  a  circuitous  route,  (southeasterly.)  for  the  sake  of  fornge.  On 
Sunday,  the  23d,  he  arrived  with  the  trains,  reported  at  general 
headquarters,  and  located  camps  as  directed.  The  next  morning,  as 
requested  by  the  commanding  General,  he  proceeded  to  the  front  Tor 
the  purpose  of  observing  the  dispositions  of  the  enemy  and  examining 
the  ground,  with  a  view  to  the  best  positions  for  works  and  batteries. 
The  enom^  v.-as  conspicuously  in  force,  and  often  within  easy^^rangc 
from  a.bove  Falmouth  to  a  point  a  mile  or  more  below  Fredericksburg. 
They  had  batteries  in  position,  and  were,  in  a  few  places,  beginning 
earthwoikL^  On  our  own  line  a  few  hurried  works  were  in  progress. 
Lane's  battery  was  alread}' well  posted  on  the  heights  overhanging 
the  river-bend  above  Falmouth,  and  forming  our*  extreme  left. 
Epaulments  had  been  thrown  up,  but  they  needed  much  additional 
work.  Lcwin'and  Orandy's  batteries,  recently  called  from  Richmond 
tb  aid  in  icpelling  the  enemy,  were  also  in  position  on  the  lowei" 
p'ateau,  about  half  a  mile  to  the  right  of  Lane,  and  nearer  the  town. 
Those  needed  for  their  protection  nauch  addttional  hibor.  These  ob- 
servations, and  a  cursory  survey  of  the  general  line  between  the 
river  above  F.almouth  and  the  telegraph  road — in  company  with  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Brown,  then  on  duty  with  the  undersigned  ;  with 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Alexander,  whose  encampment  was  visited,  and 
with  Captain  Johnston,  engineer,  met  with  on  the  held — occupied. the 


476 

entire  day,  the  distance  being  considerable,  and  the  points  of  im- 
portance numerous.  The  next  day,  November  25th,  after  detailing 
Captain  Ross  to  proceed  with  his  battery  to  a  point  on  the  river  three 
or  four  miles  below,  to  be  indicated  by  a  member  of  the  commanding 
General's  staff,  where  gunboats  might  be  effectually  repelled,  the  un- 
d  reigned  agrln  visiud  the  front,  to  study  the  ground  with  reference 
alike  to  its  own  featuies  and  to  the  apparent  designs  of  the  enemy. 
In  the  evening,  he  also  visited  the  admirable  position  on  the.river 
bank  selected  for  Ross'  battery.  Major  Nelson  and  the  captains  of 
the  reserve  batteries  were  next  requested  to  accompany  the  under- 
signed alor.g  the  line,  that  they  also  might  become  familiar  with 
routes  and  positions.  On  the  2St.h,  the  commanding  General  having 
requested  that  another  rifle  battery  should  be  placed  eight  or  ten 
miles  lower  down  the  river,  towards  repelling  gunboats,  the  under- 
signed took  Captain  Milledge's  battery  of  light  riiies  to  a  commanding 
bluff  just  below  Skiaker's  mill.  Here  the  battery  was  left,  with  one 
of  General  Stuart's,  under  charge  of  Major  Pelham,  with  whom,  mov- 
ing f.'ora  point  to  point  as  gunboats  threatened,  it  remained  more  than 
ten  dajs.  On  the  29th,  Lieutenant  Anderson,  of  Ells'  battery,  near 
Richmond,  reported  the  arrival  of  men  and  horses  with  two  thirty- 
pounder  Parrott  guns^vhieh,  on  recoaimendation  of  the  undersigned, 
the  commanding  General  had  ordered  up  to  the  lines.  Measures 
were  promptly  taken  to  have  them  tested,  and  to  fit  them  in  all  re- 
spect^  for  service.  December  Ist,  the  undersigned  was  diligently 
angogod  in  examii.ing  agrsin  the  whole  line  with  reference  to  the  best 
positions  for  these  two  large  guns,  facility  of  ingress  and  egress 
being  important  for  them,  as  well  as  extensive  command  of  the  field. 
The  points  selected  were  reported  to  the  comma^nding  General,  with 
reasons  for  the  choice,  and,  on  his  approval,  the  sites  were  next  day 
pointed  out,  working  parties  engaged,  clearings  commenced,  &c.  The 
woikon  the  rigiit  and  back  of  Mr.  Howison's  house  was  directed, 
with  his  accustomed  intelligence  and  energy,  by  the  since  lamented 
General  Thomas  R.  R.  Cobb — that  on  the  eminence  further  to  the 
left,  and  near  the  telegraph  road,  was  staked  off  and  directed  by  the 
undersigned.  This  point,  densely  wooded  when  first  chosen,  became 
the  most  important,  perhaps,  in  the  entire  scene,  as  the  position 
affording  the  best  view  of  all  the  field,  and  therefore  principally  occu- 
pied by  the  commanding  General  and  other  chief  oilicers  during  the 
battle,  In  such  duties,  and  in  designating  with  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Alexander,  acting  chief  of  artillery  first  corps,  the  various  batteries 
to  occupy  assigned  positions,  the  undersigned  was  engaged  till  the 
evening  of  December  llth.  This  evening  Major  Nelson,  who  had 
closely  reconnoitred  during  the  day,  reported  to  him  indications  of  an 
approaching  movement  on  the  part  of  the  etiemy.  lie  also  received 
a  reliable  intimation  of-nititellicrence  said  to  have  been  sent  to  General 
Stuart  by  a  friend  across  the  riv^r,  that  the  enemy  had  orders  to  pre- 
pare rations  and  move  at  dawn  next  morning.  On  the  13tli,  there- 
fore, signal  guns  just  before  dawn  were  only  what  the  undersigned 
.inticipited.  A  few  minutes  after  them  he  sent  one  aid  to  the  front 
for  intormation,  and  another  to  the  commanding  General  to  ask  if  the 


477 

large  Parrotts  should  not  at  once  be  taken  into  position — the  possi- 
bility of  their  being  needed  elsewhere  having  caused  this  to  be  dc- 
lajed.  It  being  now  approved,  they  were,  as  early  in  the  day  as 
practicable,  taken  to  the  workv"  prepared  for  them,  A  dense  fog  more 
than  half  the  day  concealed  the  enemy,  and  rendered  active  operations 
nearly  impossible.  The  morning  was  therefore  employed  by  us  in 
preparation,  adjusting  batteries  in  position.  &c.  Later  in  the  day,  as 
the  atmosphere  cleared  up,  it  vras  known  that  the  enemy  had  con- 
pleted  a  bridge  across  the  river  near  the  mouth  of  Deep  Run.  Near  that 
run,  in  the  river  road — suggested  a  judicious  staff  officer,  who  had  some 
days  before  ridden  over  the  ground — good  positions  might  be  chosen, 
which  ought  now  to  be  occupied  by  sevefal  batteries.  .  To  tedt  this 
the  undersigned  proceeded  to  ihc  place,  accompanied  by  Majors  Nel- 
son and  Gainett.  ^J'he  locality  was  within  ea?y  range  of  the  bridge, 
and  was  of  course  more  or  less  under  fire  from  the  enemy's  lines 
across  the- river.  Examination  soon  satisfied  the  undersigned  that  the 
position  was  utisuitable,  because  effectually  commanded  by  the  ene- 
my's heavy  guns,  and  because  much  too  far  in  advance  of  the  sup- 
porting infantry  lino.  In  this  view  the  two  attending  officers  fully 
concurred;  and  when  the  case  was  fubraitted  to  the  commanding 
General,  his  judgment  sanctioned  the  conclusion  reached.  While  on 
this  tour  the  undersigned,  satisfied  that  under  existing  circumstances 
it  ought  to  be  done,  sent  an  aid  to  recall  Captain  Ross  with  his  bat- 
tery f  i(  m  tie  post  rn  the  river,  which'  he  had  so  long  and  laboriously 
held,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  finding  that  this  only  anticipated  a 
direction  to  the  precise  effect  from  the  commanding  General.  The 
four  loi  g-iange  guns  of  this  battery  were  assigned  position,  under 
Major  Garnett,  on  the  heights  near  the  right  of  McLaws'  division, 
Saturday,  loth,  heavy  firing  began  early  ;  and  Patterson's  six -pounder 
battery,  with  Ross'  short-range  section,  having  been  assigned,  under 
Major  T  Jcfterson  Page,  to  General  Hood's  front,  the  undersigned 
hastentd  with  Kiikpatrick's  and  Massie's  batteries,  under  Major 
Nelson,  to  the  height.^  near  the  telegraph  road,  commanding  Marye's 
Hill,  with  the  view  to  sweeping  that  plateau  in  case  it  should  be  ulti- 
mately gained  by  the  enemy.  The  two  large  guns  were  then  visited 
by  him.  that  on  the  right  having  been  committed  to  the  direction  of 
Captain  Barnwell,  that  on  the  hft  to  the  command  of  Captain  G.  W. 
Nelsua.  Diiections  being  left  for  the  management  of  these,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  the  other  batteries  along  the  heights,  and  attended  to  the 
beet  adjustment  of  all  tlie  guns. 

Thete  duties  having  been  discharged,  and  the  furious  fire  of  the 
enemy  observed  for  some  time,  as  well  as  the  fog  would  permit,  from 
the  Bite  of  the  left;-hand  large  gun,  the  undersigned  rode  to  the  left 
of  the  line,  for  the  purpose  ot  determining  whether  Lane's  heavy 
guns  wore  likely  to  be  of  more  service  there  or  elsewhere.  Under 
cover  of  the  fog,  he  was  enabled  to  pass  near  the  works  on  Marye'e 
Hill,  occupied  by  the  Louisiana  Washington  artillery,  and  those 
farther  to  the  left,  occupied  by  Maurin'a  and  other  batteries,  so  as  to 
observe  that  all  were  ready.  Captain  Rhett's  battery  of  heavy  guna 
was  visited,  posted  on  the  heights  back  of  Marye's  llill,  and  near  the 


478 

jilank  road,  for  the  purpose,  also,  of  sweeping  that  pUteaa,  if  possibly 
^:ained  by  the  enemy.  Thenre  passing  on  towards  the  left,  the  un- 
dersigned observed  the  several  batteries  of  Alexander's  battalion  i\nd 
.  j*omc  of  those  with  Anderson's  division,  a  portion  in  position  behind 
tpaulments,  othors  in  reserve  under  cover  of  the  hills.  By  the  time 
■vve  reached  Lane's  battery,  en  the  left,  distant  objects  could  be  dis- 
tinguished. And  from  the  concentration  of  fire  there,  as  well  as 
from  the  character  of  the  ground  and  the  apparent  disposition''  of  the 
enemy,  it  seemed  clear  to  Colonel  Alexander,  who  rode  thither  with 
the  undcrt-igned,  and  to  himself,  that  those  guns  ought  not  then  to  be 
removed  from  a  point  of  such  importance.  Contingent  proVisioa 
was,  however,  made  for  supplying,  by  pieces  of  less  power,  the  places 
('f  the  Whitworth  and  larger  rifles,  in  case  greater  need  for  these 
elsewhere  should  occur.  The  fog  .was  now  disappearing,  and  the 
firing  becoming  severe  all  along  the  line,  so  that  ehells  wore  passing 
and  exploding  in  considerable  numbers  about  the  undersigned  and 
certain  members  of  his  staff  on  the  route  returning  to  the  central 
j^oint  of  obsei ration.  Here  he  remained  until  some  titne  after  dark, 
watching  the  struggle  near  and  remote,  occasionally  directing  the  fire 
uf  the  large  gun,  and  from  time  to  time  receiving  instructions  from 
the  commanding  General  concerning  movements  of  batteries  and  other 
arrangements.  This  large  Parrott  having  been  used  some  hours  with 
terrible  effect  upon  the  enemy,  especially  when,  driven  'back  by  an 
intolerable  fire  from  Marye's  Hill,  they  crowded  into  the  cleep  railroad 
cut,  which  it  enfiladed,  burst  about  the  thirty-ninth  (Jiscliarge. 
Although  many  persons  were  standing  near,  among  them  the  com- 
manding General  and  Lieutenant  General  Longstrcet,  and,  perhaps 
within  ten  feet,  the  undersigned,  by  a  remarkable  providence,  the  ex- 
plosion was  entirely  harmless.  Not  a  single  individual  received  from 
it  80  much  as  a  scratch.  A  small  Parrott  was  imniediately  substi- 
tuted, and  orders  were  sent  by  an  aid  for  Lane's  Wliitworih  to  be 
removed  to  this  point  as  speedily  as  possible.  But  before  it  arrived 
darkness  had  closed  upon  the  scene  ;  the  enemy's  last  feehle  attempt, 
made  after  dark,  had  failed,  a'ud  the  tumult  of  battle  settled  into  the 
f'tillness  of  death. 

Although  the  enemy  had  been  tlius  far  successfully  repelled,  alike 
(»n  the  right  and  left,  it  was  confidently  expected  that  a  more  serious 
attack  would  be  made  next  morning;  accordingly,  measures  were 
taken  to  meet  it  effectually.  On  request  from  General  Jackson  for 
additional  guns  to  strengthen  his  extreme  ri^ht,  Milledge's  b.ittery 
of  light  rifles,  which  had  that  evening  arrived  from  below,  was  or- 
dered to  report  at  dawn  next  morning  to  Major  Pelham,  who  had 
charge  of  one  or  two  batteries  on  the  right.  And  at  the  request  of 
General  McLaws,  who  wished  to  detect  and  frustrate  any  effort  of 
working  parties  of  the  enemy  near  our  lines  next  the  town,  the  un- 
dersigned caused  to  be  prepared  at  the  ordnance  workshop,  and  con- 
<lucted  to  the  batteries  on  Marye's  Hill,  some  incendiary  sliells,  to  bo 
used,  if  found  necessary,  in  firing  certain  buildings  suitably  situated 
so  as  to  illuminate  the  scene  and  reveal  any  works  in  course  of  con- 
struction.    This  proved  suporiluous.     Nothing    being   attempted  by 


479 

the  enemy,  the  shells  were  not  used.  These  duties  necessarily  occu- 
pied the  undersigned  till  late,  and  required  the  active  services  of 
members  of  his  staff  during  most  of  the  ni;^ht. 

Sunday  morning,  the  1 1th,  the  decisive  battfe  was  expected. 
Accordingly,  at  an  early  hour  the  front  was  Bought  by  the  under- 
signed, as  by  others.  The  same  dense  fog  prevailed  as  on  previous 
mornings.  The  enemy  having  been  ao  destructively  repellcd^tVonx 
Marye's  Hill  on  the  day  before,  would  not  again  essay  that  point,  it 
Avas  supposed,  but  concentrate  upon  the  centre  and  right.  And  more 
eScctually  to  frustrate  anjthiiig  like  an  attempt  by  surprise,  un.ier 
(•'  ver  of  the  fog,  to  carry  the  heights  occupied  by  th;3  ^Vhil^vorth  and 
the  remaining  large  Parrott,  the  short-range  guns  of  M  :jor  Nelson's 
battalion  were  adjusted  to  sweep  the  approaches  to  those  heights,  and 
I'Hjcers  and  men  were  kept  on  the  alert  at  all  the  batteries.  Mothing, 
however,  occurred,  except  desultory  firing.  As  the  fog  cleared  up, 
the  enemy  appeared  in  full  array  along  and  near  the  river  road,  but 
comparatively  inactive,  as  if,  in  ?omc  sort,  respecting  the  (/hriitian 
Sabbath.  To  watch  their  movements  and  counieract  them  by  occa- 
f-ional  shots.  &c.,  was  the  course  adopted  on  our  part  As  the  day 
i>rogressed  circumstances  seemed  to  indicate  a  purpose  by  the  enemy 
to  throw  a  heavy  force  against  and  beyond  our  right  flauk,  and  the, 
more  adequately  to  meet  the  request  of  General  Jackson  the  day 
before  for  stronger  artillery  there,  the  undersigned  obtained  the  com- 
uianding  General's  sanction  to  the  transfer  of  Lane's  battery,  save 
the  Whitworth,  from  the  extreme  left  to  the  extreme  right.  It  v;a8 
accordingly  sent  for,  and  marched  several  miles  of  the  distance  that 
night.  On  Monday,  the  1.5th,  the  undersigned,  supposing  th?  still  ex- 
pected attack  would  be  mainly  directed  against  our  right,  pr  "  eeded 
thither  for  the  purpose  of  posting  Lane's  battery  and  rendering  other 
HtTvice.  Having  traversed  the  entire  front  between  the  left  and  riijht 
of  General  Jackson's  corps,  without  meeting  that  commander,  Avho 
had  ridden,  he  was,  told,  with  the  commanding  General,  the  under- 
figutd  consulted  other  Generals  there  in  command  respecting  posi- 
tions to  be  occupied — especially  General  Stuart,  whom  he  lUiH  at  the 
defences  on  the  hill  near  where  the  railroad  emerges  from  the  wood 
about  IL^milton's  Crossing.  Having  thus  harned  the  localiiics  in 
that  quarter,  he  rode  with  Major  Pelham  and  'v.!aptain  Lane  to  select 
the  best  positions  for  Lane's  guns. 

Thus  the  morning  passed,  and  the  expected  advance  of  the  enemy 
vf  raained  unattempted.  There  was  no  serious  movement,  nor  any- 
thing except  distant  and  desultory  firing.  Nothing  being  likely  to 
transpire,  and  all  arrangements  being  made,  the  undersigned  returned 
to  the  centre  and  learned  that  the  other  la'ge  Parrott  had  burst 
at  about  the  fifty-fourth  discharge,  providentially,  again,  doing  no 
damage. 

On  Tuesday,  the  IGth,  calling  early  at  general  headquarters,  the 
v.ndersigned  learned  that  information  had  been  hrought  of  sjiue  mys- 
terious movement  of  the  enemy,  and,  hastening  to  the  fronr.  he  saw, 
with  astonishment,  their  immense  trains  and  va-it  uiasses  collee'ed  ou 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river.     Under  cover  of  night,  tho  monctroas 


480 

assailing  host  had  stolen  awny  to  escape  destruction.  Nothing  re- 
mained but  to  watch  the  discomfited  multitude,  and  disturb  their 
movements  by  aruoccasional  shot  from  a  long-range  gun,  A  few  of 
their  most  power! ul  pieces  responded  from  time  to  time  with  shelir 
well  directed  towards  our  post  of  observation,  bat  doing  no  hara. 
whatever. 

Tl%  contest  was  c^er,  and  the  campaign  virtually  closed.  In  the 
eventful  conflict  thus  terminated  all  the  batteries  of  the  general  re- 
serve, as  v.ell  as  those  cf  the  two  army  corps,  were  posted  on  thi 
lines,  and  though  not  called,  by  the  enemy's  mode  of  attack,  to  bear  thc^ 
brunt  of  close  aud  concentrated  action,  thoy  were  all  more  or  leas. 
and  some  quite  severely,  xmder  fire.  Lane's  and  Ross',  as  of  the  bes; 
guns,  were  most  in  requisition  and  rendered  most  service.  jMllledge'y 
were  useful  on  the  river,  and  Avith  Major  Felham  iu  hi*  successfu' 
dash  upon  the  enemy  when  menacing  our  right  Hank.  Patterson's, 
with  a  section  of  Robs',  under  Major  T.  Jeft'erson  Page,. shared  the 
defence  of  General  Hood's  front.  And  Kirkpatrick's  and  Mvssie'e. 
under  Major  NelsoD,, rendered  more  secure  the  defences  of  Marye's 
Hill  and  the  heights  occupied  by  the  la^gc  guns,  and  received  a  full 
share  of  the  missiiee  hurled  at  the  latter,  No  serious  casualty  wai^ 
expeiienced  among  them. 

Officers  and  men  all  behaved  well,  and  were  ready,  promptly  and 
patiently,  to  discharge  whatever  duty  might  be  presented.  Captain* 
Nelson  and  Barnwell,  and,  under- them,  the  two  lieutenants  and  thte^ 
men  of  Ell's  battery,  at  the  large  Parrotts,  well  performed  their  part. 
And  the  several  members  of  my  staff  are  entitled  to  honorable  men- 
tion for  the  zeal,  energy  and  fortitude  with  which  they  passed  through 
much  danger,  .and  performed,  by  night  and  by  day,  much  labor. 

In  conclusion,  the  undersigned  would  record,  as  right  and  proper. 
an  expression  of .  gratitude  for  the  divine  guidance  and  guardianshij: 
under  which  these  duties  were  discharged,  and  especially  that  so 
inuch  was  achieved  by  the  army  and  its  leaders,  with  so  little  tc 
regret,  and  a  loss  so  much  less  than  usual  to  lament.  He  has  the 
honor  to' be,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  N.  PENDLETON, 
Brigadier   General  and  Chiff  of  Artillery. 


REPORT  OF   BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WILCOX. 

Headquarters  Wilcox's  Bkigade,  ) 
December  24,  1«G2.      } 

Major  Thomas  S.  Mflls,  ,,. 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  beg  to  submit  herewith  a  brief  report  of  the  part  borne  bj 
Eiy  brigade  in  the  battle  at  Fredericksburg,  on  the  13th  instant  : 

Since  the  arrival  of  the  division  in  the  vicinity  of  Fredericksburg, 
on  the  23d  ultimo,  the  brigade  has  been  on  the  left  of  the  division, 
and  the  extreme  left  of  the  army.  And  from  that  time  till  within 
a  few  days  of  the  battle  nothing  of  interest"  occurred,  my  command 
being  occupied  only  in  constructing,  in  part,  one  or  two  batteries  ou 
our  front  and  picketing  on  the  canal  in  front  of  the  house  of  Dr. 
Taylor,  and  thence  on  the  Rappahannock  above,  some  three-fourths  of 
a  mile.  The  enemy's  camps  were  visible  on  the  far  side  of  the  Rappa- 
hannock upon  our  arrival,  and  increased  perceptibly  for  several  days 
afterwards. 

It  was  not  long  before  the* enemy  were  seen  t^o  be  engaged  in  con- 
structing batteries  at  various  points  on  the  heights  beyond  the  river, 
and  immediately  on  its  banks;  new  batteries:  daily  appeared,  till  at 
length  extending  from  a  point  a  mile  above  Falmouth,  at  convenient 
intervals,  they  reached  Fredericksburg,  and  thence  even  dov-'n  the 
river  some  three  or  four  miles.  On  a  great  part  of  this  line  there 
were  two  tiers  of  batteries,  one  on  the  first  bank  of  the  river,  and  the 
other  on  heights  commanding  a  level  plateau  in  rear  of  this  bank. 
Most  of  the  guns  of  these  various  batteries  could  be  made  to  bear 
both  upon  the  city  of  Fredericksburg  and  on  our  batteries  that  crowned 
the  heights  on  this  side  of  the  Rappahannock.  The  lines  of  the 
enemy's  batteries,  following  the  inflections  of  the  river,  enabled  thom 
to  dispose  of  their  pieces  so  as  to  enfilade  most  of  the  streets  of  the 
town ;  even  those  at  right  angles  were  alike  exposed. 

The  two  armies  continued  thus  confronting  each  other  on  the  oppo- 
site banks  of  the  river,  each  constructing  batteries,  and  the  hostile 
pickets  in  full  view  and  in  close  proximity  ;  the  batteries  scarcely 
nred  a  guw,  and  the  pickets,  by  mutual  and  tacit  understanding,  re- 
frained entirely  from  the  use  of  their  rifles.  This  condition  of  affairs 
continued  from  day  to  day,  till  at  length  each  party,  perhaps,  became 
.  impatient  from  delay  and  eager  for  the  fray. 

On  the  morning  of  the  lUth,  nothing  unusual  appeared  upon  my 
part  of  the  line  ;  the  enemy's  batteries  and  our  own  were  as  inactive 
as  before;  the  pickets  were  neither  stronger  nor  weaker ;  the  day 
passed  off  quietly,  and  at  dark  there  was  nothing  to  indicate,  to  the 
closest  observer  on  my  front,  that  the  enemy  was  preparing  for  or 
meditating  an  attack.  Nothing  occurred  in  the  early  part  of  the 
night  to  give  warning  of  the  intended  attack ;  but,  about  half  past 
four,  A.  M.,  our  signal  guns  were  fired,  upon  hearing  which,  all 
31 


488 

were  aroused  and  the  commnnd  placed  underarms.  Little  before  the 
da-nn  of  day  musketry  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  and  in  Freder- 
icksburg, and,  after  that,  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries  began, 
rppairing  to  the  front  of  my  line  of  pickets  before  it  was  clear  day, 
I  hained  that  there  was  none  of  the  enemy's  infantry  any  where 
vJsi'  le. 

The  enemy's  batteries  continued  to  fire  with  much  spirit,  and,  as 
far  as  1  could  see,  entirely  concentrated  upon  the  town  of  Fredericks- 
tu7g.  Many  wi  men  and  children,  in  great;  fright,  with  husbands  and 
eervvint",  were  fleeing  from  their  homes  at  this  qarly  hour  to  escape 
the  eijemy's  terrible  t^lielis  and  cannon  balls.  Soon  after  it  was  clear 
daylight,  1  mov(d  m^  Irigadc  up  to  the  front  and  formed  it  in  line  of 
'battle,  under  cover  of  the  forest,  and  near  the  edge  of  an  open  field, 
fid frg  the  river  and  the  town,  my  left  resting  upon  the  river,  one 
br  nHied  and  filty  yards  to  the  left  of  Dr.  Taylor's  house,  and  then 
Cxiending  to  the  right  across  ihe  road,  on  the  right  of  Dr.  Taylor's* 
Ir.iriing  into  town,  and  thence  along  the  base  of  the  hill  upon  which 
Lant's  battery,  to  the  rear,  was  placed,  crossed  a  deep  ravine,  and 
thtn  bearing  f^lightly  to  the  rear  cf  the  Whitworth  gun  of  Lane's  bat- 
tery, and  then  ciO!-?ing  another  ravine,  reached  to  Huger's  battery,  the 
right  of  my  line.  Four  regiuents  occupied  this  lino,  and  the  fifth 
ivi  P  held  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  this  line. 

General  "Wright's  biigadewas  on  my  right  flank,  the  battery  of 
C.'}>'ain  Lewis,  attached  to  the  brigade,  was  in  position  on  a  hill  oppo- 
6i»e  to  the  ford  between  Falmouth  and  Fredericksburg. 

The  brigade  remained  all  day  quiet  spectators  of  the  enemy's 
fii  iKiish  and  furious  bombardment  of  Fredericksburg;  many  shots 
fti  d  shells  were  thu  wn  into  the  woods  occupied  by  my  men,  inflicting 
but  a  trifling  Iofs,  killing  one  and  wounding  two  men  of  the  eleventh 
Alwlania  regiment. 

]n  the  afteinocn  it  was  known  that  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in  his 
cfi«  lis  to  throw  pontoon  bridges  over  the  river,  and  that,  both  in  the 
tcvn  and  below,  f^veial  bridges  were  being  used  by  them  for  crossing 
O^er  the  troops.  Late  in  the  evening,  Captain  Lewis,  seeing  a  column 
of  the  enemy's  infantry  advancing  to  cross  the  upper  pontoon  bridge, 
gav»  the  order  to  his  battery  to  fiie  upon  them,  this  was  instantly 
dene,  and  with  such  effect  as  to  drive  over  half  of  it  back  undercover 
of  some  houses.  Later  in  the  evening,  the  battery  again  fired  upon 
artillery  and  cavalry  that  were  in  sight,  and  soon  drove  them  o^  and 
cut  of  view.  This  battery  had  ordei 8  to  waste  no  ammunition,  and 
to  fire  only  when  damage  could  be  inflicted  upon  the  enemy.  The 
'  brigade  slept  under  aims  in  line  of  battle,  strong  pickets  being  thrown 
to  'he  front.     The  aitillciymen  remained  with  their  guns, 

liuring  Friday,  the  12th,  the  brigade  remained  under  arms  and  in 
position;  shot  and  shell  from  the  enemy's.batteries  fell  at  times  near 
tb»m,  but  without  inflicting  any  loss.  Lewis'  battery,  at  various 
times  during  the  day,  fired  at  the  enemy's  batteries  while  crossing  the 
river.  About  three,  P.  M  ,  a  column  of  infantry  (one  brigade)  came 
in  Fight ;  shot  and  shell  were  thrown  upon  the  head  of  this  column, 
caufcing  much  confusion  in  their  ranks,  and  forcing  them  to  change 


483 

their  course,  and  fcake  shelter  behind  houses.  Later  in  the  day,  the 
battery  fired  upon  cavalry  crossing  the  ford;  in  each  case  damage  wa3 
done  the  onemy,  as  his  ambulances  were  seen  to  leave  the  field  with 
wounded. 

Again  all  slept  under  arms,  (the  night  of  the  12th,)  with  strong 
pickets  ia  our  front.  ■^ 

The  early  morn  of  the  13th  was  dark,  and  much  obscured  by  a 
dense  fogi  at  length,  the  rising  sun  dissipating  the  mist,  about  eight, 
A.  M.,  masketry  was  heard  on  our  right;  this  fire  quickened,  and. 
■Artillery  was  also  heard  in  the  same  direction.  The  rapidity  and  quan- 
tity of  the  musketry  fire  indicated  that  a  general  action  had  begun. 
The  6ring,  at  length,  began  to  approach  nearer  us,  the  right  of  our 
left  wing  had  becotne  engaged,  and  the  firing  st?ill  continued,  excend- 
it)g  towards  our  lefn,  reaching  as  far  a*  it;? centre,  and  here  it  remained 
for  a  long  time,  approaching  no  nearer  our  position.  The  firing  had 
now  bdkomo  general ;  musketry,  artillery,  and  the  bursting  of  shells 
are  heard,  rarying  at  times  in  quantity  anil  rapidity,  but  without  any 
entire  ceasatLon  till  dark  ;  at  times  ic  '.\rould  appear  to  be  more  intense 
far  to  our  right,  and,  then  again,  the  centre  and  the  left  centre 
would  seem  to  bo  the  point  where  the  enemy  were  concentrating  their 
h'aviest  forces  and  making  the  most  vigorous  efforts  to  force  cm- 
line.  More  artillery  appeared  to  be  used  on  this  day  than  I  had  ever 
known  before ;  frequently,  during  the  ontinuance  of  this  battle,  I 
counted  as  many  as  fifty  shots  per  minute 

During  this  long  and  intensely  exciting   day  my  brigade  remained 
in  lino  of  battle,  ready  to  meet  any  advance  of  the  enemy  or  to  hasten  ; 
to  any  point  of  the  lino  that  might  need  support. 

The  buttery  of  Captain  Lewis  lost  no  opportunity  of  firing  wpoi}.' 
the  cncray'B  infantry  and  cavalry  when  in  easy  range  ;  in  all,  it  firpd 
four  hundred  rounds. 

The  brigade  lost,  to-day,  one  killed  and  eight  wounded.  Lewis' 
battery,  one  killed  and  two  wounded. 

Although  the  brigade  lost  bat  few  men  by  the  enemy's  artillery  and 
none  by  tee  musket,  it  would  seem  to  he  almost  incredible  that  the 
loss  should  have  been  so  inconsiderable^  for,  from  a  point  near  a  mile 
above  Falmouth  on  a  commanding  height,  there  was  a  six  gun  battery 
of  rifle  pieces  that  enfiladed  my  line  lower  ;  down  and  nearer,  on  thd 
slope  of  this  hill,  was  a  second  battery  that  had  the  same  fire  upon 
them;  and  yet  nearer  and  immediately  on  the  bunks  of  the  river,  and 
to  the  right  of  the  two  batteries  above  referred  to,  was  another  ;  and 
then  ag:iin;,  on  a  v^ry  commanding  hill,  in  rear  of  b^almouth,  noar  th^ 
house  of  Misd  Scott,  was  a  battery  of  more  than  twenty  pieces  that 
bore  upon  ua.  and  these  of  the  heaviest  rifli?  pieces ;  and  down  the 
river  were  one  or  two  other  batteries  that  could  throw  shot  and  shell 
far  beyond  our  line  ;  in  these  batteries,  there  could  not  have  been  less 
than  fifty  pieces  that  bore  upon  us. 

The  night  of  the  I3ih  we  were  under  arms,  like  the  two  previous 
nights,  strong  pickets  being  in  our  front.  During  the  night,  our 
pickets  wer©  heard  to  fire  frequently  in  the  direction  of  Fredericks- 
burg. 


484 

The  morning  of  the  14th  was  foggy,  and,  when  it  had  been  scat- 
tered by  the  rising  sun,  nothing  was  seen  of  the  enemy  in  our  front, 
save  his  distant  line  of  cavalry  videttcs,  as  usual.  The  14th  passed 
off  quietly,  some  few  artillery  shots  during  the  day,  and  at  intervals 
a  little  firing  between  the  pickets.  The  night  of  the  1 4th  and  the 
day  of  the  loth  passed  off  with  little  or  no  firing.  The  night  of  the 
1 5th  was  dark,  windy  and  rainy,  and  the  morning  of  the  16th  foggy , 
when  the  fog  disappeared  it  revealed  the  fact  that  the  enemy  had 
recrossed  the  river,  nothing  remaining  on  this  side  but  a  few  of  the 
wounded,  the  unburied  dead,  and  a  few  of  the  infantry  pickets,  whom 
they  had  failed  to  relieve ;  these  delivered  themselves  up  to  my  com- 
mand as  prisoners. 

My  command  now  returned  to  their  cnmp,  having  been  under  arms 
since  the  morning  of  the  11th.  The  lists  of  casualties  having  been 
previously  forwarded,  it  will  suffice  in  this  report  to  state  that  the  loss 
in  my  command  was  fifteen  killed  and  wounded ;  of  this  numoer  three 
•were  killed. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  yo«r  obedient  servant, 

m     C.  M.  WILCOX, 
Brigadier  General  commanding^  §'c. 


SEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FEATHERSTON. 

Headqarters  Featherston's  Brigade,  Dec.  22,  1862. 

Tho3ias  S.  Mills, 

Major  and  A.  A.  General : 

Major  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  submit  the  following  report  of 
the  part  taken  by  my  brigade  in  the  battle  before  Fredericksburg : 

About  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  Thursday  the  llth  instant,  at  the  firing 
of  the  signal  guns,  my  brigade  was  formed  and  marched  rapidly  from 
its  encampment  to  the  line  of  battle  previously  designated  for  Major 
General  Anderson's  division,  in  front  and  to  the  left  of  Fredericks- 
burg. My  brigade  formed  the  right  of  Anderson's  division,  and  was 
posted  on  Thursday  morning  between  the  plank  road  and  Hazel  Run, 
in  front  of  the  town  and  some  distance  in  rear  of  the  Washington 
artillery.  Here  we  remained  during  that  day  and  night,  protected 
from  the  artillery  fire  of  the  enemy  by  a  continuous  range  of  hills  in 
our  front. 

On  Friday  morning,  my  brigade  was  moved  to  the  left  of  the  plank 
road,  and  our  first  position,  between  the  plank  road  and  Hazel  Run, 
occupied  by  General  Ransom's  division. 

During  Friday  and  Friday  night,  we  remained  in  position  on  the 
left  of  the  plank  road,  about  the  same  distance  in  rear  of  our  batte- 
ries, where  we  were  protected  by  the  same  continuous  range  of  hills, 
from  the  enemy's  artillery  fire.  About  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  Satur- 
day, we  were  ordered  to  advance  in  line  of  battle  f\irther  to  the  front, 
and  halted  about  one  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  our  batteries,  on  the  left 
of  the  plank  road,  extending  our  line  of  battle  up  the  river,  in  tho  di- 
rection of  the  Taylor  house.  Here  we  remained  during  the  day,  sub- 
jected to  a  very  heavy  converging  fire  from  the  enemy's  artillery 
immediately  in  our  front,  and  extending  up  the  river  to  our  left.  My 
men  were  kept  lying  down  during  the  day  in  an  old  road,  protecting 
them  as  much  as  possible.  The  enemy's  batteries  immediately  in  front 
were  numerous  and  skillfull}' served.  Their  batteries  on  our  left  com- 
pletely enfiladed  our  position,  which  they  did  not  fail  to  see,  and  of 
which  they  took  every  advantage  to  avail  themselves.  The  fire  of  the 
enemy's  artillery  could  not  have  been  more  rapid  or  galling  on  any 
part  of  the  line  than  that  which  was  brought  to  bear  on  our  position 
on  Saturday.  The  right  of  my  brigade  was  also  within  range  of  the 
fire  of  the  enemy's  small  arms.  My  orders  were  to  hold  this  position  in 
support  of  the  batteries  immediately  in  my  front,  and  to  advance  to 
the  batteries  when  the  enemy  advanced  with  small  arms  immediately 
in  my  front.  There  was  no  considerable  advance  of  the  enemy's  small 
arms  in  our  immediate  front  during  the  entire  engagement.  We  re- 
mained in  this  position  Saturday  night,  Sunday,  and  Sunday  nighty 
Monday,  and  Monday  night.  At  a  late  hour  on  Sunday  night,  I  was. 
advised  by  General  Ransom  that  one  of  his  brigade,  would  be  with- 
drawn and  sent  across  Hazel  Run,  down  the  river,  by  order  of  Lieu- 
tenant General  Longstreet.     I  then  threw  forward  to  the  rock  fenc^ 


k  486 

on  the  right  of  the  plank  road,*  the  sixteenth  MissiG&ijpJ  regiroent, 
and  five  ccmpanies  of  the  fcrtj-sixth  Mie&issippi  regiment,  (.foimerly 
the  fecond  battalion,)  to  fill  the  place  vacated  by  seme  of  the  troops 
"wiihdrawn,  and  to  form  a  continuous  line  of  battle.  'These  troops,  to 
■wit:  the  sixteenth  Mississippi  and  five  companies  of  the  foit^-sixth 
MiFsissippi,  Sunday  night,  Monday,  and  Monday  night,  remained  in 
that  position,  declining  on  Monday  night  to  be  relieved  by  other  regi- 
ments of  my  brigade. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  after  the  fact  wqs ascertained  that  the  enemy 
had  recroseed  the  river,  the  troops  were  vrithdraven,  except  the  twelfth 
Mississippi  regiment,  which  was  left  on  picket  in  front.  During  the 
engagement  of  Saturday,  the  casualties  in  my  brigade  were  forty  two 
killed  and  wounded,  and  one  on  Monday.  Amocg  the  number,  I  re- 
gret to  enumerate  the  loss  of  two  valuable  officers,  Major  Lee^  of  the 
forty-sixth,  and  Captain  Fulkinson,  of  the  sixteenth  regiment,  both 
seriously,  but,  it  is  believed,  not  dangerously  wounded.  The  small 
list  of  casualties,  under  so  heavy  a  converging  fire  from  the  enemy's 
numerous  batteries,  can  only  be  accounted  for,  under  Providence,  by 
the  fact  that  the  men  were  kept  lying  down  closely  on  the  ground, 
taking  advantage  of  every  hill  and  crest  as  a  protection.  i\|full  return 
of  the  killed  and  wounded  has  already  been  transmitted  to  your  head- 
quarters. During  the  entire  engagement  of  five  days  and  nights, 
both  officers  and  men  manifested  gieat  patience  and  eBdurance,  under 
the  hardships  and  privations,  and  were  eager  to  the  last  for  a  contin- 
uance of  the  fight. 

The  officers  of  the  medical,  corcmissary  and  quarteriaaeter's  de- 
partments were  prompt  and  efficient  in  dischargiig  the  duties  cf  their 
several  departments.  In  the  absence  of  my  regular  staff  officers,  Cap- 
tain W.  R.  Barksdale,  assistant  adjutant  general,  and  Lieutenant  A, 
N.  Parker,  aid-de-camp,  (both  absent  on  sick  leave,)  1  feel  greatly 
indebted  to  my  volunteer  aids,  Captain  C.  H.  Featherston  and  Mr.  C. 
W.  Graves,  who  attended  me  during  the  entire  engagement,  and  who 
were  ever  ready,  prompt  and  efficient  in  the  execution  of  all  orders, 
upon  every  part  of  the  field. 

I  have  the  honor  to  bo,  Major, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
W.  J.  FEATHERSTON, 

Brigadier  General  commanding. 


'      REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  KERSHAW. 

Headquarters  Kershaw's  Brigade, 
Camp  near  Fredericksburg,  December  26,  1862. 

To  Major  J.  M.  Goggin, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  a  report  of  the  operations  cf 
my  command  during  the  recent  engagement: 

On  the  morninji  of  the  11th  instant,  by  daylight,  the  brigade  wag 
formed  in  line  of  battle  in  the  position  assigned  me,  the  right  resting 
at  the  left  of  Ilowison's  Hill,  and  the  left  near  llowison's  Hill,  ca 
Haz' 1  Rim.  Ordered,  during  the  day,  to  reinforce  the  picket  of  Gen- 
eral Barksdale  at  Deep  Run,  the  fifteenth  regiment  South  Carolina 
volunteers  (Colonel  DeSaussure)  vms  sent,  but  found  the  bridge  at  tbnt 
point  al'.-eady  completed  and  perfectly  comuicinded  by  all  the  batteries 
on  the  X)ther  side.  Thij  regiment  lemaincd  on  picket  until  withdrr.wa 
to  its  former  position,  by  order  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  en 
Friday  morning,  after  a  night  of  such  intense  cold  as  to  cause  the  death  cf 
one  man  and  disable,  temporarily,  others.  With  this  exception,  i\b 
troops  were  kept  in  position,  atrengthening  our  drfonces  nightly, 
without  any  incident  requiring  notice,  until  Saturday,  the  13th. 
About  one  o'clock  of  that  day,  I  was  directed  to  send  two  regimenta 
into  the  city  to  the  support  of  General  Cobb,  then  engaged  with  part 
of  his  brigade  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill,  and,  having  called  for  re- 
inforcements, I  sent  forward,  at  once,  Col.  John  D.  Kennedy,  with 
his  own  (second  regiment)  and  the  eighth  regiment  South  Caroliija 
volunteers,  Colonel  E.  T.  Stackhouso  commanditig.  Within  a'  few 
minutea  after,  I  was  directed  to  take  my  entire  comroand  to  the  satce 
point  and  assume  command  there.  I  had  just  moved  when  I  was  in- 
formed that  General  Cobb  was  wounded,  and  was  directed  by  Major 
General  McLaws  to  hasten  forward  in  person  i::3mediately  and  take  com- 
mand. Leaving  my  staff  to  conduct  the  troops,  I  proceeded,  as  rapidly 
as  possible,  to  the  scene  of  action,  reaching  the  position  at  Stevens* 
house  at  the  moment  that  Colonel  Kennedy  arrived  with  the  secondl 
and  eighth  regiments,  just  in  time  to  meet  a  fresh  assault  ot"  the 
enemy.  The  position  was  excellent.  Mirye's  Hill,  covered  with  our 
batteries,  then  occupied  by  the  Washington  artillery.  Colonel  Walton 
commanding,  falls  off  abruptly  towards  Fredericksburg  to  a  stono 
■wall,  which  forms  a  terrace  on  the  side  of  the  hill,  and  the  outer  mar- 
gin of  the  telegraph  road,  which  winds  along  >he  foot  of  tie  hill. 
The  road  is  about  so^ue  twenty-five  feet  wi  le  and  is  faced  by  a  stone 
wall,  about  four  feet  high,  on  the  city  side.  The  road  having  been  cut 
out  of  the  side  of  the  hill,  (in  mvny  places,)  this  la-»t  wall  i.-*  n  >t  visi- 
ble above  the  surface  of  the  groaad.  The  ground  fills  of!  rap  dly  to 
almost  a  level  surface,  which  extendi  abou*;  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards; 
then,  with  another  abrupt  fall  of  a  few  feet,  to  another  plaiu,  which 
extends  sotne  two  hundred  yards,  and  thea  falls  off  abruptly  mto  a 


488 

wide  ravine,  ^hich   extends   along   the  Avhole   front  of  the  city  and 
discharges  into    Hazel  Run.     1   found,   on  my  arrival,  that    Cobb's 
brigade,  Colonel  McMillan  commanding,  occupied  our  entire   front, 
and  my  troops   could   only  get  into   position  by  doubling  on  them. 
This  vras  accordingly  done,  and  the  formation  along  most  of  the  line, 
during  the  engagement,  was  consequently  four  deep.    As  an  evidence 
of  the  coolness  of  the  command,  I  may  mention  here,  that,  notwith- 
standing that  their  fire  was  the  most  rapid  and  and  continuous  I  have 
ever  witnessed,  not  a  man  was   injured  by  the  fire   of  his  comrades. 
The  first  attack  being  repelled  at  a  quarter  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M., 
the  third  regiment.  Colonel  J.   D.   Nance,  and   seventh,   Lieutenant 
Colonel   Bland,   came  into  position    on   the  hill   at  Marye's  house, 
with  Colonel  DeSaussure's  fifteenth  regiment  South  Carolina  vohin- 
teers  in  reserve   and  under  cover  of  the  cemetery.     James'  third 
South  Ca^olina  battalion,  (Lieutenant  Colonel  Rice   commanding,)  I 
left  in  position  at  Howison's  Mill,  to  protect  our  right  from  any  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  up  Hazel  Run.     While  the  third  and  seventh  re- 
giments were  getting  into  position  another  fierce  attack  was  sustained, 
and  those  regiments,  especially  the  former,  suffered  severely.  Colonel 
J.  D.  Nance,  that  gallant  and  efficient  officer,  fell  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment,   severely   wounded   in  three   places.     Lieutenant   Colonel 
Rutherford,  upon  whom   the  command  devolved,  was  almost  imme- 
diately shot  down,  dangerously  wounded,  as  also  was   Major   Moffiit, 
the  next  in  command.     Captain   Todd,  the   senior  captain,  upon  as- 
suming command,  was  dangerously,  if  not  mortally,  wounded,  and  his 
successor,  Captain  Summer,  killed.     Notwithstanding  these  unprece- 
dented casualties,  the  regiment,  without  hesitation  or  confusion,  gal- 
lantly held  their  position,  under  command  of  Capt.  John  H.  G.  Nance, 
assisted  by  my  aid-de-camp.  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Doby,  and  in  every  at- 
tack repulsed  the  enemy  on   that  flank,  assisted  as  gallantly  by  the 
seventh  regiment,  immediately  on  their  right.     In  the  meantime,  line 
after  line  of  the  enemy  deployed  in  the  ravine  and  advanced  to  the 
attack,  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  fifteen  minutes,  until  half  past 
four  o'clock,  when   there  was  a  lull   of  about  a  half  hour,  during 
which  a  mass  of  artillery  was  placed  in  position  in  front  of  the  town 
and  opened  upon  our  position.  At  this  time  I  brought  up  Colonel  De- 
Saussure's regiment.     Our  batteries  .on   the  hill   were  silent,  having 
exhausted  their  ammunition,  and  the  Washington  artillery  we're  re- 
lieved by  a  part  of  Colonel   Alexander's  battalion.     Under  cover  of 
this  artillery  fire,  the  most  formidable  column  of  attack  was  formed, 
which,  about  five   o'clock,  emerged  from  the   ravine,  and,  no  longer 
iiapedcd  by  our  artillery,  impetuously  assailed  our  whole  front.  From 
tcis  time,  until  after  six  o'clock,  the  attack  was  continuous,  and  the 
fire  on 'both   sides  terrific.     Some  few,  chiefly,  officers,  got   within 
^^gl^ty  yards  of  our  lines,  but,  in  every  instance,  their  lines  were 
shattered  by  the  time  they  got  within  one  hundred  paces.    The  firing 
gradually  ceased,  and,  by  seven  o'clock,  our  pickets  were  established 
within   eighty  yards  of  those   of  the  enemy.     Our  chief  loss,  after 
getting  into  position  in  the  r^ad,  was  from  the  fire  of  sharpshooters, 
"who  occupied  some  buildings^on  mj  left  flank  in  the  early  part  of  the 


489 

engagement,  and  was  only  silenced  by  Captain  "Wallace,  of  the  second 
regiment,  directing  a  continuou3  fire  of  one  company  upon  the  build- 
ings. General  Cobb,  I  learn,  was  killed  by  a  shot  from  that  quarter. 
The  regiments  on  the  hill  suucred  most,  as  they  were  less  perfectly 
covered.  During  the  engagement.  Colonel  MciMillan  was  reinforced 
by  the  arrival  of  the  sixteenth  Georgia  regiment,  and  a  brigade  of 
General  Ransom's  command  v/as  also  engaged ;  but  as  they  did  not 
report  to  me;  I  am  unable  to  give  any 'particulars  in  regard  to  them. 
That  night  we  materially  strengthened  our  position,  and  I  more  per- 
fectly organized  and  arranged  my  command,  fully  expecting  the  at- 
tack to  be  renewed  the  next  day.  I  sent  the  third  regiment  in  reserve, 
in  consideration  of  their  heavy  loss.  At  daylight  in  the  morning,  the 
en^my  was  in  position,  lying  behind  the  first  declivity  in  front,  but 
the  operations  on  both  side  were  confined  to  skirmishing  of  sharp- 
shooters. We  lost  but  one  man  during  that  day,  but  it  is  reported 
that  we  inflicted  a  loss  upon  the  enemy  (Syke's  division)  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty.  Monday  morning  discovered  the  pickets  of  the  enemy 
behind  rifle-pits,  constructed  during  the  night,  along  the  edge  of  the 
ravine.  From  this  position  they  were  nearly  all  driven  by  our  bat- 
teries, and  nothing  of  interest  occurred  during  the  day.  General 
Semmes  relieved  General  Cobb's  brigade  Monday  night.  Tuesday 
morning,  as  soon  as  the  haze  lifted,  the  enemy's  pickets  being  no 
longer  visible,  I  sent  out  scouts  from  my  own  brigade  to  the  left,  and 
from  General  Semmes'  to  the  right.  The  former  soon  returned,  re- 
porting the  evacuation  of  the  town,  which  the  latter  soon  confirmed, 
with  the  additional  information  that  theghridge  had  been  removed.  I 
?ent  forward  two  companies,  one  from^ch  brigade,  and  afterwards 
two  regiments,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Major  General  com- 
manding, to  occupy  the  town.  A  number  of  prisoners  and  a  quantity 
of  arms,  ammunition,  etc.,  were  taken,  the  particulars  of  which  have 
already  been  imparted.  During  these  operations  I  was  ably  and  gal- 
lantly assisted  by  Captain  Ilolines,  A.  A.  G.,  and  Lieutenant  Doby, 
A.  D.  C,  who  were  present  on  the  field,  in  the  active  discharge  of  their 
duties.  Lieut.  J.  A.  Myers,  ordnance  officer,  was  at  his  post  promptly 
replenishing  our  exhausted  ammunition.  Lieutenant  W.  M.  Dwight, 
A.  L  G.,  was  disabled,  from  the  injuries  received  at  Maryland 
heights,  but  was  on  the  field  and  received  a  contusion  on  the  head 
from  a  shell.  Colonel  McMillan,  commanding  Cobb's  brigade,  ren- 
dered valuable  assistance,  and  when  offered  the  alternative  of  being 
relieved  Saturday  night,  gallantly  claimed  the  honor  of  remaining. 
All  the  regimental  field  officers  and  company  commanders  are  entitled 
to  commendation  for  coolness  and  courage,  and  their  successful  efforts 
to  produce  a  deliberate  and  efl'ective  fire,  under  the  most  trying  cir- 
cumstances. Beside  the  field  ofiicers  already  mentioned  as  wounded, 
Major  F.  Gaillard,  second  •regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,  was 
struck  in  the  face  before  he  got  into  position,  and  was  subsequently 
severely  wounded  while  conveying  directions,  at  my  request,  to  the 
regiments  in  the  rear.  For  particular  mention  of  others  who  distin- 
guished themselves  in  the  engagement,  I  beg  leave  respectfally  to 
refer  to  the  reports  of  the  commanders  themselves,  herewith  submit- 


400 

ted.  Captain  G.  B.  Cathbert'e  company,  second  regiment  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  was  thrown  out  by  me  on  the  edge  of  Hazol 
Fiun,  on  the  13th,  in  an  exposed  pogition,  but  one  from  which  thcv 
coulvl  harass  the  enemy  on  their  left  flanks  l^bey  held  the  position 
the  whole  day,  exhausting  ihcir  ammunition  and  effectively  annoy iiit: 
the  enemy.  His  loss  was  considerable,  including  two  officers  severely 
■wounded.  Captain  Head's  battery  was  potted  on  the  hill,  on  tcio 
right  of  rny  first  position,  and  did  great  damage  to  the  advancir.!' 
column  of  the  enemy.  They  fired  thirteen  rounds  of  ammunition, 
affording;  excellent  practice  in  the  field.  I  will  here  remark  that, 
during  the  engagement  on  Saturday,  my  command  fired  about  fifty- 
five  rounds  per  man.  A  large  red  and  white  battle  flag,  with  the 
figure  '*  I  "  in  the  centre,  and  an  embroidered  guide  flag  of  the  sixty- 
ninth  Incw  York  regiment  are  the  trophies  taken  in  battle  by  loy 
command,  and  have  already  been  forwarded  to  division  headquarters. 
I  append  herewith  a  recapitulation  of  the  losses  sustained  by  my 
brigade-. 

Very  reepsctfully,  your  obedient  servant,. 

J.  B.  KERSHAW, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  IN  KERSHAW'S  BRIG  ABE. 


KlLl^KD. 

Wov 

r?LEX). 

Total. 

H 

■< 
C 

o 
o 

<< 

Remaekji. 

Brigad'es. 

o 

o 

CO    <U 

■-5  9 

£ 
o 

'a 

S   - 
o 

.it  S 

'c 

•A 

2d  S.    C.    lU'r\.. 

3d 

Tth         " 

"*'*5*'" 

6 

20 

1 

2 

1 

3 
14 
6 
4 
2 

53 

124 
51 
25 

50 

1 

3 

19 

■     G 

59 

144 

55 

27 

52 

2 

62 
163 
Gl 
31 
64 
2 

One    misRinij; 
supposed  to  \v,i 
been  killed  wh 
on  picket. 

8lh         "  • 

v^ 

15th 

.),> 

James'  Bailn.. 

6 

34 

29 

304 

34 

339 

373 

% 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GE.NERAL  WRIGHT. 

Headquarters  Wright''s  Brigade,  Anderson's  Div[?;on.  ) 
Camp  near  Fiederkkshurg,  December  24,   1862.      \ 

Major  Thomas  S.  Mills,  A,  A.   G.   Division  : 

Major  :  In  compliance  -vsitli  circular  issuecl  from  diviaion  head- 
quarters on  December  20th,' I  herewith  transmit  a  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  my  brigade  in  the  action  at  P'redericksburg.  At  early  dawn 
on  the  morning  of  the  1  Ith  instant,  my  brigade  was  put  under  armB 
and  raarf  bed  to  a  position  in  the  rear  of  our  redoubts  on  the  left  of 
-the  plank  road,  and  there  formed  in  line  of  battle,  ray  right  resting 
on  (.General  Mahone's  left,  and  my  left  upon  General  Wilcox's  right. 
In  this  position  we  remained  until  the  morning  of  the  I6th,  when, 
the  enemy  having  retired  acros3  the  river,  I  fell  back  to  my  former 
and  present  camp. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th,  when  the  enemy  opened  his  batteries 
upon  the  town,  preparatory  to  crossing  the  river,  the  third  Georgia 
regiment  wns  on  picket  duty  on  the  river,  at  the  upper  edge  of  the 
town.  This  regic~ent  retained  its  position  during  the  whole  day, 
subjected  to  a  most  galling  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries.  At  five 
o'clock,  in  the  evening  of  that  day,  I  received  a  communication  from 
Cf.lonel  E  J  Walker,  commanding  the  regiment,  informing  me  thar, 
the  enemy  had  effected  the  building  of  one  or  more  bridges  and  had 
crossed  a  considerable  force  into  the  town  on  his  right,  compelling 
the  ei^ihth  Florida  regiment,  which  was  on  picket  duty  immediately 
on  his  right,  to  fall  back,  and  that,  from  the  sound  of  musketry,  he 
was  led  to  believe  !hat  General  Barksdale's  brigade,  also  on  picket 
duty  in  the  town,  had  retired  to  our  line  of  battle,  and  enquiring 
what  be  (Colonel  Walker)  should  do.  I  iaimediatdy  sent  him  orders 
to  hold  his  position  at  all  hazards  until  morning,  and  if  then  ho  should 
become  satisfied  that  General  Barksdale's  brigade  had  retired,  and  the 
enemy  should  show  an  imposing  force  on  this  side  of  the  river,  to 
fall  back  in  order  to  ray  line,  destroying  the  bridges  over  the  canal. 
At  eight  o'clock  next  morning  Colonel  Walker  fell  back  to  my  line, 
having  accomplished  the  complete  destruction  of  the  canal  bridges — 
General  Barksdalc  having,  as  he  supposed  the  night  before,  previ- 
ously fallen  back  to  our  line  of  batteries.  Colonel  Walker's  loss, 
during  the  day's  bombardment,  was  one  man  killed  and  one  slightly 
wounded.  On  Friday  evening,  the  12th  instant,  the  second  Georgia 
battalion,  of  my  brigade,  under  the  command  of  Captain  C.  J.  Moffat, 
was  ordered  on  picket  duty  in  front  of  the  Stansbury  house,  v.here  it 
remained  until  Saturday  evening,  when  it  was  relieved  by  the  forty- 
eighth  Georgia  rc-giment,  Captain  Ilall  commanding.  During  the 
fight  of  Saturday,  Captain  Moffat  loat  one  man  killed  and  one  wounded. 
No  other  casualties  occurred  in  my  command  during  the  action. 

While  the  officers  and  men  of  my  brigade  had  no  opportunity  to 
display  the  courage  and  gallantry  which  has  heretofore  marked  their 


492 

conduct  in  all  the  battles  in  which  they  have  been  engaged,  their 
patient  and  protracted  ''lying  in  wait''  during  the  six  days  they 
were  under  arms,  exposed  to  the  rigors  of  the  severe  cold  weather 
and  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  has  given  me  increased  confi- 
dence in  their  character  as  veteran  soldiers,  who  are  alike  equal  to 
the  trials  of  actual  battle  and  of  waiting  under  the  enemy's  guns  for 
any  emergency  which  might  require  their  services. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

^       ^  A.  R.  WRIGHT, 

Brigadier  General  commandhtg  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  MAIIONE. 

Headquarters  Mahone's  Brigade,  Anderson's  Division,  > 

December  21,  18G2.  I 

To  Major  T.  S.  Mills, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Andersoiis  Division  : 

Major  :  In  response  to  the  call  from  division  headquarters,  I  beg 
to  present  the  following  statement  of  the  operations  of  this  brigade 
in  the  late  bombardment  and  battle  of  Fredericksburg  : 

Promptly  after  the  signal  of  alarm,  Thursday,  the  11  th  instant, 
the  brigade  was  placed  in  the  position  assigned  it  by  the  division  com- 
mander, immediately  in  rear  of  the  line  of  battle  selected  in  the 
event  of  any  attack  upon  our  own  front. 

For  the  most  part,  the  brigade  continued  under  arms  in  this  posi- 
tion during  the  period  of  the  fight,  and,  in  fact,  until  Tuesday,  the 
16th  instant,  when  the  enemy  evacuated  Fredericksburg  and  re- 
crossed  the  Rappahannock,  In  the  meantime,  however,  it  always  had 
a  regiment,  and  sometimes  two,  in  advance  of  the  batteries  on 
the  front,  which  were  exposed  to  the  enemy's  artillery  fire,  and  which, 
though  active,  and  especially  on  Saturday  and  Sunday,  occasioned  but 
eight  casualties  inr  the  brigade.-  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  add,  that 
much  work,  in  the  erection  of  batteries^and  rifle-pits,  was  performed 
by  the  troops  of  the  brigade,  during  the  four  days  of  the  battle  ; 
among  these  works  may  be  mentioned  the  one,  as  of  special  advantage, 
in  dislodging  the  enemy  from  behind  the  hills  on  the  right  of  the 
plank  road. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully  your  obedent  servant, 

WILLIAM  MAHONE, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  MILLER  OF  COBB'S  BRIGADE. 

Brigade  Headquarters,  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  ) 
December  20,  1862.  S 

Major  James  M.  Goggin, 

Assistant  Axijutant  General : 

1  have  the  honor  to  report  to   you   the  part  taken   by  this  brigade 
II  the  bivttle  of  Fre.leric-keburg  : 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth  ins^iant,  at  five  o'clock,  the  brigade 
was  put  under  arms  and  in  position,  and  80  remained  until  seven 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  the  eighteenth  and  twenty-fourth  Ge  irgia  regi- 
ments and  Phillips'  legion  were  marched  into  Fredericksburg  by  Gen- 
eral Cobb,  to  relieve  General  Barksdale,  and  took  posTtion  in  our  line 
of  battle  in  the  road  along  the  foot  of  Marye's  Ilill,  crossing  the  tel- 
egraph road,  by  wUch  the  enemy  advanced;  the  legion  on  the  left, 
twenty-fourth  Georgia  ia  the  centre,  and  eighteenth  on  the  right. 
The  men  lay  on  their  arms  during  the  night.  Our  pickets  and  scouts 
took  fifteen  prisoners.  Close  and  heavy  skirmishing  was  kept  up  du- 
ring Friday,  the  12th,  and  on  that  night  we  again  rested  on  our  aims. 

At  daybreak  on  the  13th,  skirmishing  again  commenced,  accompa- 
nied by  the  enemy's  shells  This  was  kept  up  continually  until  about 
eleven  o'clock,  A.  M  ,  when  the  advance  of  the  enemy  drove 
in  our  pickets,  and  his  column  approached  the  left  of  our  liae  by  the 
telegraph  road  and  deployed  towards  our  right.  IK^  had  succeeded 
in  planting  three  stands  of  colors  along  our  front,  and  wiSn  h;s  col-"" 
umn  had  been  deployed  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance  on  his  line, 
our  well-directed  fire  had  so  thinned  his  ranks  tha,t  the  survivors  re- 
treated. General  Cobb,  whose  fall  we  so  much  deplore,  lived  to  see 
this  firnt  signal  repulse  and  the  bravery  of  the  troops  be  -o  well  com- 
manded About  twelve  or  fifteen  minutes  thereafter  (^reueral  Cobb 
fell,  mortally  wounded,  and  I  too!i:  command  of  the  brigade.  Soon 
another  column,  heavier  than  the  first,  advanced  in  our  front,  and 
moved- steadily  forward  to  their  colors,  near  our  centre.  As  the  col- 
uix-n  approached,  I  directed  the  small  arms  to  cease  until  the  enemy 
should  get  nearer.  So  soon  as  he  got  within  certain  range,  our  firo 
mowed  down  his  ranks,  until  they  faltered  and  the  survivors  retreated. 
They  were  met  by  a  ftrong  reinforcement  and  again  advanced  upon 
us  in  heavier  force,  and  this  time  the  slaughter  in  their  ranks  was 
terrific,  and  we  again  drove  them  back.  Column  after  column  was 
brought  up  during  the  afternoon,  and  the  battle  continued  until  after 
dark.  In  every  attack  the  enemy  was  repulsed  with  immense  slaughter. 
During  the  afternoon  a  courier  informed  me  that  you  had  sent  the  six- 
teenth Georgia  regiment  to  the  mill,  to  await  orders.  I  sent  for  that 
regiment  and  placed  it  on  our  right,  to  strengthen  and  protf.-ct  that 
point,  which  it  held  during  the  remainder  of  the  engagement.  We  rested 
on  our  ai  ms  that  night  and  throughout  the  next  day.  Sunday,  tho  1 4th, 
a  close,  heavy  and  continuous  skirmish  fire  was  kept  up.  Ou  Sunday 
night  we  were  relieved  by  General  Semraes. 


495 

I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  cool  bravery  of  both  officers 
K     "^^"'j*^^   the   promptuess  and  chcerfulaesa    with    which    they 

tTkoTt:nT'' f /:>'""  '''^ '^*?^ '' «^-" - -^ ^'-t toil 

lest  now  well  they  acted  their  part. 

Annexed  is  a  list  of  killed  and  woandcd. 

Very  respectfully,  &c..,  cVa  , 

ROBERT  M.  MILLER, 

Colond  coinrixondmg  bi  igad<. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PERRY. 

Headquarters  Perry's  Brigade,  December  18,  1862. 

Major  Thomas  S.  Mills, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General: 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  the  reports  of  com- 
laanders  of  the  Donaldsonville  artillery  battery  and  the  eighth  Florida 
regiment,  the  only  portions  of  my  brigade  engaged  in  the  recent  bat- 
tle on  the  Rappahannock  river: 

The  eighth  Florida  regiment  having  been  detailed  for  picket  duty 
and  placed  temporarily  under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Barks- 
dale,  commanding  the  picket  forces  at  Fredericksburg,  I  am  unable 
to  give  additional  information  to  that  contained  in  Captain'  Lang's 
report,  to  Mhich  I  call  your  attention,  I  addressed  a  note  to  Briga- 
dier General  Barksdale,  relative  to  three  companies  of  this  regiment, 
which  were  detailed  from  the  regiment  by  General  Barksdale  and 
assigned  to  a  position  apart  from  the  regiment.  General  Barksdale 
replied  that  they  were  probably  taken  prisoners  by  the  enemy.  1 
have  been  able  to  obtain  no  further  information  upon  the  subject.  I 
respectfully  call  to  the  attention  of  the  General  the  gallant  conduct  of 
the  Donaldsonville  battery  throughout  the  entire  engagement.  Both 
officers  and  men  stood  bravely  and  faithfully  at  their  posts,  and, 
while  exposed  to  an  unusuall^'^  heavy  £re,  the  guns  were  handled  with 
masterly  skill  and  with  great  eftect. 

The  loss  in  the  brigade  is  ninety-four  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
Of  this  number,  eight  were  killed,  forty-three  wounded  and  forty-three 
missing.  Of  these,  the  eighth  Florida  regiment  lost  seven  killed, 
thirty-seven  wounded  and  forty-three  missing.  The  fifth  Florida  regi- 
ment had  one  wounded.  The  battery  had  one  killed  and  five  wounded. 
I  have  the  honor,  Major,  to  be  very  respectfully,  kc, 

E.  A.  PERRY, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT    OF     COLONEL-    HALL,    COMMANDING    COOK'S 

BRIGADE. 

Headquarters  Cooke's  Brigade,  Ikcernber  17,  1862. 

Captain:  Early  on  the  mornjng  of  the  11th  instant,  the  brigade, 
under  the  command  of  General  Cooke,  was  ordered  to  the  front,  oppo- 
site Fredericksburg,  where  we  remained  in  position  until  about  twelve 
o'clock,  Saturday  the  1 3th,  at  which  time  the  engagement  Wiis  going 
on  in  our  front. 

The  brigade  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  as  follows:  The  twenty- 
Feventh  on  the  right,  forty-eighth  next,  fifteenth  on  the  left.  Ys^e 
moved  into  action  by  regiments.  After  advancing  about  two  hundred 
yards,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  shell  and  musketry,  we  arrived  at  the 
crest  of  Willis'  Hill,  which  overlooks  the  battle-field,  on  which  hill 
eeveral  batteries  Avere  placed. 

With  the  exception  of  the  twenty-seventh,  the  brigade  was  halted 
en  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  delivered  its  fire  on  the  advancing  column 
of  the  enemy,  who  was  then  engaged  in  making  a  furious  assault  on 
cur  front  line,  which  was  covered  by  a  long  stone  wall  at  the  foot  of 
ihe  hill;  which  assault,  on  the  arrival  of  the  brigade,  was  repulsed, 
with  great  loss  to  the  enemy.  The  enemy,  that  time,  succeeded  in 
getting  up  to  within  forty  yards  of  the  wall. 

After  the  repulse  of  the  enemy,  the  forty-sixth  was  moved  down 
the  hill  behind  the  fence,  supporting  Cobb's  brigade.  The  twenty- 
geventh  and  forty -sixth  remained  behind  the  fence,  and  the  forty- 
eighth  and  fifteenth  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  all  day. 

Six  different  times  during  the  day  did  the  enemy  advance  his 
Leavily  reinforced  columns,  and  each  time  was  driven  back,  with  im- 
mense loss.  The  action  ceased  at  night,  when  the  brigade  was 
withdrawn  and  resumed  the  position  they  occupied  previous  to  the 
«ction. 

I  regret  to  have  to  state  that  our  brave  commander  was  severely 
wounded  early  in  the  action. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  state  that,  without  exception,  the 
coiiduct  of  the  different  regiments  composing  this  brigade  was  de- 
serving of  the  most  unqualified  approbation. 

No  engagement  having  taken  place  the  next  day,  the  commanders 
:f  the  different  regiments  were  ordered  to  entrench  themselves  that 
Ziight,  and  before  day  each  had  opened  ditches  sufficient  to  cover 
their  whole  commands  ;  and,  the  night  after,  two  additional  works 
were  completed,  sufficient  for  two  more  regiments. 

On  Sunday  morning  the  brigade  was  relieved  by  General  Jenkins, 
and  ordered  back  to  camp. 

I  regret  to  say  the  loss  of  the  brigade  was  heavy.  A  correct  list  of 
casualties  will  be  handed  in. 

I  have  the  honor  to  bo, 

E.  D.  HALL, 
CUond  (oinmandiiig  Cook's  Brigade. 
32 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  LAW. 

Brigade  Headquarters,  December  17,  1862. 
Major  W.  11.  SuLLv,  A.  A.  G.  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  by  my  command  in   tho 
•engagement  near  Fredericksburg,  on  Saturday,  December  13,  1862: 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  my  brigade  formed  a  portion  of  the 
second  or  reserve  line,  extending  along  the  range  of  hills  from  the 
vicinity  of  Hamilton's  Crossing  to  Dr.  Reynolds'  house.  On  the 
plateau,  directly  in  front  of  the  position  occupied  by  my  brigade,  and 
about  five  hundred  yards  distant,  the  skirt  of  timber  bordering  on 
Deep  Run,  from  its  confluence  with  the  Rappahannock,  abruptly  ter- 
minates. From  this  point  to  the  river  the  channel  of  the  run  becomes 
ajradually  wider  and  deeper,  its  general  direction  being  almost  perpen- 
dicular to  our  own  line  and  that  of  the  enemy,  on  the  Bowling  Green 
road.  I  received  orders,  during  the  morning,  from  Major  General 
Hood,  commanding  the  division,  to  render  assistance  to  Major  Gen- 
eral A.  P.  Hill's  troops,  in  the  event  it  should  be  required ;  and  waa 
ordered  by  General  Hill  to  support  Brigadier  General  Pender,  who 
held  the  left  of  the  first  line,  to  my  front  and  right.  At  three  o'clock 
m  the  afternoon  a  force  of  the  enemy  defiled  from  the  wood  on  Deep 
Run  and,  forming  into  line  of  battle,  advanced  upon  Latimer's  bat- 
r>ery,  which  was  posted  on  the  plateau  on  General  Pender's  left  and 
supported  by  one  of  his  regiments.  Perceiving  this  attack,  I  moved 
my  brigade  forward  to  the  edge  of  the  timber,  in  rear  of  the  battery. 
Detaching  the  fifty-seventh  and  fifty-fourth  North  Carolina  regiments, 
I  advanced  with  them  to  attack  the  enemy,  who  had  now  gained  the 
line  of  the  railroad,  which  crosses  the  plateau  directly  in  front  of  the 
bjitery  and  about  two  hundred  yards  from  it.  The  enemy  wa"^ 
promptly  driven  from  the  railroad  by  the  fifty -seventh  North  Caro- 
lina, which  w'as  in  advance,  and  the  regiment  continued  to  move 
steadily  forward  to  within  three  hundred  y^rds  of  the  Bowling  Green 
road,  driving  his  infantry  before  it.  During  the  action  a  body  of 
the  enemy  opened  fire  from  the  wood  bordering  the  run, upon  the. left 
of  the  advancing  line.  This  was  promptl3^  checked  by  a  fire  from  the 
left  of  the  fifty-seventh  and  from  the  fifty-foUrth,  which  changed 
front  obliquely  to  the  left  in  order  to  face  the  wood.  In  the  mean- 
time, the  fourth  Alabama  had  been  brought  forward  in  front  of  the 
battery  as  a  support.  Having  accomplished  my  purpose  of  driving 
the  enemy  from  the  vicinity  of  the  battery,  I  ordered  the  twjj  regi- 
ments in  advance  to  retire  and  take  position  on  the  railroad,  which 
they  held  until  after  dark,  when  they  were  relieved  by  the  sixth 
North  Carolina.  The  conduct  of  the  fifty-seventh  and  fifty-fourth 
North  Carolina  regiments  was  admirable.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly 
)f  their  steady  courage  in  advancing,  and  the  coolness  with  which 
they  retired  to  the  line  of  railroad-  when  ordered.  Colonel  Godwin, 
commanding  the  fifty-seventh,  and  Colonel  McDowell,  commanding 


499 


the  fifty-fourth,  ably  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Colonels  Jones  and  Mur- 
chison,  handled  their  commands  with  great  skill  and  coolness.  The 
oflBcers  of  my  staff,  Captain  Terrell,  assistant  adjutant  general,  and 
Lieutenant  Capons,  aid-de-camp,  were,  as  usual,  conspicuous  for  gal- 
lantry and  usefulness,  contributing  materially  by  their  exertions  to 
the  good  conduct  of  the  troops.  It  is  with  deep  sorrow  that  I  report 
the  death  of  private  V.  S.  Smith,  of  the  fourth  Alabama  regiment, 
an  acting  officer  on  my  staff.  Alabama  never  bore  a  braver  son,  and 
our  country's  cause  has  never  received  the  sacrifice  of  a  manlier 
spirit.  He  fell,  where  the  hour  of  danger  always  found  him,  at  his 
post.     The  following  is  a  recapitulation  of  the  loss  of  the  brigade  : 


,        Rbgiment. 

Killed. 

32 
9 
6 
4 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

Fifty-«evciith  North  Cftroiina 

90 
35 
19 
18 
2 

2 

Fifty-fourth  North  Carolina 

3 

Sixth   North    Cfirolina, 

Fourth   Alabama 

Forty- fourth  Alivbfinia 

Total 

60 

1G4 

5 

am,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

E.  M.  LAW,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  SEMMES. 

IIbadquarters  Semmes'  Brigade,      ) 
Camp  near  Fredericksburg,  Dece7nber  22,   1862.  I 

Major  J.  M.  Goggin,  A.  A.  G.: 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  herewith  a  list  of  the  casualties 
in  my  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  froto  the  11th  to  the 
loth,  inclusive.  Except  -when  posted  in  the  road,  at  the  foot  of 
Marye's  Hill,  on  the  1 4th  and  15th,  my  brigade  was  not  under  fire 
from  small  arms.  It  was  only  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy's 
artillery,  from  which  it  suftered  but  little. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

PAUL  J.  SEMMES, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PAXTON. 

Headquarters  Paxton's  Brigade,  Jackson's  Division, 
Camp  near  CorbiTi's  Farm,  December  24,  1862. 

Captain  W.  T.  Taliaferro, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Captain  :  In  pursuance  of  the  order  from  the  division  commander 
to  report  the  participation  of  my  brigade  in  the  battle  near  Freder- 
icksburg, I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  my  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
second,  fourth,  fifth,  t\yenty-Beventh  and  thirty-third  Virginia  regi- 
ments and  Carpenter's  battery,  numbering  in  all  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty-three  officers  and  eleven  hundred  men,  marched  from  its 
encampment  near  Guineas  Depot,  on  Friday  morning,  the  12th  in- 
stant, at  daybreak.     After  reaching   the  battle-field,    and   frequent 
changes  of  positions,  when  the  engagement  commenced,  my  brigade  ' 
occupied    a  position  near  the  crest  of  the  hill,  some  four  hundred 
yards  in  the  rear  of  General  Gregg's  brigade,  of  A.  P.  Hill's  division, 
my  right  resting  on  the  left  of  Ewell's  division.     My  orders  were  to 
support  General  Gregg,  and  be  governed  in  my  action  by  his  move- 
ments.    Upon  a  report  from  my  orderly,  Mr.  F,  C.  Cox,  whom  I  hail 
sent  forward  to  give  me  information,  that  Gregg's  brigade  was  mov- 
ing, I  ordered  my  brigade  to  the  front  in  lino  of  battle.     About  tha 
time  of  reaching  General  Gregg's  position,  the  second  Virginia  regi- 
ment, occupying  theright  of  my  line,  came  in  view  of  the  enemy,  and. 
under  the  order  of  Captain  J.  Q.  A.  Nadenbousch,  commanding  the 
regiment,  filed  obliquely  to  the  right  and  rear,  but  scarcely  effected 
its  change  of  position  when  it  was  fired  upon  by  the  enemy.     Expect- 
ing, from  the  indications,  .that  my  troops  would  be  engaged  in  this 
position,  I  proceeded  to  bring  forward  the  fifth  and  fourth  regiments 
at  double-quick,  and  post  them  upon  the  right  of  the  second  regiment, 
and    to    put    the    twenty-seventh    and    thirty-third    regiments    in 
position   upon  its  left.     These  dispositions,  however,  were  not  ac- 
complished until  fhe  firing  ceased,  the  enemy  having  been  gallantly 
repulsed  by  the  second  regirlint.     Soon  after  I  changed  my  position, 
and  occupied  the  military  road.     Whilst  there,  I  found  that  troops 
were  falling  back  in  disorder  past  the  right  of  my  line,  when  I  deemed 
it  prudent  to  move  some  three  hundred  yards  to  the  right,  upon  the 
road,  to  guard  against  an   advance  of  the  enemy  in  that  direction. 
Again  1  changed  position,  and  occupied  the  line  of  the  fence  in  front 
That  night  my  brigade  slept  on  their  arms  on  the  military  road,  and 
the  next  morning  before  daylight,  in  pursuance  of  an  order  from  the 
division  commander,  took  a  position  on  the  railroad,  my  right  resting 
opposite  the  position  which  my  left  had  occupied  on  the  military  road. 
Here  the  day  passed  off  quietly,  with  the  exception  of  occasional  firing 
batween  the  pickets.     Carpenter's  battery  was   detached   from   my 
brigade  on  the  12th,  and  was  not  under  my  orders  during  the  engage 


502 

ment.     A  report  of  its  participation  in  the  engagement  by  Lieutenant 
McKendree,  commanding,  is  transmitted  herewith. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  my  regimental  officers,  Captains  Naden- 
bousch  and  Colston,  acting  field  oiEcers  of  the  second  Virginia  regi- 
ment ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardiner  and  Major  Terry,  fourth  Virginia 
regiment ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Williams  and  Captain  Newton,  fifth 
Virginia  regiment;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Edmondson  and  Major  Shri-*- 
ver,  forty-serenth  Virginia  regiment,  and  Colonel  Lee,  thirty-third 
Virginia  regiment,  for  the  exhibition  of  great  gallantry,  skill  and 
coolness  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardi- 
ner, after  having  passed  unhurt,  and  distinguished  for  his  gallantry 
through  all  the  Ijattles  of  the  campaign,  (Port  Republic,  Richmond, 
Cedar  Mountain,  Manassas  and  Sharpsburg,)  fell,  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment,  severely,  if  not  fatally,  wounded.  To  Adjutant  C.  S.  Ar- 
nall,  fifth  Virginia  regiment,  acting  as  my  assistant  adjutant  general, 
the  highest  praise  is  due  for  hi^  gallant  and  energetic  discharge  of  the 
duties  incident  to  the  position.  To  the  rank  and  file  of  my  command 
I  am  especially  grateful,  for  the  courage,  fidelity  and  promptness 
exhibited  in  obeying  my  orders.  My  brigade  sustained  a  loss  of  four 
killed,  sixty. nine  wounded,  one  missing;  total,  seventy- four.  The 
reports  of  regimental  and  battery  commanders,  with  lists  of  casualties, 
are  transmitted  herewith. 

Respectfully, 

E.  F.  PAXTON; 
Brigadier  General, 


REPORT  OF   COLONEL   IIOKE,  COMMANDING    BRIGADE. 

IlEADQUARTEug  Trimble's  Brigade,  Dcc.  19,  1SG2. 

Major  S.  Hale,  # 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  EiceWs  Division  : 

Major  :  I  respectfully  report  that  on  Saturday,  13th  of  this  month. 
I  received  orders  from  General  Eirly,  to  form  ray  brigaae  imtaedi- 
atcly  behind  General  Havs'  brigade,  with  my  right  resting  upon  the 
Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad,  at  Hamilton's  Crossing,  about 
four  miles  ftom  Fredericksburg.  I  remained  in  this  position  for  about 
two  hours, 'under  a  very  heavy  cannonading,  and  lost  a  number  of 
men  in  this  place.  Tbe  infantry  firing  at  the  front  became  quite 
heavy,  and  General  Early  ordered  me  to  move  my  brigade  by  the  left 
flank,  and  let  my  right  rest  upon  the  left  of  General  Hays.  I  had 
scarcely  gotten  in  this  position  before  he  ordered  mo  to  the  front  to 
the  support  of  General  Archer.  I  moved  promptly  and  steadily  to 
the  front,  and  found  General  Archer  had  been  driven  bick,  and  the  en- 
emy had  occupied  the  woods  upon  the  top  of  the  hill.  I  soon  drove 
them  from  this  position,  and  found,  upon  getting  to  the  entrenchments 
at  the  edge  of  the  wood?,  that  they  had  retreated  to  the  railroad,  in 
which  place  they  had  held  reserves.  I  saw  that  it  would  not  do  to 
allow  them  to  remain  in  the  railroad,  as  that  point  commanded  a  large 
portion  of  our  entrenchments  at  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  that  I 
would  lose  from  their  sharpshooters,  so  I  immediately  ordered  a 
charge,  and  drove  them  from  their  place,  killing  about  two  hundred, 
and  wounding  a  large  number,  one  hundred  of  whom  fell  into  my  hands, 
I  must  have  wounded  quite  a  number  of  the  enemy  at  this  point  who 
were  able  to  make  their  escape,  as  I  was  immediately  upon  them.  I  also 
captured  about  three  hundred  prisoners.  I  had  brought  from  this 
point  about  four  hundred  stand  of  arms,  and  left  a  number  across  the 
railroad.  After  driving  them  from  the  railroad,  I  followed  them  to 
the  fence  beyond  the  road,  and  at  this  point  halted  to  see  if  I  couM  go 
farther.  While  I  was  in  this  position,  the  main  line  of  the  enemy 
gave  back  about  fifty  yards, -and  my  opinion  is,  that  if  a  brigade  had 
been  upon  my  right  we  could  have  driven  the  whole  line.  I  remained  in 
this  position  for  some  time,  to  see  if  any  other  forces  were  coming 
forward,  and  in  the  meantime  the  enemy  threw  a  brigade  down  the 
river  road,  preparatory  to  making  an  attack  upon  my  right  flank,  and 
seeing  my  position  would  soon  become  a  critical  one,  I  ordered  the 
twenty-first  North  Carolina  and  twenty-first  Georgia  regiments  and 
first  North  Carolina  battalion  back  to  the  railroad,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Harper,  with  orders  to  hold  it  to  the  last,  and  ordered  the 
fifteenth  Alabama  and  twelfth  Georgia  regiments  back  to  the  en- ' 
trenchments  at  the  edge  of  the  woods,  all  of  which  was  done  effectu- 
ally ami  promptly,  and  with  a  very  slight  loss.  My  loss  in  this  charge 
and  fulling  back,  was  only  two  men  killed  and  about  thirty  wounded, 
most  of  which  w^re  very  slight.     Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott  was  killed 


504 

while  falling  back  to  the  woods.  He  acted  most  galhmtly,  ami  di-i 
his  duty  nobly.  I  held  my  position  iu  the  railroad,  and  at  the  edge 
of  the  woods,  until  Monday  morning,  15th,  at  which  time  I  was  re- 
lieved by  Gen.  D.  II.  Iliirs  troops.  1  cannot  say  too  much  in  praise  of 
the  officers  and  men  under  my  command  ;  all  did  their  duty  nobly,  and 
went  into  the  fight  with  a  spirit  of  dclermination,  and  it  would  be  do- 
ing injustice  to  note  any  one  particurarly.  Captain  A.  Hoffman,  act- 
ting  ordnance  officer,  was  of  great  service  to  me  upon  the  field,  "My 
tabular  repojt  of  killed  and  wounded  has  been  sent  in.  The  report  of 
the  action  of  the  battery  attached  to  this  brigade  will  be  made  by 
Captain  Latimer,  who  was  acting  chief  of  artillery  on  that  day. 
Vary  respectfully, 

R.  F.  HOKE, 
Colonel  commandlvg  Brigade,    • 
Official  copy : 

S.  Hale,  Acting  Assistavt  Aojxdant  General. 


i 


REPORT    OF    COLONEL    YvALKER,    COMMANDING    BRI- 
GADE. 


Headquarters  Early's  Brigade,  > 
December  !>6th,  1863.      J 

Major  S,  Hale,  . 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  Operations  of  Earlj's  brigade  in  the 
battle  near  Fredericksburg,  on  the  I3th  instant: 

We  were  placed  in  position  bv  General  Early,  commanding  divis- 
ion, in  the  second  line  of  battle,  supporting  A.  P.  Ilill's  division. 
The  action  had  not  continued  over  half  an  hour,  before  I  received  an 
order  from  General  Early  (through  Major  Wilson,  volunteer  aid,)  to 
advance  at  double-quick,  as  the  enemy  had  cut  their  way  through  the 
first  line,  and  were  advancing.  I  put  the  brigade  in  motion,  and  met 
the  enemy  about  the  middle  of  the  woods,  but  they  fell  back  as  we 
came  up,  and  we  continued  to  press  them  closely,  driving  thorn  across 
the  railroad,  and  following  them  some  distance  beyond  into  the  open 
field.  When  we  reached  the  railroad  there  was  no  support  on  our  left, 
and  a  large  column  of  Federal  infantry  were  moving  across  the  rail- 
road, about  four  hundred  yards  to  our  left,  and  entering  the  woods. 
Fearing  to  advance  further  to  "bur  front,  I  drew  my  command  back 
to  the  railroad  and  held  that  position,  after  detailing  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Terrill,  with  the  thirteenth  Virginia,  to  deploy  his  regiment  on 
,  our  left  flank,  and  directing  him  to  advance  under  cover  of  the  tim- 
ber to  engage  the  enemy's  column  on  our  left  upon  the  flank.  This 
was  done  promptly,  and  Thomas' brigade,  of  A.  P.  Hill's  division,  en- 
gaging them,  in  front  about  the  same  time,  they  fell  back  in  good  or- 
der, but  scarcely  firing  a  gun  in  their  retreat.  The  two  fires  told 
severely  upon  them,  as  the  large  number  of  dead  and  wounded  left  on 
that  part  of  the  field  clearly  sho.ved.  After  this  column  of  the  en- 
emy fell  back,  there  was  for  some  time  no  body  of  their  troops  in 
sight,  but  not  deeming  it  prudent  to  give  up  the  advantage  of  our 
position  by  advancing  in  pursuit  over  the  open  plain,  I  continued  to 
hold  the  railroad  for  the  remainder  of  the  evening  without  any  mo- 
lestation from  the  tncmy,  further  than  by  forming  a  fresh  lino  of 
troops  in  sight,  but  out  of  our  range,  and  throwing  out  skirmishers, 
who  kept  up  a  straggling  fire  until  night.  After  dark,  I  left  picket* 
on  the  railroad,  and  withdrew  my  command  back  into  the  woods  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night. 

Early  the  next  morning,  we  were  relieved  by  Paxton's  brigade  and' 
joined  the  division. 

Our  loss  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-seven  in  killed  and  wounded. 
I  cannot  close  without  expressing  my  admiration  for  the  manner  ia 
.which  this  brigade  performed  its  duty,  and  the  gallantry  and  bravery 


506 

exhibited  by  both  officers  and  men.  I  had  no  trouble  in  getting  tliem 
to  fight,  but  a  good  deal  to  get  thtm  to  stop,  when  in  my  opinion  it 
was  imprudent  to  go  further. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

J.    A.  WA-LKER, 
•  Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 

Official  copy  : 

S.  Hal£,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General.  • 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HAYS. 

Headquarters  F[rst  Louisiana  Brigade,  > 
•December  19,  1862.      ) 

To  Major  Hale, 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant   General : 

Major  :  On  arriving  at  Hamilton's  Crossing,  on#tlie  Richmond  anl 
Fredericksburg  railroad,  Saturday,  the  13th  instant,  about  ten. 
o'clock,  I  proceeded  to  place  my  brigade,  according  to  orders,  in 
line  of  battle,  with  my  right  resting  on  the  railroad  and  the  line  ex- 
tended on  the  road  leading  to  Spotsylvania  Court-House.  Here  I 
was  directed  to  remain,  and  to  take  advantage  of  the  shelter  aflorded 
by  the  hills  on  the  north. 

A  short  while  before  noon  an  order  was  conveyed  to  me  to  advance 
in  line,  through  the  woods,*  towards  the  front.  I  accordingly  put  my 
line  in  motion.  While  advancing,  I  was  informed  of  the  existence  of 
a  ditch  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  overlooking  the  river  bottom,  and 
directed  to  occupy  it  as  a  rifle-pit.  But,  on  reaching  the  place,  I 
discovered  other  troops  in  possession  of  the  ditch,  and  accordingly 
halted  my  line  a  few  yards  in  their  rear,  in  readiness  to  advance  in 
support.  In  this  position  I  continued  the  remainder  of  the  day  and 
the  night  following. 

The  next  morning,  the  14th  instant,  at  dawn,  my  brigade  was 
moved  several  hundnjd  yards  to  the  left,  on  a  line  with  the  ditch 
above  referred  to,  in  rear  of  and  supporting  General  Paxton's  brig- 
ade, tlTfen  occupying  the  railroad.  While  in  this  position,  I  was 
directed  to  send  a  regiment  to  fill  up  a  gap  in  the  line  along  the  rail- 
road, between  the  brigades  of  General  Paxton  and  General  Trimble, 
then  commanded  by  Cclonel  Hoke.  The  seventh  Louisiana  regiment 
was  sent  to  c.omplet4'this  line.  The  remainder  of  the  brigade  con- 
tinued to  occupy  the  line  indicated  during  Sunday,  the  14th  instant, 
and  the  night  succeeding. 

In  the  morning  following,  the  15th  instant,  I  resumed  my  original 
place,  near  Hamilton's  Crossing,  and  there  remained  until  the^.  l€th 
instant,  when  I  was  ordered  to  occupy  a  line  in  rear  of  the  batteries 
posted  on  the  hill,  with  ray  right  resting  on  the  railroad.  I  had 
barely  reached  my  position,  when,  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  being 
discovered,  I  was  ordered  back  to  the  crossing,  and,  in  a  short 
time  thereafter,  took  up  the  line  of  march  in  the  direction  of  Port 
Royal. 

My  loss,  amounting  to  nine  killed,  forty -four  wounded,  and  one 
missing,  was  inflicted  by  the  enemy's  batteries,  while  advancing  in 
line,  on  the  13th  instant,  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  in  front. 

I  have  to  commend  the  zealous  promptness  of  officers  and  men  in 
obeying  my  orders,  and  the  earnest  desire  they  evinced  to  meat  the 
enemy.     And,  I  am  happy  to  add,  there  was  less  straggling  during 


508 

the  Beveral  days  of  the  recent  engagements,  than  I  have  ever  known. 
To  Captain  New  and  Lieutenant  Macon,  of  my  staff,  I  am  indebted 
for  the  cheerful  discharge  of  their  respective  duties. 

HARRY  T.  HAYS, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT    OF     COLOKEL    KENNEDY     COMMANDING 

BRIGADE. 

Headquarters  Second  South  Carolina  Regiment,  ) 

December  20,  1863.      J 

Captain  C.  H.  Holmes, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Kershaw'' s  Brigade  : 

Captain  :  Between  twelve  and  one  o'clock  on  Saturday,  the  13th 
ultimo,  Lieutenant  Dwight,  of  General  Kershaw's  staff,  ordered  mo  to 
take  my  regiment,  the  second,  and  the  eighth.  Captain  Stackhouse, 
to  the  support  of  General  Cobb,  on  thetelegraph#bad.  I  moved  out, 
left  in  front,  the  eighth  following.  In  rear  of  the  extreme  right  bat- 
tery of  Colonel  Walton's  artillery  (on  Fuller's  Hill)  I  halted  the 
gecondj-egiment  until  Captain  Stackhouse  closed  up.  I  then  moved  the 
two  regiments  into  the  field  to  the  leftof  the  wood,  (in  which  I  had  halted,) 
fronted,  and  advanced  in  line  of  battle,  making  the  eighth  the  battal- 
ion of  direction,  and  obliquing  to  the  right,  so  as  throw  the  two  com- 
mands between  the  two  right  batteries  of  the  Washington  artillery 
(Colonel  Walton's)  on  the  hill  and  the  Marye  house.  The  fire  of  shell 
and  small  arms  was  terrific,  raking  the  whole  field.  The  men  moved 
forward  in  fine  style,  obeying  promptly  every  command  issued.  When 
I  arrived  at  the  crest  of  the  hill  I  gave  the  command  **  doable-quick," 
and  moved  the  two  regiments  to  the  stone  fence  on  the  telegraph  road 
where  General  Cobb  was  posted.  One  volley  was  fired  befbre  reach- 
ng  it,  and  that  by  the  eighth  regiment.  The  eighth  regiment,  sup- 
ported a  portion  of  General  Cobb's  brigade,  to  the  right,  and  the 
secQcd  was  disposed  as  follows  :  three  companies  on  the  left  of  the 
eighth,  one  company  and  the  half  of  another  at  the  small  house  near 
the  centre  of  General  Cobb's  line,  (where  General  Kershaw  made  his 
headquarters,)  three  companies  and  a  half  to  the  left  of  this  house, 
behind  a  stone  walT,  in  rear  of  the  twenty-fourth  Georgia  regiment. 
Captain  Pulliam,  with  his  company,  came  up  shortly  after  this  dispo- 
sition of  my  command,  and  was  sent  to  a  stone  fence,  where  the  Philips' 
legion  (of  General  Cobb's  brigade)  was  posted,  to  the  left  of  the 
twenty-fourth  Georgia,  and,  although  later  in  the  action  than  the  rest 
of  my  regiment,  (having  failed  to  hear  the  order  to  move  out'  of  the 
trenches,)  did  fine  execution.  The  action  continuing  until  after  dark, 
advance  after  advance  cf  the  foe  was  repelled.  The  whole  regiment 
acted  with  cool  daring  and  high  courage  ;  men  never  did  their  duty 
more  thoroughly.  My  position  being  in  the  centre,  I  appointed  Cap- 
tain Wallace  to  superintend  the  operation  of  the  left  wing,  and  Captain 
Leitner  the  three  companies  on  the  right.  I  gave  my  attention  to 
the  operations  of  both,  and  of  the  centre.  These  officers  deserve 
notice  for  their  deliberative,  prompt  execution  of  every  order.  Major 
GailTard  was  slightly  wounded  in  advancing  across  the  field,  com- 
manding the  second  South  C;irolina  regiment,  (I,  acting  as  commander 
of  both  battalions,  the  second  and  eighth  )      Shortly   after  reaching 


510 

the  stone  wall,  General  Kershaw  detailed  him  to  convey  some  order, 
arid,  in  executing  the  commission,  he  was  wounded  in  the  foot  and 
coicpelled  to  leave  the  field,  Thus  I  was  deprived  of  his  valuable 
assistance,  and  the  regiment  of  that  pliant  bearing  which  he  has  ex- 
hibited on  so  many  fields.  Of  the  conduct  of  Captain  Wallace,  acting 
:ts  field  officer,  I  cannot  speak  too  highly ;  he  elicited  the  highest 
admiration,  and  is  deserving  of  special  mention.  No  braver  man 
ever  trod  the  field  of  battle.  Captain  Cuthbert's  company  had  been  de- 
ployed to  the  right  of  the  creek  early  in  the  morning,  and  remaining 
until  after  dark,  doing  execution  in  the  i'anks  of  the  enemy.  The 
exalted  courage,  enthusiasm  and  chivalric  daring  of  its  commanding 
officer  are  always  guarantees  of  its  good  success.  Lieutenants  Elliott 
and  Fishburn,  of  this  company,  were  wounded,  gallantly  discharging 
their  duty.  Capt^ns  Pulliam,  Moore,  Cunningham,  Graham,  and 
Lieutenants  Maxwell,  Brown,  Perry  and  Wallace,  commanding  com- 
panies, and  their  lieutenants,  all  acted  with  conspicuous  bravery,  and 
deserve  my  t^ianks  for  their  hearty  co-operation.  It  is  useless  to 
mention  individual  instances  of  courage,  they  are  too  numerous ; 
'suffice  it  to  eay,  the  regiment  never  acted  with  more  coolness.  Adju- 
tant Sill  was  of  every  assistance  to  me,  and  exhibited  great  gallantry. 
Mr.  B.  Moses,  of  company  D,  acting  as  orderly  to  me,  bore  himself 
well,  but  was  disabled  before  reaching  the  wall  and  compelled  to  retire. 
IS.  F.  Boozer,  of  company  F,  acting  as  same,  coolly  conveyed  several 
orders  to  different  parts  of  the  regiment,  and  was  wounded  by  my 
side.  His  demeanor  was  inspiriting.  Captain  Stackhouse,  while 
under  my  command,  (which  was  until  General  Kershaw  reached  the 
stone  wall  and  assumed  command,)  acted  deliberately  and  commanded 
his  rnen  with  success  and  bravery.  Number  of  officers  and  men  car- 
ried into  action,  three  hundred  and  fifty.  Officers  killed,  none ;  men 
killed,  six.  Officers  wounded,  seven  ;  men  wounded,  fifty-five.  Total 
killed  and  wounded,  sixty-two. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

JOHN  D.  KENNEDY, 
Colonel  comviandTng  second  S.  C.  V. 


KEPORT  OF  COLONEL  EVANS,  COMMANDING  BRIGADE. 


Headquarters  Lawton's  Brigade, 
Near  Fori  Boijal,   Va.,  Dec.    19,   1862 


.1 


Major  S.  Hale, 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General  : 

Major:  On  the  13th  instant,  about  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Lawton's 
brigade,  Colonel  E.  N.  Atkinson  commanding,  was  formed  in  lin'e  of 
battle  in  a  wood  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  west  of  the  railroad, 
nearly  opposite  Hamilton's  Crossing,  below  Fredericksburg,  Virginia, 
the  right  resting  on  the  left  of  another  brigade  of  Ewell's  division, 
the  thirteenth  Georgia,  Colonel  J.  M.  Smith  commanding,  being  the 
extreme  right,  and  successively  towards  the  left  the  sixtieth  Georgia, 
(Colonel  W.  H.  Stiles,)  sixty-first  Georgia,  (Colonel  J.  H.  Lamar,) 
thirty-eighth  Georgia,  (Captain  William  McLeod,)  thirty-firat 
Georgia,  (Colonel  C.  A.  Evans,)  and  the  twenty-sixth  Georgia,  (Cap- 
tain Grace,)  being  six  regiments,  numbering  about  two  thousand  rank 
and  file.  While  thus  resting  in  line  the  shells  of  the  enemy  fell  upon 
the  regiments  on  the  right,  wounding  several,  but  was  borne  without 
flinching  by  men  who,  in  many  engagements,  have  proven  themselves 
not  deficient  in  courage  or  patriotism.  About  half-past  one  o'clock 
the  brigade  was  ordered  forward,  and  all  the  regiments  advanced  at 
once,  in  line,  except  the  thirteenth  Georgia.  The  failure  of  this 
regiment  to  move  at  the  proper  time  is  subject  to  the  following  ex- 
planation :  While  in  line  this  regiment  rested  upon  the  slope  of  a 
hill  intervening  between  it  and  the  other  regiments,  which  prevented 
Colonel  Smith  from  observing,  at  the  time,  the  forward  movement  of 
the  brigade,  and  receiving  no  order  to  advance,  our  line  passed  out 
of  sii'ht  before  he  was  aware  that  he  had  been  left  behind.  Receiving 
i  rders,  communicated  by  yourself  soon  afterwards,  he  advanced  to 
rejoin  the  brigade,  but  was  too  late  to  participate  in  the  action.  Sub- 
f^equcntly,  being  ordered  to  join  Colonel  Hoke,  commanding  Trimble's 
brigade,  he  placed  his  regiment  in  a  trench  near  the  edge  of  the  field, 
on  Colonel  Hoke's  left,  where  he  remained  until  Monday  morning. 
In  the  meantime,  the  brigade  moving  forward  about  two  hundred  and 
fifty  yards,  Captain  Grace,  commanding  the  twenty-sixth  Georgia,  on 
the  left,  encountered  the  enemy,  being  apprised  of  their  proximity  to 
him  by  a  volley  poured  into  his  ranks,  which  for  a  moment  checked 
his  advance.  But  quickly  recovering,  the  regiment  delivered  its  fire, 
reloaded,  and,  advancing,  drove  the  enemy  before  them  through  the 
wGcds.  Having  encountered  the  enemy  so  soon  they  became  for  the 
time  separated  from  the  brigade,  and  on  reaching  the  ditch  which 
pkirted  the  edge  of  th«.  woods,  they  observed  the  remaining  regiments 
far  cut  on  the  plain.  Here  Captain  Grace  was  directed  to  halt  his 
command,  and  not  advance  into  the  open  field.  The  remaining  four 
regiments,  consisting  of  the  sixtieth  Georgia,  (Colonel  Stiles,)  sixty- 
firso   Georgia,   (Colonel    Lamar,)    thirty-eighth   Georgia,    (Captain 


512 

MoLeod,)  and  thirty-first  Georgia,  (Colonel  Evans,)  pushing  aheat', 
came  upon  the  enemy  in  a  minute  of  time  after  they  were  first  en- 
couniered  by  Captain  Grace,  receiving  their  fire  without  producing 
scarcely  a  perceptible  check,  fired  in  return,  and,  withr  loud  cheers, 
dashed  forward.  From  this  time  the  contest  consisted  of  but  a  series 
of  temporary  haUs  made  by  the  enemy,  only  to  be  driven  away  from 
their  positions.  At  the  railroad  the  enemy  made  their  most  deter- 
mined resistance,  and  for  a  few  minutes  poured  a  heavy  fire  into  our  line. 
Seeing  that  a  charge  was  the  most  effectual  plan  to  dislodge  them,  the 
order  was  given,  and  so  rapidly  accomplished  that  many  of  the  enemy 
■weTe  captured,  and  a  few,  in  their  attempts  to  get  away,  received  the 
application  of  the  bayonet.  As  an  incident  of  the  battle,  I  desire  to 
state  that  one  of  the  enemy,  after  surrendering,  leveled  his  gun  to  fire  at 
our  passing  line,  but  a  baj  onet  thrust  from  the  hands  of  Captain  W.  D. 
Wood,  of  the  thirty^-first  Georgia,  prevented  the  intended  barbarism.  At 
this  part  of  the  railroad  a  short  neck  of  woods  juts  out  into  the  plain  : 
80  that  on  our  right  and  left  were  the  open  field,  while  before  the  line 
lay  this  neck  of  thickly  matted  woods.  Under  its  shelter  the  enemy 
fled,  pursued  by  these  four  regiments  with  so  much  precipitation  that 
both  parties  entered  the  ditches  beyond  almost  together.  At  the 
railroad  and  in  these  ditches  a  large  number  of  prisoners  were  cap- 
tured and  sent  to  the  rear,  among  whom  was  one  colonel  and  several 
officers  of  minor  grade.  A  battery  posted  to  the  left,  on  a  hill  about; 
two  hundred  yards  distant  from  the  last  ditches  referred  to,  tempted 
the  troops  still  further  into  the  field,  firing  as  they  advanced  toward 
it  upon  men  and  horses  wit^j^  such  eifect  as  to  cause  a  portion  of  the 
battery  to  be  withdrawn  and  the  remainder  to  be  abandoned.  The 
prize  was  virtually  in  the  hands  of  these  gallant  men,  being  abandoned 
and  within  seventy-five  yards  of  the  place  wher^  they  stood,  but  at 
this  moment  a  heavy  line  of  the  enemy  advanced  on  our  right  flank, 
(learned  sinpe  to  have  been  General  Birney's  division,)  and  seeing 
that  all  had  beea  accomplished  which  was  in  the  power  of  these  men 
to  do,  I  communicated  to  them  the  order  to  retire  to  the  protection  of 
the  woods.  In  the  heat  of  the  contest  these  four  regiments  may  have 
"  gone  too  far,"  but  brave  men  in  that  important  struggle  feel  that 
they  scarcely  went  far  enough.  Colonel  Atkinson,  in  command  of 
the  brigade,  participating  fully  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  charge,  was 
■wounded  in  the  arm,  above  the  elbow,  soon  after  entering  the  field, 
and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Lamar,  wounded  by 
having  a  part  of  one  of  his  fingers  shot  off,  retired  from  the  ground  ; 
and  Major  McCarthy  succeeded  to  the  command,  leading  the  regiment 
into  the  open  plain,  assisted  by  Captain  Peter  Brennam.  Colonel  W. 
II.  Stiles,  commanding  his  regiment  through  the  entire  fight,  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  state,  did  his  dul^r,  and  did  it  well.  I  cannot  forbear 
to  mention,  in  terms  of  unqualified  praise,  the  heroism  of  Captain  E. 
P.  Lawton,  assistant  adjutant  general  of  the  Jjrigade,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  advance  until  near  the  close  of  the  figUt,  when  he  received 
a  dangerous  wound,  and  was  unavoidably  left  in  the  open  plain,  where 
he  fell.  Cheering  on  the  men,  leading  this  regiment,  or  restoring  tho 
line  of  another,  encouraging  officers,  he  was  everywhere   aloag   the 


513 

whole  line,  the  br<avest  among  the  brave.  Just  us  the  four  regiraeats 
emerged  from  the  neck  of  ^voods  referred  to,  his  horee  ^yas  shot  frori. 
ander  him,  and,  in  f\\.lling,  so  far  disabled  him  that  thousands  less  ardeut , 
or  determined  would  have  felt  justified  in  leaving  the  field;  but  limp- 
ing on,  he  rejoined  the  line  again  in  their  advance  towards  the  batterj^ 
tut  soon  received  the  wound  with  which  lie  fell.  It  is  gratifying  t<> 
me  to  be  able  to  record  that  officers  and  men  generally  behaved  witii 
ihe  courage  characteristic  of  the  southern  soldier,  continuing  for  the 
brigade  a  well  deserved  reputation.  The  report  of  casualties  will 
testify  how  severe  the  fire  was  through  which  these  brave  men  passed 
m  driving  the  enemy  before  them.  The  Staunton  artillery,  com- 
rnanded  by  Lieutenant  .\.  W.  Garber,  (attached  to  this  brigade,)  at 
iialf-past  four  o'clock,  was  ordered  to  the  extrcTue  right  of  our  lines, 
and  was  actively  engaged  on  the  plain  about  two  hours,  when  thf 
batteries  of  the  eneiny  ceased  firing.  The  officers  and  men  behaved 
with  coolness  and  gallantry.  Lieutenant  Garber  had  his  horse  shot 
from  under  him  during  the  engagement,  but  suffered  no  loss  of  b.js 
men.  I  am  extremelj'  gratified  to  mention  that  by  the  activity  of  8ut- 
geon  George  F.  Cooper,  senior  surgeon  of  the  brigade,  although  witii 
j;mited  transportation,  our  numerous 'wounded  received  prompt  At- 
tention. 

I  have  the  lionor  to  be,  Major,  your  obedient  servant, 

0.  A.  EVANS/ 
Colonel  commanding  Brigaii'. 
Official  copy : 

tS.  11  MS.,  A.  A.  A.  General. 


33 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PENDER. 

Headquarters  Pender's  Brigade,  Dec,  20,   1362. 

Major  General  A.  P.  Hill, 

Commending  Light  Division  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  bj  my  brigade  in  the  fight  of  December  13th,  before 
Fredericksburg  : 

I  vrae  placed  in  position  Friday  morning,  early,  on  the  extreme  left 
of  the  division,  in  a  skirt  of  wood,  where  we  had  no  protection,  nor 
could  have,  from  the  enemy's  artillery.  Two  batteries  were  placed  in 
cy  front ;  the  right  one  commanded  by  Captaio  Davidson,  who,  I 
will  here  state,  acted  throughout  with  the  greatest  judgment,  coolness 
3od  bravery.  Friday  was  taken  up  by  slight  skirmish  liring,  and 
LOW  and  then  a  slight  artillery  duel.  Saturday  morning  we  were 
engaged  in  the  same  manner.  In  the  afternoon,  however,  when  the 
enemy  advanced  on  the  right,  they  opened  a  most  tremendous  fire  of 
artillery  upon  the  batteries  in  my  front,  playing  upon  them  from  the 
front  and  right,  from  at  least  four  batteries.  This  fire  was  most  de- 
structive to  my  men.  At  about  this  time  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers 
advanced  within  range  of  Captain  Davidson's  battery  and  kept  up  a 
hot  fire  upon  him.  One  of  their  balls,  at  this  time,  killed  my  aid, 
Lieutenant  Sheppard,  while  he  was  very  gallantly  and  coolly  trying 
to  rally  some  men  who  had  broken  on  our  right  and  were  making  to 
the  rear.  These  skirmishers  became  so  annoying  that  additional 
companies  had  to  be  thrown  out,  under  the  efficient  Major  Cole,  to 
drive  them  back,  which  he  did,  and  held  them  in  check  long  after  his 
ammunition  had  given  out.  Colonel  McElroy,  with  his  regiment,  the 
Gistetnih  North  Carolina,  had  been  placed,  early  in  the  morning, 
tear  the  railroad  cut  and  in  front  of  the  left  battery,  which  this  day 
consisted  of  some  rifle  pieces,  under  Captain  "Latimer — as  brave  a 
soldier  as  I  ever  saw — to  support  it.  He  was  here  much  exposed, 
being  far  in  advance  of  the  general  line,  with  his  left  totally  unpro- 
tected, but  with  the  ravine  of  Deep  Run  to  cover  the  movement  of 
the  enemy  on  his  left.  After  the  heat  of  the  action  on  the  right,  the 
enemy  advanced  a  brigade  up  Deep  Run,  throwing  one  regiment 
somewhat  in  advance,  which  so  sheltered  itself  behind  the  trees  as  to 
get  near  enough  to  take  an  officer  and  fifteen  men  of  the  sixteenth 
prisoners,  who  were  protecting  the  left  flank  of  their  regiment.  This 
left  the  regiment  to  be  rak-ed  by  a  fire  down  the  railroad  track.  The 
Colonel  drew  his  regiment  back  to  the  ditch  and  held  his  ground,  until 
General  Law  sent  forward  two  regiments  to  its  assistance  ;  these  three 
then  charged  the  enemy,  dftving  them  from  the  railroad  cut  and 
across  the  fields,  to  within  a  short  distance  of  their  batteries.  Owing 
?to  a  great  many  of  Colonel  McElroy's  men  not  having  cartridge-boxes, 
they  got  out  of  ammunition  ;  but,  getting  into  the  ditch  and  dividing 
them,  they  maintained  their  ground.  The  officers  and  men  of  my 
brigade  behaved  throughout  as  well  as  I  could  have  desired  them. 


515 

la  conclusion  I  beg  leave  to  commend  the  efficiency  of  first  Lieu- 
tenant T.  T  Kirkland  ordnance  officer  and  acting  assistant  adjutant 
g-eneral,  and  Mr.  John  Young,  volunteer  aid-de-camp.  These  gen- 
tleiaen  were  greatly  exposed  during  the  two  days  we  were  in  advance 
bu«  were  always  at  their  post.  In  the  death  of  Lieutenant  Sheppard 
1  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  a  brave  and  promising  young  officer. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.   D.  PENDER, 
Brigadier  General, 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  IN  PENDER^S  BRIGADE. 


Rbqimemt. 

Killed. 

WOUNDBD. 

Officers. 

Men. 

Officers. 

Men. 

m 

H 

O 
H 

o 
o 

< 

J^Uff 

1* 

1  . 

llnrteenth  North  Carolina 

7 
4 
1 
2 

4 
8 
2 

2 

1 

26 
40 
42 
15 
13 

8i\teenth  North  Carolina 

o 

37 

Twenty-second  NorthCarolina 

64 
45 
19 
14 

Thirtj»fourth  North  CaroliTia 

Thirty-eighth  North  Carolina 



Grand  total 

3 

14              17 

18f;           170 

^Lieutenant  Sheppard,  aid-de-c 

^mp,  kill 

3d. 

.»«^v< 


*    REPORT    OF    COLONEL    HAMILTON,    COiri>L\NDIN(} 

BRIGADE. 

Bivouac   on  Rappahannock  River,      "i 
Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  A.   P.  HiWs  Light  Division,  \ 

December  22,   1862.      ) 

Major  R.  C.  Morgan,  A.  A.   G. : 

Major  :  In  obedience  to  orders  from  division  headquarters,  I  have 
the  honor  to  forward  the  enclosed  reports  of  the  regimental  com- 
manders of  this  brigade.  After  the  unfortunate  fall  of  Brigadier 
General  Maxcy  Gregg,  I  assumed  command  of  the  second  brigade. 
I  have  but  little  to  add  to  njy  report  as  regimental  commander  of  th? 
first  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,  beyond  mentioning  thit, 
so  soon  as  I  was  informed  that  I  was  in  command  of  General  Gregg's 
brigade,  I  mounted  a  horse  standing  near  and  rode  down  the  lines, 
informing  the  commanders  of  regiments  that  I  was  in  command  of 
the  brigade,  and  cautioning  the  soldiers  of  the  brigade  to  remain  qui$t 
and  steady  under  the  severe  fire  of  shells,  which  were  falling  rlon;^ 
the  line  which  we  occupied,  and  I  am  pleased  to  say  that  their  cour- 
age and  steadiness  were  of  the  highest  character,  The-brigade,  except 
my  own  regiment,  first  South  Carolina  volunteers,  and  Orr's  rifle 
regiment,  was  not  engaged  with  the  enemy,  as  they  retired  under  \\xi 
fire  from  my  own  regiment,  no  doubt  accelerated  by  their  finding 
themselves  at  the  mercy  of*the  second  brigade,  which  had  faced  about, 
and,  in  an  advance  a  few  yards  beyond,  their  entire  flank  would  hav-i 
been  exposed  to  a  severe  and  raliing  fire.  Brigadier  General  Pax- 
ton's  brigade  came  up  after  I  bad  driven  the  enemy  off,  but  I  am  not 
aware  that  they  were  engaged  at  all  with  them  at  or  near  my  position. 
I  understand  that  General  Early's  brigade,  under  command  of  Colo- 
nel Walker,  passed  the  left  of  the  second  brigade  and  marched  to  the 
front;  but,  as  I  was  on  the  right  of  the  brigade  at  this  time,  and  ia 
thick  woods,  I  did  not  see  it  myself.  Shortly  after  this,  by  order 
from  General  A.  P.  Hill,  I  moved  the  brigade  forward  as  a  support 
.to  Colonel  Walker's  brigade,  and  found  him  occupying  the  line  of  the 
railroad.  The  enemy  were  drawn  out  in  line  of  battle  some  six 
hundred  yards  distant  from  the  railroad,  but,  beyond  advancing  their 
skirmishers,  made  no  forward  movement.  At  dark  an  order  came 
from  Lieutenant  General  Jackson,  ordering  an  advance  of  the  whole 
line.  I  accordingly  advanced  to  the  railroad,  which  I  still  founi 
held  by  Colonel  Walker's  brigade,  who  had  received  no  such  order,  as 
Colonel  Walker  informed  me.  •  Shortly  after  my  reaching  the  rail- 
road, a  message  was  sent  to  me,  through  Colonel  McGowan,  four- 
teenth South  Carolina  regiment,  from  one  of  Lieutenant  General 
Jackson's  staflf,  countermanding  the  order  for  a  general  advance  of 
the  line.  1  accordingly  marched  the  brigade  back  to  the  positioa 
■which  it  had  held  during  tho  day,  where  we  bivoua»ked  for  the  night. 

I  desire  to  mention  the  good  conduct  of  Sergeant  Pratt,  company 


517 

« 

B,  Orr's  regiment  rifles,  who  had  rallied  a  squad  of  his  company  after 
his  regiment  had  been  broken  and  driven  off  by  the  enemy,  and  came 
to  me  and  asked  me  to  assign  him  a  position,  which  I  did,  on  the 
right  of  ray  own  regiment.  Nothing  of  moment  occurred  after  this 
day's  (13th)  engagement.  The  brigade  suffered  severely,  consider- 
ing that  only  two  regiments  were  actually  engaged  with  the  enemy. 
Lists  of  killed  and  wounded,  amounting  to  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
three,  have  been  already  forwarded  to  you. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  II.  HAMILTON, 
Colonel  commanding  Second  Brigade,  Ligkt  Division. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ARCHER. 

IIeadquarters  Archf.r's  Brigade,       j 
^  A.  P.  HiWs  Light  Divisicn,  } 

December  20,  1862.       ) 

To  Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Light  Division  : 

■» 
Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  tho  following  report  of  the  ope- 
rations of  my  brigade  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  : 

On  arriving  from  sick  leave  Saturday  morning,  I  found  my  brigade 
posted  in  the  edge  of  a  wood  before  Bernard's  house,  overlooking  the 
plain  through  which  the  railroad  and  Bowling  Green  turnpike  pass, 
the   former  at  a  distance  from  my  front  of  about   two  hundred  and 
fifty  yards,    the  latter  of  about  three-quarters  of   a  mile,  my  left 
resting  where  the  wood  extends  forward  to  the  front  to  a  point  beyond 
the  railroad.     General  Lane's  brigade  was  on  my  left,  with  an  inter- 
val of  about  six  hundred  yards  between  us,  while  (as  I  was  informed) 
General  Gregg's  brigade  was  immediately  behind  the  interval,  close 
enough  to  prevent  my  being  flanked.     On  my  right  I  found  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Walker,  with  fifteen  pieces   of  light  artillery,  supported 
by  Colonel  Brockenbrough's  brigade.     As  the  fog  cleared  away,  the 
enemy  was  seen  advancing  from  the  Bowling  Green  road,  and  a  little 
after  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  several  batteries  were  brought  forward  ami 
placed  in  position  about  one  thousand  yards  from  us,  which  were  fired 
on  by  some  of  our  batteries,  far  off  to  the  right,  and  with  which  they 
carried  on  a  brisk  exchange  of  shots  for  about  an  hour,  occasionally 
throwing  shell  into  the  wood   where  I  was  posted..   About  half-papt 
ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  they   turned  all  their  guns  on  our  position,  and, 
after  thirty  or  forty  minutes'  severe  shelling,  their  lines  of  infantiy 
formed  and  advanced  rapidly  to  tho   attack.     When  they  had  arrived 
near  enough,  I  perceived  them  massing  in   front  of,  and  entering  the 
point  of  wood  which  I  have  before  mentioned  as  projecting  on  my  left, 
beyond  the  railroad,  and  immediately  sent  my  ordnance  officer,  Lieu- 
tenant Lemmon,  to  warn  General   Gregg  that  it  was  time  for  him  to 
move  forward  into  the  interval  between  Lane's  and  my   brigade,  to 
prevent  my  being  flanked.     Shortly  after,  fearing  that  General  Gregg 
might  be  too  late,  I  drew  out  the  right  battalion  (fifth  Alabama)  and 
ordered  it  to  the  left.     When  the  enemy  in  my  front  arrived  near  the 
railroad,  my  brigade  opened  a  rapid   and  destructive  fire  upon  them,  \ 
which  soon  checked  their  career,  and  forced  them  to  retire  and  take 
shelter  in  the  railroad  track,  from  which  they  kept  up  a  desultory  fire 
lapon  cur  line.     In  the  meantime,  the  column  vrhich  had  entered  the 
point  of  wood  on  my  left  succeeded  in  passing  round  my  left  flaak 
vand  attacked  the  nineteenth  Georgia  and  fourteenth  Tennessee  in  rear 
and  flank.     These  regiments  were  compelled  to  retire,  leaving  aboat 


51^ 

one  hundred  and  sixty  prisoners  in  the  enemy's  hands.  The  greater 
part  of  the  seventh  Tennessee  also,  seeing  the  regiments  on  their  left 
give  way  and  hearing  the  cry  that  the  enemy  was  in  thair  rear,  left 
the  trenches  in  disorder.  The  first  Tennessee,  together  with  Lieu- 
tenants Timbeilake,  Foster,  Wilmouthand  Baird,  of  the  seventh  Ten- 
nessee, and  a  portion  of  the  latter  regiment,  hehl  its  ground  gallantly, 
and,  after  its  amrauuilion  was  exhausted,  charged,  under, Lieutenant 
Col.  George,  (Col.  Turney  having  heen  severely  woundq^l  early  in  the 
action,)  across  the  railroad  track,  with  Colonel  Hoke's  brigade,  of  Ear- 
ly's division,  and  returned  to  its  original  position  when  the  chaige 
was  over. 

The  fifth  Alabama  battalion,  which  1  had  sent  from  the  right  to  aid 
in  opporiing  the  eneiViy  on  the  left,  discharged  their  duiy  faithfully, 
first  under  Major  Vandegraff,  and,  after  he  was  wounded,  under  Cap- 
tain Stewart. 

After  sending.  Lieutenant  Leramon,  I  also  sent  ray  aid  de-camp. 
Lieutenant  Thomas,  to  explain  the  urgency  of  the  ca^e  to  General 
Gregg,  and  to  bring  down  another  brigade  in  support  of  my  front, 
which,  althouglf  not  then  pressed  in  front,  had  nearly  exhausted  its 
ammunition. 

General  Gregg's  and  Lawton's  brigades  ^nd  the  fifth  Ala- 
bama battalion  drove  back  the  enemy,  who  had  passed  my  flank, 
and  Colonel  Ploke,  in  command  of  Trimble's  brigade,  came  down  to 
the  edge  of  the  wood,  my  original  position,  which  I  still  maintained 
with  the  right  of  my  brigade,  but  with  empty  riiles  and  cartridge- 
boxes.  The  whole  line  then  charged  over  the  field  beyond  the  rail- 
road. When  it  returned  to  the  edge  of  the  wood  i  drew  back  my 
troops  about  thifty  yards,  reformed  my  brigade  and  remained  in  sup- 
port of  the  front  line,  (Hoke's  brigade,  which  had  relieved  me  in  the 
trenches.) 

I  take  pleasure  in  reporting  that  the  attack  along  my  whole  front 
was  gallantly  and  successfully  repelled  by  my  brigade.  No  enemy 
ever  arrived  within  fifty  yards  of  my  front,  and  even  after  my  len; 
was  broken  by  the  attack  in  rear  and  flank,  the  enemy  in  front  hai 
been  so  sharply  repulsed  that  he  did  not  venture  to  come  again.  Offi- 
cers and  men  generally  acted  with  gallantry. 

Lieutenant  Z.  C.  Gunn,  fourteenth  Tennessee,  fell  in  the  most  gal- 
lant discharge  of  his  duty. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Hutchins,  of  the  nineteenth  Georgia,  mentions 
particularl}'  the  good  conduct  of  Captain  Mabry,  Lieutenants  W.  II. 
Johnson  and    M.  Edwards,  Sergeant  Shell  and  Corporal  Rogan. 

Lieutenants  0.  H.  Thomas  and  George  Lemmon,  of  my  stafl",  ren- 
dered me  gallant  and  efiicient  service  throughout  the  action. 

My  loss  in  the  action  was  forty  killed,  two  hundred  and  eleven 
wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty- six  missing,  supposed  to  have  been 
captured. 

Among  the  wounded  were  Colonel  Turney,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
George  and  Major  Buchanan,  of  the  first  Tennessee  ;  Captain  Tur- 
ney, the  senior  captain  of  the  first  Tennessee  ;  Major  Neil,  of  the 
nineteenth   Georgia;  Major  VandegrafiF,  of  the  fifth  Alabama   bat- 


520 


taiion,  and  Mr.  Frank  Wotten,  volunteer  aid  on  my  staff  the  latter 
supposed  to  be  mortally  wounded. 

FvespectfuJly  jour  obedient  servant, 

J.  L.' ARCHER, 
Brigadier  General  evmmandmg  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRI^tADIER  GENERAL  LANE. 

Headquartkp.s  Lane's  Brigade,  > 
December  23,  1803.      ] 

Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assisto-nt  Adjutar\t  General : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  brigade  in  the  lute  engagement  before  Fredericks- 
burg : 

At  half  past  six  o'clock,  on  the  m(  rning  of  the  12th,  we  left  our 
bivouac  and  took  the  position  assigned  us  on  the  railroad,  ray  right 
being  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  to  the  left  of  the  small  piece 
of  woods  bevoud  the  track,  and  my  left;  resting  on  a  dirt  road,  which 
crosses  the  railroad  near  the  point  where  it  maket  a  bend.  Several 
batteries  were  to  my  left  and  rear,  and  General  Pender  some  distance 
farther  back,  my  left  nearly  covering  his  right.  When  I  had  made 
this  disposition  of  my  command  I  rode  to  the  right  of  General  Ar- 
cher's, brigade,  which  was  posted  in  the  woods  some  four  hundred 
yards  from  the  railroad,  and  informed  Colonel  Turne}',  sfho  was  at 
that  time  commanding,  that  there  was  an  open  space  between  us  of  about 
six  hundred  yards.  1  also  informed  General  Gregg  of  this  opening  ; 
his  command,  which  was  to  have  been  my  support,  being  on  the  mili- 
tary road  opposite  this  opening,  and  some  five  or  six  hundred  yards 
from  the  railroad.  I  subsequently  met  General  A.  P.  Hill,  and  spoke 
to  him  of  our  relative  positions.  • 

Nothing  of  interest  occurred  on  Friday  and  Friday  night.  Saturday 
morning,  I  ordered  the  seventh  and  eighteenth  regiments  beyond  the 
railroad  to  support  three  batteries,  which  hail  been  placed  on  a  hill 
immediately'in  their  front.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hill  at  once  approached 
the  captain  of  one  of  these  batteries,  told  him  he  would  insure  its 
safety  against  any  attempt  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  to  capture  it,  and 
that  he  must  let  hira  know  when  he  wished  hira  to  move  to  the  front. 
As  soon  as  the  fog  lifted,  heavy  skirmishing  commenced  along  my 
whole  line,  and  the  enemy  were  seen  advancing.  Our  skirmishers, 
with  the  exception  of  Captain  Turner's  company,  on  the  left,  fell 
back.  The  batteries,  just  alluded  to,  then  opened,  with  telling  effect, 
and  checked  their  advance.  During  this  firing  Captain  Turner  with- 
drew his  company,  as  his  men  were  suffering,  and  rejoined  his  regi- 
ment. Several  pieces  of  the  artillery,  after  firing  a  few  rounds, 
hurried  from  the  field,  saying  they  were  "choked."  On  intimation, 
from  one  of  the  captains  of  the  batteries,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hill 
promptly  moved  his  regiment  to  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  front  of  the 
enemy  and  delivered  a  volley  at  the  sharpshooters,  who  were  in  range ; 
the  artillery  all  limbering  up  and  driving  to  the  rear.  The  seventh 
and  eighteenth  both  suffered  from  the  enemy's  artillery  fire,  and,  at 
times,  from  their  sharpshooters.  About  two  hours  later  the  enemy 
advanced  in  strong  force  across   the   open   field  to   the  right  of  my 


522_ 

front.  Colonel  Barber,  his  regiment  being  on  the  right,  informoil 
me,  through  Adjutant  Gates,  of  the  advance,  and  wished  to  know 
■what  he  must  do  should  he  be  flanked.  On  being  ordered  to  hold  his 
position  as  long  as  possible,  he  deflected  his  three  right  c  5m panies, 
and  formed  them  to  the  rear  at  right  angles  to  the  track.  I  at  once 
Bent  my  courier,  Mr.  Shcpperd,  to  inform  General  A.  P.  Hill  that  the 
enemy  .were  advancing  in  force  upon  the  opening,  Captain  Hawka 
hjh'ing  been  previously  sent  to  apprize  him  that  their  skirraishsrs 
were  in  front  of  the  same.  Eight  regiments  were  seen  to  pass  to  my 
right,  and  another  to  move  **  by  the  right  flank  by  file  left"  between 
the  some  body  of  woods  and  the  fence  beyond  the  track.  This  last 
regiment  then  faced  by  the  rear  rank  and  opened  fire  upon  my  right. 
The  three  right  companies  of  the  thirty-seventh  became  hotly  engaged, 
and  General  Gregg's  command  was  soon  after  encountered  on  the 
military  road.  Although  our  right  was  turned  by  such  a  large  force, 
our  position  was  deemed  too  important  to  be  given  up  without  a  blow, 
and  nobly  did  both  ofiicers  and  men  await  the  approach  of  another 
large  force  along  our  entire  front.  As  this  force  was  concealed  from 
the  thirty-third,  eighteenth  and  seventh  regiments  by  the  hill,  about 
forty  yaxds  beyond  the  track,  they  were  cautioned  to  reserve  their  fire. 
The  twenty-eighth  and  thirty-seventh,  however,  had  open,  level 
ground  in  their  front,  and,  when  the  enemy  had  gotten  within  one 
hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  cur  line,  they  cpened  a  terific  and  deadly 
fire  upon  them,  repulsing  their  first  and  second  lines,  and  checking 
the  third.  These  two  regiments  were  subjected  not  only  to  a  direct, 
but  to  right  and  left  obli(|ue  fires,  that  portion  of  the  enemy's  force 
behind  the  hill,  nearest  the  twenty-eighth,  firing  upon  them.  A.s 
soon  as  the  right  of*  my  command  became  engaged  with  such  an  over- 
whelming force,  I  despatched  Captain  Hawks  to  General  Gregg  for 
reinforcements,  with  instructions,  if  he  was  unable  to  send  them,  to 
apply  to  General  Thomas,  or  anybody  else  whom  he  might  see  in 
command  of  troops,  for  assistance.  My  whole  command  held  their 
ground  until  the  twenty-eighth  and  thirty- seventh  had  fired  away  not 
only  their  own  cramunition,  but  that  of  their  dead  and  wounded, 
which,  in  some  cases,  was  handed  to  them  by  their  officers.  When 
these  two  regiments  had  ceased  firing,  the  enemy,  in  column,  doubled 
on  the  centre,  bore  down  in  mass  from  behind  the  hill  upon  the  left  of 
the  twenty-eighth  and  right  of  the  thirty-third,  and  the  "power  of 
numbers  farced  them  entirely  across  the  railroad."  The  twenty- 
eighth  and  thirty-seventh,  being  flanked  right  and  left,  fell  back  m 
an  orderly  manner,  and  were  resupplied  with  ammunition.  A  well 
directed  volley  from  the  thirty-third  checked  the  enemy  for  a  time,  and 
Colonel  Avery  ordered  a  charge,  but,  being  unsupported  on  his  right, 
he  countermanded  the  order  and  withdrew  his  regiment  into  the  woods, 
about  .-seventy-five  yards  from  the  railroad.  The  eighteenth  regiment 
then  fell  back  about  one  hundred  yards,  the  right  companies  tiring 
into  the  foe  until  he  reached  the  woods  in  the  pursuit.  The  seventh, 
being  on  the  left,  fell  back  about  fifty  yards,  in  perfect  order.  During 
the  greater  part  of  the  engagement  the  enemy's  artillery  played  upon 
the  woods  in   our  rear.      While  awaiting  reinforcements,  I  sent  my 


523 

aid,  Lieutenant  Lane,  to  the  left,  to  tell  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hill,  li 
he  could  possibly  be  spared,  to  come  to  the  assistance  of  nw  right,  a.g 
it  was  heavily  pressed.  The  right,  however,  was  forced  to  fall  back 
before  the  order  could  be  delivered.  General  Thomas  came  to  my  as- 
sistance, but  too  late  to  save  my  line.  He  encountered  the  enemy  iv. 
the  edge  of  the  woods,  drove  them  back,  and.  with  the  eighteenth  and 
seventh  regiments  of  my  brigade  on  his  left,  chased  tiiem  to  their 
first  poeitian.  Tho  thirty-third,  in  accordance  with  orders,  held  the 
position  in  the  woods  to  which  it  had  fallen  back,  until  I  could  move 
up  the  twenty-eighth  and  thirty-seventh,  when  all  again  resumed 
their  positions  oil  the  railroad.  That  night  the  whole  brigade  was 
aligned  on  the  track,  tind  skirmishers  thrown  forward,  preparatory  to 
a  general  advance.  After  this  order  was  countermanded,  my  com- 
mand rested  on  their  arms  until  morning,  when,  having  already  beec 
on  duty  upwards  of  forty-eight  hours,  there  was  heavy  skirmishing 
along  my  whole  front— ^a  number  of  men  being  killed  and  wounded. 
We  formed  a  portion  of  the  second  line  on  Monday,  and,  as  we  occu- 
pied an  exposed  position,  the  men  soon  constructed  a  very  gocd  tem- 
porary breastworks  of  logs,  brush  and  dirt,  behind  winch  they  rested 
until  Tuesday  morning,  when  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  had 
all  recrossed  the  Rappahannock. 

I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  gallantry  of  Colonels  Avery, 
Barber,  Lowe  and  Purdie,^and  Lieuteuiint  Colonel  Hill.  They  all  com- 
manded their  regiments  with  bravery,  and  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 
Colonel  Purdie  was  slightly  wounded.  Colonel  Barber  received  a 
painful  wound  in  the  neck,  which,  for  a  time,  paralyzed  his  right 
arm,  but  he  reported  for  duty  again  on  .Tuesday. 

The  other  officers,  both  field  and  company,  genevally  discharged 
their  duties  well. 

Colonel  Avery  alludes  in  high  terms  to  the  efficiency  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Cow.an.  Colonel  Purdie,  in  his  report,  makes  an  unenviable 
allusion  to  one  of  his  officers,  name  not  given. 

The  Yankee  wretches  dragged  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Peters,  company 
C,  thirty-seventh  regiment,  some  distance  by  the  legs,  after  he  ha'i 
been  wounded  in  the  head  and  leg. 

The  men  of  the  twenty-eighth  and  thirty-seventh  fought  like  brave 
men,  long  and  well,  while  those  of  the  other  regiments  calmly  heifil 
their  positions  <inder  a  heavy  artillery  fire,  one  of  the  most  trying 
positions  in  which  soldiers  can  be  placed. 

I  cannot  refrain  making  special  allusion  to  our  conscripts,  many 
of  whom  were  under  fire  for  the  first  time.  They  proved  themselves 
worthy  accessions  to  a  brigade  which  has  borne  itself  well  in  all  the 
battles  of  the  last  eight  months. 

Captain  F.  T.  Hawks,  the  assistant  adjutant  general.  Lieutenant 
Oscar  Lane,  ray  aid,  and  private  James  W.  Shepperd,  my  courier, 
were  of  great  assistance  to  me  throughout  the  fight,  often  carrying 
orders  and  messages  for  me  under  the  hottest  fire. 

Our  ambulance  corps  was  very  efficient  and  removed  our  wounded 
rapidly.  Lieutenant  James  A.  Bryan,  ordnance  officer,  was  untiring 
in  his  exertions  to  keep  the  command  supplied  with  ammunition. 


524 

Our  loss  in  officers  was  two  killed,  twenty-five  wounded  and  five 
prisoners;  enlisted   men,   sixty  killed,  two  hundred  and  'thirty-two 
wounded,  one  hundred  and  eighty-three  prisoners  and  twenty-eight 
missing— an  aggregate  of  six  hundred  and  twenty-five. 
Ilespectfullv, 

JAMES  H.  LANE, 
Brigadier  General. 


31EP0RT  OF  COLONEL  BROCKENBROUGH,  COMMANDING 

BRIGADE. 

Headquarters  Feeld's  Brigade,  > 
Ikcember  21,  1862.       { 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
action  of  this  brigade  in  the  late  battle  near  Fredericksburg: 

Stationed  upon  the  extreme  right  of  our  division,  we  remained  in 
this  position  until  the  concentrated  forces  of  the  enemy  passed  through 
a  gap  in.  and  reached  the  rear  of,  our  lines.  There  being  no  enemy 
,n  our  immediate  front,  and  reinforcements  being  called  for,  I  with- 
drew my  command  from  its  first  position  and  hurried  as  rapidly  as 
possible  to  the  point  indicated.  We  moved  up  by  the  left  flank,  and 
fo  urgent  and  repeated  were  the  calls  for  reinforcements  that  mj' 
two  leading  regiments,  viz :  forty-seventh  Virginia,  Colonel  Mayo, 
and  the  twenty- second  battalion,  Colonel  Tayloe,  the  only  regirctents 
actively  engaged,  advanced  in  a  run,  separated  themselves  from  the 
brigade,  passed  well  to  the  left  and  encountered  the  enemy  in  rear  of 
cur  front  lines,  about  midway  between  Generals  Archer  and  Lane. 
Firing  one  volley  into  their  left  flank  and  charging  thcra  with  a  yell, 
they  fled  precipitately  to  the  shelter  of  the  railroad  cut.  Here  they 
rallied  and  made  a  short  stand,  but,  being  joined  by  a  Georgia  bri- 
gade, (Lawton's,  I  believe,)  we  made  a  second  charge,- which  drove  them 
from  the  railroad.  Here  the  men  were  ordered  to  halt,  but  such  was 
their  impetuosity  that  much  the  larger  portion  of  these  two  regiments 
advanced  to  the  position  which  had  been  occupied  by  two  of  the  ene- 
my's batteries,  which  they  found  deserted.  Being  unsupported,  they 
were,  of  course,  compelled  to  retreat,  which  was  done  under  the  most 
galling  fire  of  grape,  canister  and  minie  balls. 

The  fact  that  only  two  regiments  were  actively  engaged  was  acci- 
dental and  unavoidable.  The  woods  through  wbich  we  passed  being 
dense  and  filled  with  troops,  the  rapid  run  of  the  leading  regiments 
Boon  separated  them  from  the  brigade,  and,  while  they  passed  well 
around  to  the  left,  the  remainder  of  the  brigade  only  marched  by  direct 
line  to  General  Archer's  left,  who  was  said  to  have  been  flanked. 
Driving  the  enemy  from  the  woods  was  a  task  of  short  duration,  and 
the  troops  engaged  were  completely  successful  in  driving  back  the 
enemy  before  the  remaining  regiments,  a  few  minutes  behind  them, 
rould  come  to  their  assistance. 

During  the  fight  several  of  the  enemy's  mounted  officers  were  shot 
down,  and  the  colors  of  one  regiment  were  seen  to  fall  four  times. 

It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to  mention  the  good  conduct  of  Colo- 
nels Mayo  and  Tayloe  and  the  officers  and  men  under  their  com- 
mand. 

The  valor  and  daring  of  the  men  wa.s  unprecedented.  Many  of 
them  were  fighting  in  sight  of  their  homes  and  ecemed  determined  to 
drive  back  the  enemy  at  ull  hazards. 


526 

Our   loss  vras    considerable,   being   about  twenty   per  cent,  of  the 
wTCops  actively  engaged. 

Very  respectfully,  voar  obedient  obedienl  servant, 

J.  M.  BROCKENBROUGE, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 


m 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  THOMAS. 


B^KADQUARTERS  ThOMAS'  BrIGADE.  Ge.V.    A.   P.   II[Ll's  DiV., 


Becemher  20,  186 


r  I 


Major  R.  C.  Morgan, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Major:  On  Friday,  December  13,  18G2,  accordio^  to  orders  from 
Major  General  Hill,  this  brigade  left  its  camp  near  Mr.  John  Alsop's 
boose,  moved  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg,  and  was  directed  to 
tike  position  in  line  of  battle  on  the  military  road,  with  orders  to 
support  General  l*ender,  who  occupied  the  front  and  left  of  the  di- 
vision. The  remainder  of  the  da}'^  and  the  succeeding  night  passed 
without  any  change  in  position. 

About  midday,  of  December  13th,  orders  were  received  from  Major 
General  Hill  to  render  assistance  and  support  to  any  part  of  the  front 
line  requiring  it.  Soon  after  which,  an  ctfioer  of  General  Lane's  staff 
brought  information  that  His  brigade  was  hard  pressed  by  overwhelm- 
ing numbers.  I  immediately  advanced  my  brigac^  down  the  road, 
be.ing  unable  on  account  of  the  density  of  the  undergrowth  to  advance 
iu  line,  the  brigade  moved  bj'  the  tiank  until  near  the  scene  ot  action, 
when  the  regiments  were  thrown  into  line  of  battle  and  advanced 
towards  the  enemy,  who,  at  this  time,  had  advanced  into  the  woods. 
Their  advance  was  checked  there,  and,  after  a  stubborn  resistance, 
this  brigade  charged  them,  driving  them  through  the  field  and  com- 
pletely routing  thera.  SYa  pursued  for  some  distance  across  the  rail- 
road, when,  seeing  no  support  either  on  the  right  or  left,  and  my  am- 
munition being  reported  to  be  well  nigh  exhausted,  I  concluded  to  fall 
back  to  the  railroad.  Forming,  at  this  place,  the  front  line,  I  deter- 
mined to  hois  the  position  ;  at  the  same  time,  sending  word  to  Colonel 
Pendleton,  commanding  brigade,  that  I  was  deficient  in  ammunition, 
and  requesting  him  to  be  in  supporting  distance.  The  brigade 
bivouacked  that  night  in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  throwing  out  pickets 
on  the  railroad,  and  were  relieved  early  the  next  morning  by  Colonel 
Warren's  brigade  and  was  placed  in  reserve. 

The  officers  and  men  of  ^ly  command  behaved  with  a  gallantry 
highly  commendable. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major,  your  obedient  servant, 

EDWARD  L.  THOMAS, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER   GENERAL  J.  R.  JO^'ES. 

Hlaiq'rs  Jones'  Brigade,  Dec.  20,  1S62. 

To  Captain  Taliaferro, 

Assistant  Adjuicnt  General : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  orders  from  division  headquarters,  I  re- 
spectfully submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  bj  my  brig- 
ade in  the  recent  battle  at  Fredericksburg  : 

I  reached  the  ground  on  Friday  evening,  and  was  placed  in  position 
in  the  reserved  line.  On  Saturday  morning,  13th  instant,  I  was 
directed  to  change  my  position  to  the  left  and  farther  to  the  front  ,-bu:; 
still  occupying  a  portion  in  the  reserve.  My  position  subjected  me 
to  some  annoyance  from  the  shells  cf  the  enemy,  one  of  which  severely 
wounded  the  adjutant  of  the  forty-second  Virginia  regiment.  About 
the  middle  of  the  day  the  musketry  opened,  when  I  was  still  further 
advanced  to  within  musketry  range  of  the.  enemy.  The  front  line  not 
requirirjg  support,  1  remained  in  this  position  the  remainder  of  the 
d.'iy.  In  obediAice  to  orders,  I  advanced  at  dawn  next  morning  to  the 
front,  relieving  Brigadier  General  Lane.  My  command  moved  to  this 
position  under  a  hewvy  musketry  £re  from  the  enemy's  sharpshooters, 
in  wiiich  I  had  one  man  killed  and  several  wounded.  The  complete- 
ness of  the  victory  of  Saturday  not  being  known,  officers  and  men 
expected  soon  to  be  engaged  with  the  enemy  in  force,  and  it  ofi'ords 
me  pleasure  to  report  that  all  were  anxious  for  the  encounter,  and 
manifested  a  feeling  of  disappointment  as  the  day  passed  on  and  no 
signs  of  an  advance  were  given  by  the  enemy,  A  brisk  skirmish  was 
kept  up  during  the  day,  in  which  I  sustained  a  loss  of  thirty- seven 
officers  and  men  killed  and  wounded.  Among  the  form.er  was  Captain 
Ames,  company  -C,  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment,  and  Lieutenant 
Swoops,  company  E,  twenty- first  Virginia  regiment,  both  in  the  faith- 
ful dischago  of  their  duty.  The  fighting  was  necessary  to  keep  the 
sharpshooters  from  occupying  the  crest  which   commanded   our  line. 

Where  all  behaved  coolly,  gallantly  and  equally  well,  I  can  speak 
of  none  in  particular.  I  can  only  saylhatthe  gallant  little  brigade 
which  ho.3  fought  so  gallantly  and  lost  so  heavily  in  the  great  battles 
of  the  past  summer  and  fall,  w?*8  ready  to  do  its  duty  and  bear  its  par" 
in  making  the  shortest  and  mcpt  direct  route  to  Richmond  a  hard  road 
to  travel. 

Very  reerectfaily, 

J.  R.  JONES, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  PENDLETON,  COMMANDING 

BlUUADE. 

HeAOQUAHTERS  StaRKk's  BRIGAnK,         ) 

<h}np  near  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  10,  !8G2,  J 

Captain  W.  T.  Tauaferro,' 

A.  A    General  Jackson's  Division  ; 

Captain:  In  obedience  to  tae  circular  order  of  the  Bri*;aflier  Gen- 
eral comreaEding.  of  this  date,  requiring  reports  from  coinraanders  of 
brigades  of  the  participation  of  iheir  respective  comraands  in  the  late 
operations  around  PVc<lf;ricksburg,  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following 
report  of  the  part  taken  therein  by  the  brigade  un<ler  my  command: 

Having  previously  cooked  three   days'  rations,  on  the  morning  of 
the    13th   instant,  at  early  dawn,  we    marched   from   our  camp,  near 
•Guineas  depot,  for  the  scene  of  the  late  engagement.     The  brigade 
under  my  command,  soon  after  its  arrival  on  the  ground,  about  two, 
P,  M.,  took  its  position  in  line  of  battle  on  the  extreme  left  of  the 
right  wing,  in  rear  of  and  supporting  Thomas'  brigade  in  General  A. 
P.  HilTs  division.     In  this  position  we  remained  until  Saturday  morn- 
ing, the  1 3th,  when  we  were  ordered  to  take  a  different  position,  to  our 
left  and  rear.      Here  we  remained  inactive,  av;aiting  the  progress  of 
events,  until  half  past  one.  P.  M.,  when  a  rapid  and  continued  fire  of 
musketry  in  our  front  indicated  that  the  enemy  had  advanced  to  attack 
our  front  line,  and  we  moved  forward  in  close  supporting  distance  of 
General  Thomas,  to  whos^e  relief  I  was  ordered  to  go  in  case   he  de- 
sired my  assistance.     It  was  not   until  about  four,  P.  M  ,  that  I  re- 
ceived a  message  from  CJeneral   Thomas  informing   me  that   he   had 
driven  the  enem^^  back,  but  had  only  three  rounds  of  ammunition,  and 
wished  me  to  move  op  close  enough  to  charge  the  enemy  in  conjunc- 
tion with  him  so  soon  as  he  should  be  again  engaged.     In  accordance 
with  this  request,  I  again  moved  my  command  forward  to  within  eighty 
paces  of  the  line  held  by  General  Thomas,  with  unfiincliing  determi- 
nation, and,  having  ordered  my  men  to  lie  down  to  avoid  the  desultory 
fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  awaited  the   signal   for   the  onset. 
But  the  enemy  having  failed  to  renew  the  attack,  as  was  anticipated, 
I  was  not  called  on.     Just  when  it  began  to  grow  dark,  I  received 
the  order  of  Lieutenant  General  Jackson   for  a  general  advance  be- 
tween sunset  and  dark,  and  commenced  the  execution  of  it  bj  moving 
forward  ;  but  finding  that  the  troops  in  front  of  me  were  not  in  motion, 
I  ordered  a  halt.     iShortly  afterwards  the  order  was  countermanded, 
And  I  bivouacked  for  the  night. 

At  half  past  three  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  Hth,  I  was 
ordered  to  relieve  tieneral  Pender  on  our  advance  line,  and  immedi- 
ately did  so. 

I'he  battery  of  Captain  Carrington,  stationed  in  front  of  my  left, 
reported  to  me  for  orders,  and  was  directed  not  to   open   unless  the 
«nemv  threatened  U8  with  an  attack,  as  he  would  thereby  attract  upon 
'  34 


530 

us  the  crossfire  of  three  of  the  enemy's  battpriea,  from  which  the  ground 
aftbrdeJ  us  no  protection  whatever.  Such,  I  was  inforined  by  Gene- 
ral Pender,  had  been  the  case  the  day  previous.  From  misapprehen- 
sion or  some  other  cause  unknown  to  me,  so  soon  as  the  forces  of  the 
enemy  were  seen  to  be  in  motion  at  the  distance  of  apparently  a  mile^ 
Captain  Carrington  opened  upon  his  column  with  rifle  pieces,  and  tho 
consequence  which  1  had  foreseen  immediately  ensued,  resulting  in 
the  loss  of  ten  or  twelve  wounded,  with  little  advantage  to  our  side. 

About  ten,  A.  M.,  I  was  ordered  to  throw  my  command  forward  in 
the  field  about  three  hundred  yards  and  occupy  the  line  of  the  rail- 
road, beyond  which  I  had  already  posted  my  line  of  skirmishers  before 
daylight.  Moving  in  a  circuitous  route  by  tho  right  flank,  so  as  to 
screen  the  movement  as  much  as  possible  from  the  observation  and 
fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  I  at  once  proceeded  to  occupy  the 
new  po&ition  assigned  to  me,  though  I  found  it  impossible  of  accom- 
plishment without  the  loss  of  several  men  wounded,  one  or  more  fatally. 
In  moving  four  of  the  regiments  of  my  brigade  from  the  railroad,  under 
an  order  subsequently  received  to  throw  them  back  in  a  line  nearly 
at  right  angles  with  the  railroad,  I  again  sustained  a  slight  loss  from 
the  same  cause.  The  skirmishers  thrown  out  along  my  front  kept  up 
a  brisk  and  well  directed  fire  during  the  whole  day,  (twice  exhausting 
their  ammunition,)  and,  as  was  ascertained  by  actual  observation 
during  the  presence  of  the  flag  of  truce  in  the  afternoon,  with  fatal 
effect  on  the  enemy.  The  enemy,  contrary  to  all  expectation,  having 
failed  to  advance  or  renew  his  attack  during  the  day,  we  quietly  bivou- 
acked in  our  position  for  the  night,  and  being  relieved  at  four,  A.  M., 
on  the  15th,  by  the  division  of  Major  General  D.  11.  Hill,  retired  to 
the  line  of  the  reserve,  which  we  occupied  until  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy  had  entirely  abandoned  the  field  and  recrossed  the 
Rappahjannock. 

Although  my  command  was  not  at  any  time  closely  engaged,  it  was 
three  times  subjected  to  a  sharp  fire,  and  was,  throughout  the  days  of 
the  13th  and  14th,  in  constant  expectation  of  being  brought  into  ac- 
tion. Under  these  circumstances  every  man  remained  firm  at  his  post, 
not  a  straggler  was  to  be  seen  leaving  the  ranks,  and  all  evinced  a 
commendable  eagerness  to  engage  the  enemy,  which  needed  only  op- 
portunity to  ripen  into  the  gallantry  heretofore  so  conspicuous  in  the 
troops  from  Louisiana.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Nolan,  commanding  the 
first  Louisiana  regiment ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Goodwin,  commanding 
the  fifteenth ;  Major  Grogan,  commanding  the  second;  Major  Leggett, 
commanding  the  tenth,  and  Captain  Verlander,  commanding  the  four- 
teenth, are  deserving  of  my  especial  commendation  for  the  coolness 
and  skill  with  which  they  commanded  their  respective  regiments,  and 
the  promptness  and  energy  with  which  they  executed  every  order. 
I  should  entirely  fail  in  my  duty  if  I  did  not  advert  also  to  the  valu- 
able assistance  rendered  to  me  by  First  Lieutenant  Thomas  L.  Mills^ 
of  the  tenth  Louisiana,  who  tendered  me  his  services  as  aid-de-camp 
for  the  occasion.  His  promptness  and  untiring  activity  in  conveying 
my  orders,  although  frequently  exposed,  are  deserving  of  the  highest 
praise,  and  I  beg  leave  to  mention  him  as  eminently  deserving  of 


531 

promofcioBo     The  casualties  of  my  brigade  hare  been  heretofore  re- 
ported at  two  killed  and  thirty-five  wounded. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

EDMOND  PENDLETON, 
Gaiefitl  Fifteenth  l^ouisiana  Regiment,  commanding  Brigade.    ] 


EEPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALTON. 

Headquarters  Battalion  Washington  Artillery,  ) 
Near  Fredericksburg y  December  21),   1863.      ) 

To  Major  G.  M.  Sorrel, 

A.  A.   General  First  Corps,  A.  N.    V.  : 

Major:  In  conformity  to  circular  order  of  18th  instant,  I  have 
the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  bj  the 
battalion  Washington  artillery,  of  New  Orleans,  under  my  command, 
in  the  battles  of  the  12th  and  13th  instanta,  near  Fredericksburg, 
Virginia.  The  signal  guns,  fired  at  four  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  1  1th  inatant,  aroused  my  camp,  and  gave  notice  that  the 
enemy  was  in  motion.  Immediately  the  batteries  of  the  first,  third 
and  fourth  companies  (consisting  of  two  three-inch  rifles  and  one 
ten-pounder  Parrott  gun,  under  Captain  Squiers,  Lieutenants  Gal- 
braith  and  Erown,  first  company  ;  two  twelve-pounder  light  Napoleon 
guns,  under  Captain  Miller  and  Lieutenant  McElroy,  third  company  ; 
and  two  twelve-pounder  howitzers  and  two  twelve-pounder  light  Na- 
poleon guns,  under  Captain  Eshleman,  Lieutenants  Norcom,  Battles 
ftnd  Apps,  fourth  company)  were  placed  in  position  in  the  redoubts 
(^  the  hill  back  of  the  town,  known  as  "  Marye's  Hill,"  extending 
from  the  telegraph  road  to  the  plank  road.  Notwithstanding  tho 
dense  fog,  which  enveloped  the  country  around  and  completely  hid 
from  view  the  town  and  river  banks,  the  enemy,  at  about  sever, 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  opened  upon  the  town  a  tremendous  fire  from  his  nu- 
merous batteries,  which  lined  the  Stafford  shore,  to  cover  his  crossing. 
This  cannonading  he  continued  during  the  day,  with  but  little  inter- 
mission, and  without  any  response  from  ray  batteries.  Thecoramund 
bivouacked  for  the  night  in  the  works,  beside  their  guns.  The  next 
morning.  12ih  instant,  the  fog  was  again  exceedingly  heavy.  At  two 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  it  ha<l  raised  suflficiontly  for  us  to  discern  the  hills  op- 
posite *ho  city,  densely  coveied  viih  the  enemy's  infantry  and  artil- 
lery. At  twenty  minute-^  to  four  aclock,  P  M.,ahiavy  column  was 
ob?/---*  •"'  y'r^v  the  gat-  woiks,  below  the  town,  upon  which  m\  bubterits 
immediately  opened  a  w6ll  directed  and  destructive  fire,  causing  the 
enem}*  to  break  an<l  run  for  cover.  During  this  firing,  the  entiny's 
heavy  batteries  (across  the  river)  opened  upon  us  with  shell  and  shot, 
disregarding  vvhich,  my  men  steadily  worked  their  guns  without  re- 
plying. After  about  ten  minutes,  having  dispersed  the  column,  my 
batteries  ceased  firing  and  continued  to  receive  in  silence  the  con- 
tinued fire  of  the  enemy.  Another  night,  passed  by  the  officers  and 
tnen  beside  their  guns,  brings  us  to  tho  memorable  I3(h  December. 
At  half  past  twelve  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  enemy  was  observed,  in  force, 
moving  down  upon  our  position  through  the  streets  of  the  town. 
Everything  being  in  readiness,  fire  was  immediately  opened  from  all 
my  batteries,  at  once  halting  and  breaking  his  first  advance.  Again 
they  emerged  in  greater  force,  and,  apparently,  with  much  steadiness. 


533 

Gaining  the  crest  of  an  elevated  piece  of  ground  in  our  front,  he 
opened  upon  our  position  a  galling  fire  of  musketry,  and-  of  artillery 
from  the  hills  beyond.  The  brigade  of  General  Cobb,  in  front  of  my 
batteries,  then  opened  fire,  and  the  battle  became  general  all  along 
our  lino.  Again  and  again  did  their  heavy  masses  come  forth  from 
the  town,  only  to  be  mowed  down  and  scattered  in  confusion,  as  each 
time  they  formed  and  advanced.  Three  times  their  colors  were 
leveled  by  the  unerring  aim  of  the  gunners.  At  two  o'clock,  P.  M., 
a  portion  of  General  Ransom's  division  (supporting  column)  moved 
steadily  across  the  plateau  in  my  rear  ;  halting  but  an  instant  on  the 
crest  of  the  hill,  they  delivered  a  volley,  then  plunged  with  a  cheer 
into  the  road  below  and  in  front  of  us,  already  occupied  by  Cobb's 
troops.  The  sharpshooters  of  the  enemy,  under  cover  of  a  crest  in 
front  and  the  slope  of  the  hill,  kept  up  a  galling  fire  upon  our  works, 
causing  many  of  my  gallant  men  to  fall,  killed  and  wounded,  at  their 
posts  ;  among  whom  was  Lieutenant  H.  A.  Battles,  fourth  company, 
severely  wounded  in  the  arm  by  a  minio  ball.  Five  several  times  did 
heavy'  masses  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  supported  by  light  batteries 
•which  had  been  placed  in  position  on  the  field,  advance  from  the  coyer 
of  the  town  and  the  scattered  houses,  only  to  meet  the  fate  of  those 
who  preceded  them.  They  fell  by  thousands  under  the  judicious, 
steady  and  unerring  fire  of  my  guns,  encouraged  and  aided  by  the 
gallant  conduct  of  the  brave  troops  in  the  road  in  front  of  us.  At 
five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  after  having  been  engaged  four  hours  and  a  half, 
against  overwhelming  odds  of  the  enemy,  1  was  compelled  to  relin- 
quish the  post  of  honor  to  Woolfolk's  and  Moody's  batteries,  Alex- 
ander's battalion,  having  one  gun  disabled,  and  having  exhausted  all 
the  canister,  shell  and  fcaso  shot,  and  nearly  every  round  of  solid  shot 
in  the  chests  ;  more  could  not  be  supplied,  in  position,  in  time,  the 
train  being  several  miles  distant.  On  the  14th  my  guns  were  held 
in  reserve.  On  the  loth  I  took  position  in  the  works  on  the  extreme 
^eft  of  our  line,  the  position  before  occupied  by  Lane's  battery,  which 
I  occupied  until  the  18th  instant.  On  the  18th  all  my  batteries  were 
again  concentrated  in  camp.  The  second  company.  Captain  Rich- 
ardson, was,  during  the  engagements,  attached  to  Pickett's  division, 
in  reserve,  and  was  not  engaged. 

It  is  my  duty,  as  it  is  my  pleasure,  to  say  in  behalf  of  my  officers, 
cannoneers  and  drivers,  that  upon  no  field  during  this  war  have  men 
behaved  more  gallantly.  To  Captains  Eshleman,  Miller  and  Squiers,* 
and  the  brave  officers  and  men  under  them,  is  the  service  indebted  for 
the  gallant  defence  of  Marye's  Hill  against  the  stubborn  and  over- 
whelming assaults  of  an  army  of  over  fifty  thousand  men.  To  Lieu- 
tenant William  M.  Owen,  my  adjutant  and  only  aid,  I  am,  as  usual, 
indebted  for  zealous  and  fearless  conduct  on  the  field,  in  the  perform- 
ance of  all  his  duti.es.  Befoi'e  closing  thia^eport,  I  may  be  permitted, 
•without  being  invidious,  to  direct  the  attention  of  the  General  com- 
manding to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Captain  Eshleman,  in  directing, 
and  Lieutenant  Norcom,  fourth  company,  in  executing  the  order,  ia 
taking  one  of  the  Napoleon  guns  from  the  work,  where  it  was  out  of 
range,  and  placing  it  Detwebn  two  of  the  redoubts,  on  the  open  field,,. 


534 


there  continuing  it  in  action,  entirely  exposed  to  the  enemy's  infantry 
and  sharpshooters,  during  the  greater  part  of  the  engagement.     Mj 
loss  in  this  engagement  is  three  killed  and  twenty-four  wounded. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

J.  B.  WALTON, 
Colonel  of  Artillery,  co'mmcndivg. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CRUTCHFIELD.   " 

Headquarters  Artillery  Command,  Second  Armt  Corps,  ^ 

January  8,  1863.      5 

Lieutenant  General  T.  J.  Jackson, 

Commanding  Second  Army  Corps,  A.  N.  F.: 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  artillery  of  this  corps  in  the  engagement  near  Fred- 
ericksburg, December  13,  1862: 

The  heights  on  the  right  of  our  line  were  held  by  fourteen  guns  of 
the  batteries  of  Major  General  A,  P.  Hill's  division,  under  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  R.  L.  Walker,  and  consisting  of  the  batteries  of  Captains 
Pegram  and  M<^Irito8h,  (four  guns  each,)  and  sections  of  the  batteries 
of  Captains  Latham,  Johnson  and  Crenshaw,  commanded  respectively 
by  Lieutenants  Potts,  Clutter  and  James  Ellett.  This  position  was 
a  commanding  one,  and  afforded  admirable  advantage  against  a  direct 
aseault  from  infantry  ;  but,  what  was  more  important,  so  controlled 
the  ground  in  front  as  to  force  the  enemy  to  open  a  heavy  cannonade 
upon  it,  in  the  hope  of  silencing  these  batteries,  before  they  could 
move  any  considerable  mass  of  their  infantry  down  the  plain,  as  would 
be  necessary  should  they  endeavor  to  turn  our  right.  On  the  other 
hand,  it  was  liable  to  the  disadvantages  always  attaching  to  a  fixed 
position,  that  it  must  receive  a  concentrated  fire  from  many  points, 
added  to  which  the  formation  of  the  ground  at  the  top  of  the  hill  was 
such  as  not  to  afford  much  protection  to  men  and  hardly  any  to  the 
horses.  It  was  of  course  a  position  of  groat  importance,  and  it  being 
specially  necessary  that  its  batteries  should  be  able  to  open  an  effective 
fire  upon  the  enemy's  infanfry  in  the  plain  below,  should  they  en- 
deavor to  move  down  the  river  to  threaten  or  turn  our  right,  I  directed 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker  to  keep  his  guns  concealed  as  well  as  he 
could,  and  not  to  allow  himself  to  be  drawn  into  an  artillery  duel,  but, 
disregarding  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  to  reserve  his  own  for 
their  infantry  when  it  should  come  within  effective  range.  On  the 
left  of  our  line  were  posted  twenty-one  guns,  as  follows  :  Just  at 
Bernard's  cabins  and  to  their  left,  nine  guns,  consisting  of  six  rifles, 
two  Napoleons  and  one  six-pounder,  of  the  battorios  of  Captains  Da- 
vidson, Raine,  Caskie  and  Braxton,  all  under  the  immediate  direc- 
tion of  Captain  Davidson.  Some  two  hundred  yards  in  front  of  these, 
to  their  right  and  beyond  the  railroad,  were  placed  twelve  guns,  con- 
sisting of  six  rifles,  three  Napoleons  and  three  six-pounders,  from  the 
batteries  of  Captains  Carpenter,  Wooding  and  Braxton,  all  under  the 
immediate  command  of  Captain  J.  B.  Brockenbrough.  Captain  Car- 
penter's battery  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  McKendree.  From 
the  first  it  was  evident  that  the  enemy's  attack  might  be  expected 
upon  our  centre,  where  the  heights  on  our  right  descended  to  a  level 
with  the  plain,  and  a  point  of  woods  running  out  into  the  field  offered 
them  early  and  good  shelter,  or  that  they  would  endeavor  to  turn  our 


536 

rig^t.  A  ccnslderable  artillftrj  force  waa  lield  ready  to  rceet  this 
latter  contingency  by  moving  cat  and  taking  position  in  the  fields  to 
our  right,  so  as  to  cross  its  fire  with  the  batteries  of  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Walker.  The  centre  of  the  line  was  our  -weakest  point,  sine© 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker's  guns  could  not  obliqiie  their  fire  to  the 
left  sufficiently  to  hope  to  prevent  the  enemy's  seizing  the  point  of 
woods  referrc'l  to,  »t  the  distsnce  at  which  it  was.  The  batteries  near 
Bernard's  cabins  more  directly  controlled  this  point,  but  only  by  a 
quite  oblique  iire  to  the  right.  So  that  there  was  some  eight  hun- 
dred or  a  thousand  yards  of  our  front,  near  the  centre,  undefended  by 
a  direct  artillery  fire  to  the  front.  I  examined  the  ground  carefully 
in  the  woods  behind  this  point,  in  hopes  of  being  able  to  establish  bat- 
teries of  howitzers,  which,  by  a  canister  fire,  uiight  soon  check  tho 
eneiuy's  infantry  in  their  advance  through  the  woods.  But  I  found 
the  ground  unfavorable,  being  intersected  by  a  deep  ravine,  and  the 
undergrowth  so  thick  as  to  require  more  time  to  clear  it  away  than 
we  had  before  the  action  began.  Tiie  instructions  given  to  Captains 
Brockenbrough  and  Davidson  were  to  reserve  their  fire  for  the  ene- 
my's infantry  at  close  range,  and  not  to  engage  his  batteries  unless 
he  advanced  them  to  the  support  of  his  infantry,  and  then  they  were 
to  conceutrare  their  fire  on  .the  advancing  battery,  and  not  to  fall 
back  from  their  position  eo  long  as  our  infantry  supported  them. 
The  4newj  opened  the  attack  by  the  fire  of  some  twenty-five  or  thirty 
guns  directed  upon  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker's  position,  and  from 
about  sixteen  guns  (afterwards  increased  to  twenty-four)  upon  our 
batteries  at  and  near  Bernard's  cabins.  The  officers  in  charge  of 
these  batteries  obeyed  their  orders,  and,  the  enemy's  fire  not  being 
replied  to,  he  advanced  his  skirmishers  in  very  heavy  line  upon  the 
points  occupied  by  the  commands  of  Captains  Biockenbrough  and 
Davidson.  These  were  soon  driven  off  by  canister,  and  tho  exact 
poKitiong  of  our  batteries  being  thus  disclosed  to  the  enemy,  h© 
directed  a  heavy  artillery  fire  upon  them,  and  advanced  one  of  his 
batteries  near  a  chimney  in  the  centre  of  the  plain.  This  fire  was 
replied  to  by  our  batteries,  and  soon  two  of  the  enemy's  batteries 
were  withdrawn,  and  their  places  supplied  by  others  of  longer  range. 
About  this  time  two  of  our  riiie  guns,  belonging  to  Captains  Wooding'a 
and  Caskio's  batteries,  were  disabled,  by  their  axles  breaking  from 
the  recoil  of  the  gun,  and  had  to  be  withdrawn.  All  this  time  the 
enemy's  sharpshooters  annoyed  us  greatly,  working  around  to  tho 
right  of  Captain  Brockenbrough's  position  whenever  driven  from  his 
front,  and  pertinaciously  readvancing  whenever  they  could,  under  tho 
shelter  of  their  artillery  fir*.  Though  they  were  once  or  twice  re- 
pelled by  canister,  when  advancing  imprudently,  they  were  so  well 
protected  by  the  accidents  of  the  ground,  and  so  feebly  opposed  by 
our  own  sharp-shooters,  that  they  could  not  be  entirely  dislodged, 
and  caused  heavy  loss  in  our  batteries,  both  among  men  and  horses. 
Captain  Brockenbrough  was  wounded  while  gallantly  discharging  his 
duty,  and  Captain  Wooding  badly  shot  while  acting  as  gunner  to  on© 
of  his  pieces.  Being  badly  supported  by  the  infantry  in  their  rear, 
after  severe  losses  in  officers,  men  and  horses,  the  batteries  of  Captaia 


537    ■ 

Brcckenbrough'8  command  were  witlidrawn,  as  they  would  have  been 
lost  60  soon  as  the  enemy  seized  the  point  of  woods  to  their  right  and' 
rear,  as  they  did.  The  ammunition  in  Captain  Raine's  battery  (com- 
raanded  by  Lieutenant  Stathara)  vras  so  defective  (from  the  bad  fuzes,  I 
think)  that,  none  of  its  shell  bursting,  it  was  withdrawn,  and  its 
place  supplied  by  the  Chesapeake  artillery,  of  three  guns,  Lieutfjuant 
Plater  commanding,  while  a  section  of  Captain  Latimer's  battery,  un- 
der his  own  charge,  was  sent  still  further  to  the  front  and  left.  These 
!  itter  pieces  were  excellently  managed,  and,  though  losing  heavily 
from  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  drove  back  their  lines  with  canister, 
and  caused  them  great  loss  by  an  uncommonly  accurate  and  rapid 
shell  fire,  as  they  were  driven  back  by  General  Law's  brigade,  in  their 
attempted  advance.  Lieutenant  MoKendree,  of  Carpenter's  battery, 
exhibited  noticeable  resolution  and  composure  in  managing  his  bat- 
tery. On  the  right  the  enemy,  after  furiously  cannonading  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Walker's  position  till  they  imagined  his  batteries  crip- 
pled, advanced  their  infantry.  O'ae  body  moved  towards  the  point  of 
woods  in  our  centre,  and  the  other  with  its  front  parallel  to  the  road 
from  Hamilton's  Crossing  to  the  river  road.  When  distant  about 
eight  hundred  yards.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker's  batteries  opened 
upon  them  with  great  efFect,  and,  at  the  same  time,  fifteen  guns,  com- 
posed of  sections  from  the  batteries  of  Captain  Poaguo,  (Lieutenant 
A,  Graham,  commanding,)  Captain  Watson,  Captain  Smith,  Captain 
Garber,  one  gun  of  Captain  Dance's  battery,  and  the  Louisiana 
Guard  battery,  three  guns,  were  thrown  into  position  in  the  plain  to 
our  right,  so  as  to  cross  their  fire  with  that  of  the  guns  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Walker,  being  specially  designed  to  check  the  advance  of  the 
enemy  towards  the  road  from  flamilton's  Crossing  to  the  river  road. 
These  pieces  were  under  the  iinmediate  command  of  Major  Pelhara, 
and  were  admirably  managed  and  bravely  fought,  and  perfectly 
Accomplished  their  object.  All  these  batteries  did  not  go  in  at  once, 
but  were  added  as  the  weight  of  the  enemy's  fire  seemed  to  require  it. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  day,  as  the  enemy's  infantry — driven  from 
the  woods  by  our  own — fell  back  in  confusion  across  the  plain  under 
the  severe  and  accurate  fire  of  the  guns  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  AValker 
and  Major  Pelham,  some  of  the  batteries  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Walker's 
command,  being  short  of  ammunition,  and  the  men  exhausted  from 
working  with  diminished  numbers,  weie  relieved  by  a  section  of  Lusk's 
battery,  Lieut.  Dowell  commanding,  and  a  portion  of  the  carps  reserve, 
under  "Colonel  J.  Thompson  Brown.  I  shall  have  to  refer  you  to  this 
officer's  report  as  to  what  batteries  they  were,  as  I  knew  but  one  cf 
them — Captain  Poague's.  They  went  in  under  a  heavy  fire,  and, 
though  suffering  much,  were  bravely  fought.  Some  guns  of  Major 
General  D.  H.  Hill's  division  artillery  were  put  in  at  this  time  on  our 
right,  by  his  chief  of  artillery,  Major  Thomas  H.  Carter.  As  these 
batteries  were  unknown  to  me  through  their  oflicers,  I  shall  have  to 
refer  you  to  that  officer's  report  as  to  which  they  were.  They  moved 
up  with  the  rest,  under  heavy  fire,  and  were  well  served. 

Jt  would  perhaps  be  invidious  to   attempt  to  discriminate    among 
officers  and  men,  where  thera  jrere  so  many  fiao  examples  of  courage 


538 

»na  devotion  ;  and  I  fear  1  may  have  already  done  injustice  in  men- 
tioning some  to  the  exclusion  of  others,  but  I  trust  the  reports  of 
other  officers  will  set  it  all  right.  I  beg,  however,  to  call  your  special 
attention  to  the  valuable  and  gallant  services  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Walker  and  Major  Pelham.  The  position  in  which  Colonel  Walker 
was  placed  was  peculiarly  trying,  from  his  being  re(juired  to  endure,, 
for  a  long  time,  a  veryhcavy  fire  without  replying  to  it.  Colonel  J. 
Thompson  Brown,  commanding  the  corps  reserve,  also  displayed  no- 
ticeable coolness  and  judgment  in  taking  his  guns  in  to  relieve  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Walker  under  a  severe  fire. 

We  lost  no  pieces  ;  nor  did  we  capture  any.  Lieutenant  Plater 
bad  a  gun  disabled  and  a  limber  exploded.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Walker  had  a  gun  disabled  and  a  caisson  and  limber  exploded,  and 
(yolonel  Brown  a  gun  disabled,  as  also  did  the  Louisiana  Guard  bat- 
tery. No  carriages  or  parts  of  carriages  were  lost  by  us.  The  dis- 
abled guns  were  of  course  brought  oS".  The  loss  in  horses,  and  the 
nature  of  the  ground,  together  with  the  position  of  the  enemy's  batteries 
and  their  numbers,  effectively  prevented  any  advance  of  our  batteries 
as  their  infantry  fell  back,  and  before  fresh  batteries  could  got  in  their 
line  was  reformed  near  the  river  road,  and  it  was  nearly  night. 

I  cannot  close  this  report  without  calling  your  attention  to  the 
great  defect  in  the  ammunition  we  used,  by  which  few  of  our  shells 
burst.  My  own  observation  entirely  confirmed  the  numerous  com- 
plaints made  to  rae  from  the  batteries.  Much,  if  not  most,  of  this 
difficulty  is,  I  am  satisfied,  justly  attributable  to  tho  fuzes. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 
Colonel  and  Chief  of  Art iUenj  Sexond  Corps. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  ALEXANDER. 


Headquarters  Artillery  Reserve  Battalion, 

December  2U;  18G2. 


To  Major  G.  M.  Sorrell, 

Adjutant  General  First  Corps  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  artillery  battalion  under  my  command  during  the 
recent  hostilities: 

At  dawn,  on  the  11th  instant,  on  the  firing  of  the  signal  guns,  I 
moved  from  camp  and  posted  Captain  Rhett's  heavy  battery  in  pits 
which  he  had  prepared  on  the  hill  south  of  the  plank  road,  overlook- 
ing the  entire  country  in  front  and  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  at 
a  distance  of  one  mile  and  a-half.  Captain  Parker's  two  rifles  were 
placed  in  pits  which  he  had  built  near  Stansbury's  house,  command- 
ing the  entire  flats  in  front  and  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river.  His 
howitzers  were  concealed  behind  Stansbury's  house,  in  most  -admirable 
positions  for  opposing  any  advance  of  the  enemy  on  the  north  of  the 
town.  The  batteries  maintained  these  positions  during  the  whole 
occupation  of  the  city  by  the  enemy.  The  batteries  of  Captains 
Jordan,  Moody  and  Woolfolk  were  held  concealed  in  rear  of  the 
plateau,  back  of  Stansbury's  house,  ready  to  m^ve  out  upon  it,  at  the 
appearance  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  or  to  any  other  point  of  our  line 
needing  reinforcements.  The  cannoneers  of  Captain  Jordan's  and 
Woolfolk's  batteries  were  meanwhile  employed,  concealed  by  the  mist, 
in  making  small  pits  on  the  most  favorable  points  of  the  plateau,  and 
eventually  finished  eight,  in  addition  to  those  already  there,  which 
would  have  cost  the  enemy  severely,  had  he  attempted  any  advance, 
north  of  the  town.  This  disposition  of  my  batteries  remained 
unchanged  during  the  11th  and  12th.  On  the  12th,  our  infantry 
having  evacuated  the  town,  Captain  Rhett's  and  Captain  Parker's  bat- 
teries opened 'their  rifles  occasionally  at  the  position  of  the  principal 
pontoon  bridges  of  the  enemy.  Captain  Rhett  also  enfilading  two  of 
the  principal  streets.  These  fires  invariably  elicited  prompt  and 
heavy  responses  from  the  enemy,  from  which,  however,  our  pits  saved 
us  nearly  all  damage.  On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  this  firing  was 
continued,  aided  by  three  twelve-pounder  guns  of  Captain  Moody's 
battery,  in  a  new  position  north  of  the  plank  road,  opposite  Captain 
Rhett,  whence  the  street  leading  to  the  pontoon  bridge  could  be  enfi- 
laded. This  latter  fire  at  once  attracted  a  reply  from  every  battery 
of  the  enemy's  in  reach,  and  caused  us  slight  loss.  Captain  Moody, 
however,  still  held  the  position,  sheltering  his  men  when  not  firing. 
The  enemy  shelled  this  position  not  only  all  day,  but  every  day  of 
their  occupation  of  the  city  afterwards,  whence  I  infer  that  our  fire  must 
have  caused  them  much  annoyance.  1  afterwards  made  pits  in  this  posi- 
tion for  guns,  with  Captains  Moody's  and  Rhett's  cannoneers,  but  they 
vrere  only  completed  on  the  naming  of  the  enemy's  evacuation.     At 


540 

twenty  ininutes  to  four,  P.  M.,  of  the  13th,  I  received  an  order  to 
relieve  the  Washington  artillery  on  Marye's  Hill,  their  ammunition 
being  nearly  exhausted.  I  at  once  hastened  there,  with  Captain 
Woolfolk's  battery,  Captain  Moody's  twelvc-poun3er  guns,  and  two 
guns  of  Captain  Jordan's  battery,  and  occupied  the  pits  under  a  heavy 
fire,  which  caused  three-fourths  of  my  entire  loss,  while  galloping  up. 
The  enemy  were  already  within  three  hundred  yards,  and  seeing  the 
Washington  artillery  leave,  after' so  protracted  and  gallant  a  defence, 
cheered  and  pressed  on  heavil}^,  aided  by  three  batteries,  which  opened 
from  the  edge  of  the  town,  and  their  line  of  heavy  guns  on  the  oppo- 
fiito  bank.  Disregarding  the  latter,  we  poured  a  rapid  and  murderous 
fire  on  the  former  and  their  advancing  infantry,  under  which,  and  the 
accurate  aim  of  our  veteran  infantry  beneath  us,  they  were  soon 
driven  to  shelter  behind  the  houses  of  the  town.  About  dark  the 
remaining  section  of  Captain  Jordan's  battery  was  brought  up,  one 
gun  replacing  a  damaged  gun  of  Captain  Maurin's  in  a  pit  left  of  the 
plank  road,  and  the  other  remaining  near,  under  the  control  of  Gene- 
ral Ransom,  for  any  emergency.  About  seven,  P.  M.,  the  enemy, 
said  to  have  been  Sykes'f  division  of  regulars,  again  advanced,  under 
cover  of  darkness,  until  opened  on  by  our  infantry  below.  My  guns 
opened  with  canister  and  case  shot  at  the  flashes  of  their  muskets, 
and  this,  their  last  repulse,  was  said  to  have  been  the  bloodiest.  At 
dawn  on  the  14th  my  only  remaining  guns  in  reserve,  Moody's  two 
twenty-four-pounder  howitzers  and  one  rifle  of  Captain  Jordan's, 
relieved  the  remainder^of  Captain  Maurin's  battcrj  in  the  pits  left  of 
the  plank  road  ;  and  two  twelve-pounder  guns  of  Moody's  and  two  six- 
pounder  guns  of  Captain  Woolfolk's  were  relieved  by  brigade  batte- 
ries, being  out  of  ammunition.  On  the  14th  we  fired  but  few  shot, 
and  only  at  bodies  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  being  compelled  to  econo- 
mise ammunition.  On  the  night  of  the  14th  Captain  Parker  discov- 
ered a  positi  )n  enfilading  -the  canal  valley,  in  front  of  the"  town,  and 
two  pits  were  constructed  at  it,  which  I  occupied  before  day  with 
Moody's  twelve-pounder  guns.  When  the  fog  lifted,  the  reserves  of 
the  enemy's  pickets  could  be  seen  lying  flat  on  their  faces  in  the  val- 
ley;  in  the  language  of  General  Burnside,  *' holding  the  first  ridge." 
A  few  well  directed  shots  by  Captain  Moody  soon,  however,  broke  this 
hold,  and  all  who  could  not  find  fresh  shelter  fled  in  confusion  to  the 
city,  under  the  fire  of  our  sharpshooters  and  several  guns  im'mediately 
in  their  rear.  This,  with  a  single  shot  in  the  brick  tannery,  broke  up 
entirely  the  annoying  fire  of  sharpshooters,  under  which  we  suOfered 
considerably  the  day  before ;  and  for  the  rost  of  the  day  we  worked 
openly  in  our  pits,  and  fifed  at  all  bodies  of  infantry  appearing  la 
town,  unannoyed.  That  night  the  town  was  evacuated.  My  especial 
thanks  are  due  to  Major  J.  R.  C.  Lewis,  for  his  cool  and  efficient 
co-operation  in  the  execution  of  all  orders.  The  left  of  our  line  of 
batteries  was  under  his  special  supervision  for  the  last .  two  days.  I 
desire  also  to  express  here  my  high  appreciation  of  the  gallantry  and 
efiiciency  of  Captains  Jordan,  Rhett,  Moody,  Woolfolk  and  Parker, 
before  attested  on  many  a  hard  fought  field  and  fully  corroborated  on 
this.      Captain  Eubank,   with    the  r^aining    battery   of  my  bat- 


t      541 

talion,  is  absent  on  detached  service.  Dr.  Gray,  surgeon,  Captaiu 
Franklin,  quartermaster,  and  Lieutenant  Vaughan,  commissary,  man- 
aged their  respective  departments  to  my  entire  satisfaction  My  ad- 
jutant, Lieutenant  T.  Henderson  Smith,  carried  and  executed  my 
orders,  under  all  circumstances,  with  coolness  and  judgment.  My 
especial  thanks  are  also  due  to  C  S.  Cadet  Joseph  C.  Haskell,  of  South 
Carolina,  who  volunteered  me  his  services,  and  rendered  me  indispen- 
sable assistance  in  the  supervision  of  so  extensive  a  command,  I  beg 
leave  to  recommend  him  to  the  War  Department  for  promotion. 
Lieutenants  Gillen,  Wilson,  Burroughs,  Terrill  and  Woolfolk  are 
mentioned  in  high  terms  by  their  captains,  as  are  aL«o  Sergeant  Cisco, 
of  Moody's,  and  Private  England,  of  Woolfolk's  battery.  The  latter, 
unfortunately,  was  killed.  I  was  personally  impressed  with  the  bear- 
ing of  Lieutenant  J.  Donnell  Smith,  of  Jordan's  battery,  commanding 
a  section  in  the  attack  on  the  evening  of  the  13th.  Corporal  Lock- 
wood,  of  his  company,  a  most  gallant  soldier,  whom  I  also  noticed 
particularly,  was  wounded,  1  fear  mortally,  in  the  night  attack.  Our 
entire  loss  was  one  killed,  ten  wounded,  and  fifteen  horses.  One 
thousand  and  eighty  rounds  of  ammunition  were  expended. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  ' 

.       E.  P.  ALEXANDER, 
Licuknant  Colonel  commanding  Bcltalion. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  HUMPHRIES. 

Headquarters  Twentt-First  Messissippi  Regiment, 

December  17,  1862. 


To  William  Barksdale, 

Brigadier  General  commanding  Third  Brigade  : 

General  :  As  soon  as  the  signal  guns,  on  the  morning  of  the 
11th  instant,  announced  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  I  moved  the 
twenty-first  regiment  from  camp,  and  arrived  at  the  markec-house  in 
Fredericksburg  at  day-dawn,  when,  in  obedience  to  your  orders,  I 
detached  the  right  wing,  under  Major  Moody,  to  go  to  the  support  of 
Captain  Govan,  of  the  seventeenth  regiment,  who  was  guarding  the 
wharf  on  the  Rappahannock,  and  then  engaged  with  the  enemy.  I 
saw  no  more  of  that  portion  of  the  regiment  during  the  day,  and  re- 
spectfully refer  you  to  Major  Moody's  report  of  his  operations.  The 
left  wing  I  held  in  reserve  at  the  market-house,  with  instructions  to 
support  Lieut.  Col,  Fizer,  of  the  seventeenth  regiment,  at  the  upper 
pon-toon,  constructed  by  tho  enemy,  or  Captain  Govan,  if  needeii. 

About  one  o'clock,  I  was  ordered  to  go  to  the  relief  of  Colonel  Fi- 
'/,er,  but,  owing  to  a  mistake  of  my  guide  as  to  the  position  of  Colonel 
Pizer  I  was  conducted  several  hundred  yards  above  to  a  very  exposed 
position,  from  which  tke  enemy  forced  me  to  retire,  by  a  heavy  fire 
from  their  artillery.  I  returned  to  the  market-house,  and  received  or- 
ders to  advance  to  the  river  and  resist  any  advance  of  the  enemy, 
who  had  then  succeeded  in  forcing  a  passage  of  the  river,  and  were 
engaged  with  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fizer  and  Colonel  Carter,  of  the 
nineteenth  regiment.  I  detached  Captain  Renfoe,  with  his  company, 
to  the  foot  of  William  street,  and  Captain  Green,  with  his  coiupaoy, 
to  the  foot  of  the  street  leading  from  the  Episcopal  church,  and  placed 
,  Captains  Stamps,  Sims  and  Gibson,  with  their  companies,  on  Main 
street.  By  this  time  it  was  dark.  Captain  Green  discovered  the  en- 
emy advancing  slowly  down  the  river  bank  and  immediately  opened 
fire  upon  him,  and  stubbornly  resisted  until,  stricken  down  by  a  minie 
ball,  his  company  fell  back,  bearing  his  body  with  them.  The  enemy 
pursuing,  charged  up  the  street.  Captains  Stamps,  Sims  and  Gibson 
opened  a  galling  fire  upon  him  and  drove  him  off"  the  streets,  up  to- 
wards the  pontoon  bridge,  and  held  him  in  check  until  about  seven 
o'clock,  when  I  was  ordered  to  withdraw  my  troops  from  the  city,  and 
form  a  line  of  battle  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  on  the  telegraph  road, 
where  I  remained  until  I  was  relieved  by  the  gallant  and  lamented  . 
General  Cobb,  when  I  moved  back  to  ca^tnp. 

During  the  whole  day  we  were  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  the  en- 
emy's batteries,  posted  on  the  opposite  heights,  sheltering  ouifcelves 
as  we  could  behind  houses,  fences,  etc. 

The  officers  and  men  obeyed  every  order  with  promptness  and  alac- 
rity, and  maintained  every  position  with  a  promptness  and  constancy 
worthy  of  all  praise. 


543 


The  twcnt^firgt  regiment  lost,  during  the  day,  eight  killed,  twenty^ 
ti^e  wounded  and  thirteen  missing.  ^ 

Verj  respectfully,  your  oBedlent  servant 

BENJAMIN  G.  H¥MPHRIES, 
tolond  ccmmandirig  2ht  R€gi7n€ni  Mississippi  Volunteers 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CABELL. 

Camp  near  Fredericksburg,  Virgim\,  ) 
December  25,   1862.      S 

Major  James  M.  Goggin,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Major  :  In  conformity  Avith  instructions,  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report  of  the  conduct  and  services  of  the  ardllerj, 
placed  under  ray  command,  duiing  the  recent  engagement : 

The  division  of  Major  General  McLaws  arriving  here  at  the  head 
of  the  column  on  Thursday,  the  20th,  by  a  rapid  movement,  to  inter- 
cept the  threatened  advance  of  the  enemy  at  Fredericksburg,  it 
devolved  upon  me,  under  the  direction  of  Major  General  McLiws,  to 
place  the  artillery  in  position  and  prepare  for  their  attack.  It  had 
been  represented  ths^the  hills  of  the  Stafford  side  of  the  Rappahan- 
nock completely  commanded  the  heights  on  this  side.  This  was 
apparently  the  case  on  the  first  view  of  the  position,  the  upper  range 
of  hills  being  then  covered  with  forest.  Anticipating  that  the  enemy, 
who  were  in  large  force  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  would  im- 
mediately attempt  to  force  the  passage  of  the  river,  preparaiions  were 
at  once  made  for  resistance.  However,  the  enemy  not  attempting  a 
passage  then,  in  a  very  short  time  the  whole  scheme  of  defence  wag: 
arranged.  About  a  mile  above  Fredericksburg,  at  Dr.  John  R.  Tay- 
lor's residence,  the  land  rises  abruptly  from  the  river  to  great  eleva.- 
tion  to  the  upper  heights.  These  upper  heights,  however,  rapidly 
recede  from  the  river  bank  and  then  take  a  course  nearly  p  irallel 
with,  but  at  considerable  distance  from  the  river.  These  hills,  shortly 
below  the  right  of  the  position  of  this  division,  rapidly  diminish 
until  near  Hamilton's  Crossing,  where  they  have  very  inconsiderable 
elevation.  The  hills  on  the  other  side  are  much  nearer  the  river. 
This  gave. the  enemy  great  advantage  in  an  attempt  to  cross  the  river, 
and  in  shellin-  his  tioops  after  they  passed  over.  On  our  right,  and 
short ly  below  Fredericksburg,  their  whole  array  could,  and  a  large 
•portion  of  it  did,  deploy  on  this  side  of  the  river  in  almost  perfect 
fc-ecuiity  from  our  artillery.  At  the  same  time,  being  under  the  cover 
of  their  artillery  on  the  Stafford  side  of  the  river,  they  were  nearly 
as  secure  ftom  an  attack  by  our  infantry.  A  knowledge  of  this  fact 
probahly  induced  General  Burnside  to  cross  the  river,  and  his  boast 
that,  after  'he  fight  of  Saturday,  he  remained  two  days  in  the  plain, 
■waiting  and  inviting  an  attack  from  us,  is  simply  ridiculous.  But 
near  Dr  1'aylor's  house,  where  the  upper  heights  commence  to  recede 
fronj  the  river,  a  lower  range  of  hills  commences,  which,  though  also 
receding  from,  keeps  muph  nearer  the  river.  G'his  lower  range  of 
hills  terminates  abruptly  with  Marye's  Hill,  immediately  in  rear  of 
the  town  of  Fredericksburg — the  hill  then  having  almost  the  appear- 
ance of  a  promontory,  the  low  grounds  extending  about  eight  hundred 
;)ards  batdi  to  the  base  of  the  upper  heights.  This  lower  range  ol 
hills  is  much  lower  tWin  the  hills   on   the   Stafford  side  of  the  rivor, 


64h 

and  is  commanded  by  the  enemy's  ai'tillery.  The  position  of  our  ar- 
tillery and  infantry,  made  by  Major  General  McLawa,  was  certainly 
most  happy  to  countervail  the  disadvantages  of  our  position.  While 
the  whole  line  was  under  ray  direction,  I  had  recommended  that 
short-range  guns  should  be  placed  on  the  declivity  on  each  side  of 
Marye's  house,  between  the  house  and  the  stone  wall,  where  our  in- 
fantry were  drawn  up  daring  the  battle.  I  had  recommended  this,  in 
addition  to  the  guns  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  in  order  to  sweep  the 
plain  in  front.  The  impossibility  of  giving  guns  on  the  crest  of  an 
abrupt  hill  sufficient  depression  gives  great  advantages  to  a  columa 
of  infantry,  who,  by  making  a  rapid  charge,  soon  find  themselves 
completely  protected  from  the  artillery  on  the  hills.  I  had  also  ro- 
commendei  that  guns  should  bo  placed  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
plank  road,  on  the  hills  that  sweep  towards  the  upper  part  of  Frede- 
ricksburg, as  if  for  its  protection.  These  positions  would  have  given 
a  complete  enfilading  fire  upon  the  enemy  advancing  upon  Marye's 
Hill,  and  also  upon  their  forces  massed  in  fronjt  of,  but  protected  by 
the  conformation  of  the  ground  from  the  fire  or  even  sight  of  the 
gunners  on  the  crest  of  the  hill.  These  dispositions,  for  some  reasons, 
were  not  made.  Had  they  been  rande,  the  repulse  would  have  been 
even  more  signal  and  the  victory  even  more  complete  than  we  ob- 
tained. It  is  but  an  act  of  simple  justice  to  Major  General  McLawa 
to  say  that  the  disposition  of  the  artillery,  in  other  respects,  was 
such  as  he  had  chosen.  During  the  whole  of  Thursdav,  the  11th  of 
December,  not  a  gun  was  fired  by  our  battories,  and  our  cannoneers 
stood  quiet  spectators  of  the  enemy's  attempt  to  cross  the  river.  The 
enemy's  cannon  was  firing  almost  incessantly,  and  their  shell  fre- 
quently fell  near  our  batteries.  The  next  day,  Friday,  upon  the 
uplifting  of  the  fog.  disclosed  to  our  view  the  larger  portion  of  the 
whole  force  of  the  enemy  upon  this  side  of  the  river.  Ou  the  right 
of  my  position  a  battery  of  light  artillery  was  discovered,  in  position, 
A  few  well  directed  shots  from  our  batteries  caused  this  battery 
quickly  to  retire  to  a  position  still  further  to  the  right.  The  first 
position  of  this  battery,  if  retained,  would  have  been  very  annoying 
to  our  troops,  who  were  drawn  up  under  the  cover  of  the  woods  and 
in  convenient  range  of  its  guns.  This  battery  then  took  position  OEi 
the  other  side  of  Deep  creek,'  alongside  of  several  other  batteries, 
but  its  efi'ectiveness  was  nearly  destroyed  by  its  compelled  removal  of 
position. 

Every  battery  officer  received  the  instruction  that  he  was  to  fire 
with  great  deliberation,  and  to  fire  only  upon  large  bodies  of  troops. 
Of  course,  some  discretion  was  allowed  to  every  officer,  and  I  »m 
happy  to  be  able  to  state  that  that  discretion  was  generally  well  ex- 
ercised. And  one  of  the  best  proofs  of  the  effectiveness  of  our  fire 
was  afforded  by  their  turning- their  guns  upon  us. 

In  from  of  my  position  the  low  grounds  extended  in  an  apparent 
plain  from  the  base  of  the  hill  to  the  river  bank.  Through  thece  low 
grounds  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad  and  the  river 
road  pass.  Though  apparently  a  plain,  there  are  many  inequalitaea 
of  the  ground,  which,  with  these  roads,  enabled  the  enemy  to  mask 
35 


546 

hia  approach.  All  but  five  of  our  batteries  were  so  placed  £(s  to  com- 
mand not  only  the  approach  of  the  enemy  on  our  right,  but  also  the 
telegrapli  road  and  the  abandoned  railroad,  called  the  Fredericksburg 
and  Gordonsville  railroad.  The  guns  back  of  llowison's  house,  be- 
eides  this,  commanded  the  left  of  the  telegraph  road,  and  enabled  ua 
to  give  an  oblique  and  almost  enfilading  fire  upon  the  enemy  advanc- 
ing from  the  various  streets  in  Fredericksburg,  and  who  were  drawn 
up  under  the  protection  of  the  inequalities  of  the  ground  in  front  of 
Marve's  Hill.  The  main  battle  on  the  left  was  fought  to  obtain  this 
hill.'  Between  this  hill  and  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  it  is  said, 
the  Rappahannock  formerly  flowed.  The  conformation  of  the  ground, 
therefore,  enabled  the  enemy  to  mask  their  troops  so  as  to  be  out  of 
view  of  our  infantry,  in  position  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill,  and  even 
from  our  artillery  on  the  hill  itself.  My  position  enabled  me  to  ob- 
serve the  enemy's  left  flank,  upon  which  our  guns  opened  a  most  de- 
structive fire.  It  was  easy  to  perceive,  from  previous  knowledge  pf 
the  around  and  the  location  of  their  left  flank,  where  their  troops 
were  massed,  and  our  batteries,  having  an  almost  enfilading  fire,  opened 
upon  them.  Through  the  valley  in  front  of  Marye's  Hill  a  sluice  for 
the  waste  waters  of  the  canal  passes.  There  is  no  passage  for  the  en- 
emy's troops  between  the  road  immediately  in  front  of  Marye's  house 
and  the  road  leading  directly  from  the  telegraph  road  to  the  depot  of 
the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad.  The  approach  by  this 
latter  road  was  completely  commanded  by  our  guns.  Several  times 
their  advance  was  repulsed  by  the  well-directed  fire  of  our  batteries. 
Over  a  whole  brigade  was  displaced  and  scattered  in  confusion  to 
the  rear.  Once  they  made  for  the  railroad  cut,  and  several  shell  from 
our  batteries  exploded  amongst  them  before  they  could  escape  from 
it.  Once  they  charged  by  attempting  to  cross  the  cut,  running  down 
cue  side  and  up  the  other ;  and  again  they  attempted  to  escape  in  the 
Bame  manner.  But  on  each  occasion  a  murderous  fire  from  our,  bat- 
teries caused  them  to  retire  precipitately. 

I  am  confident  that  not  only  upon  the  approach  and  the  successive 
repulses  of  the  enemy  v,  as  the  fire  of  our  batteries  most  efficacious, 
but  that  also  it  did  great  execution  upon  the  masses  of  the  enemy  in 
front  of  Marye's  Hill. 

It  may  be  proper,  also,  to  state  another  fact  in  connection  with  the 
topography  of  the  battle-field.  The  right  of  Marye's  Hill  terminates 
almost  precipitously.  The  telegraph  road  passes  on  the  right 
of  the  hill  and  then  turns  almost  directly  at  right  angles  at  the 
foot  and  in  front  of  the  hill.  The  railroad  cut  and  embankment 
would  have  enabled  the  enemy  to  come  in  almost  perfect  security 
within  a  short  distance  of  th^  right  flank  of  our  troops,  drawn  up  be- 
hind the  stone  wall  on  the  telegraph  road,  and,  by  a  rapid  charge,  to 
have  our  troops  at  the  most  serious  disadvantage.  Their  advance 
could  not  have  been  effectively  checked  by  the  artillery  on  Marye's 
Hill,  owing  to  the  conformation  of  the  ground. 

It  is  due  to  the  brave  and  skillful  officers  and  cannoneers  to  say, 
that  their  cool,  well-directed  and  most  efficient  fire  not  only  aided  ma- 
terially in  repulsing  the  direct  attack  on  Marye's  Hill,  but  in  pre- 


547 

venting  the  right  flank  of  this  position  being  turned  by  the  enemy. 
While  saying  this,  however,  I  wish  to  give  all  due  praise  to  the  gal- 
lant artillery  corps  who  occupied  so  successfully  the  crest  of  Marye's 
Hill.  I  have  been  thus  diffuse  in  describing  the  topography  of  the  bat- 
tle field,  as  I  think  it  due  to  our  troops,  both  infantry  and  artillery,  that 
the  fact  should  be  known,  that  not  to  the  natural  strength  of  our  po- 
sition, but  to  the  skill  and  generalship  of  our  leaders,  and  the  gal- 
lantry, courage,  and  well-directed  aim  of  our  cannoneers  and  infantry, 
are  we  indebted  for  our  most  brilliant  victory. 

Forty- eight  guns  were  placed  under  my  charge  during  the  engage- 
ment: Captain  Reid's  battery,  three  guns  occupied,  the  position  im- 
mediately to  the  right  of  the  telegraph  road.  Next  to  this  battery, 
one  of  the  thirty-pounder  Parrott  guns  (Richmond  manufactory)  was 
placed.  It  was  replaced  by  a  Whitworth  gun  of  Captain  Love's  bat- 
tery. Next  on  the  right,  and  on  the  hill  back  of  Howison's  house, 
jind  in  the  following  order  were  placed  two'  six-pounder  smooth-bore 
guns  and  two  ten-pounder  Parrotts,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Macon,  of  the  Richmond  Fayette  artillery.  The  smoth-bore  guns 
fired  only  round  shot.  Next,  three  pieces,  Parrotts,  of  Captain  R. 
L.  Cooper's  battery.  This  battery  was  withdrawn  to  another  position 
and  replaced  by  three  pieces,  one  Parrott  and  two  three-inch  rifles,  of 
Oapt.  Branch's  battery.  Next,  two  Parrotts  of  Capt.  Coalter's  battery, 
and  one  thirty-pounder  Parrott,  (Richmond  manufactory.)  This  gun 
was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Anderson,  of  Captain  Ell's  battery. 
Both  of  the  Richmond  guns  did  good  service,  but  exploded  during  the 
(-ngagement.  Next,  one  three-inch  rifle,  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Taylor,  of  Captain  Eubank's  battery.  Next,  one  ten-pounder  Par- 
rott, commanded  by  Lieutenant  Blunt  of  Captain  Dearing's  battery. 
Next,  five  pieces,  under  the  command  of  Major  S.  P.  Hamilton,  con- 
sisting of  two  ten-pounder  Parrotts,  of  first  company  Richmond  how- 
itzers. Captain  McCarthy,  and  three  rifled  guns  of  Captain  Ross' 
battery.  Captain  Mosely's  battery,  six  pieces,  had  been  placed  in. 
the  rear  of  Marye's  Hill,  with  a  view  to  fire  upon  the  enemy,  in  case 
they  succeeded  in  taking  that  position.  This  battery  occupied  a  po- 
sition of  danger  and  responsibility,  and  their  courage  and  firmness, 
under  fire,  were  well  exhibited.  Of  this  battery,  two  men  were  wounded, 
one  horse  killed,  five  public  horses  and  Captain  Mosely's  horse 
wounded. 

Besides  these,  there  were  twelve  short-range  pieces,  under  com- 
mand of  Major  Nelson;  two  pieces  of  Captain  McCarthy's  battery, 
and  three  pieces  of  Captain  Coalter's  battery.  These  guns  did  not 
fire  during  the  engagement. 

In  the  Yankee  accounts  of  the  battle,  it  is  stated  that  about  one- 
fifth  of  the  killed  and  wounded  were  from  the  artillery.  When  it  is 
'recollected  that  this  account  takes  in  the  losses  on  their  left,  where 
we  used  but  little  artillery,  it  would  seem  probable  that  their  propor- 
tion of  losses  from  the  artillery  in  the  battle  in  front  of  Marye's  Hill 
was  much  greater. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

H.  C.  CABELL, 
Colonel  and  Chief  of  Artillery y  Major  Gen.  McLaws^  Dtv. 


%'» 


REPORT   OF    CAPTAIN   D.  LANG,  OF   EIGHTH    FLORIDA 

PtEGlMENT. 

Headquarters  Eighth  Florida  Regiment,  ) 
December  IG,  1862.      J 

Major  J,  H.  Whitnkr, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  of  Ferry* s  Brigade  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  conformity  with  orders, 
I  moved  iny  command  on  the  night  of  the  Sth  instant,  above  Freder- 
icksburg, near  the  canal,  and  relieved  the  twelfth  Mieaisaippi  regiment, 
then  on  duty  as  a  reserve  force  for  the  support  of  our  pickets. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1  It^  instant,  at  about  five  o'clock,  I  received 
orders  to  report  with  my  command  at  once,  at  the  market  house j  to 
Brigadier  General  Barksdale.  Before  reaching  the  above  place,  I  wa5 
intercepted  by  General  Barksdale  and  ordered  to  a  point  on  the  river 
forming  the  site  of  the  old  ferry,  and  instructed  to  confer  with  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Fizer,  commanding  seventeenth  Mississippi  regiment, 
as  to  the  best  manner  of  disposing  of  my  force  to  prevent  the  enemy 
from  eflfecting  a  crossing.  I  was  informed  by  General  Barksdale  that 
the  enemy  were  attempting  another  crossing  below  the  city,  and,  as 
the  ford  at  that  point  was  weak,  I  was  to  send  three  companies  of  my 
command  to  strengthen  the  same.  I  immediately  placed  companies  A, 
F,  and  D,  under  command  of  Captain  Boyd,  with  instructions  in  con- 
formity with  the  above.  I  then  formed  the  remaining  companies  in 
line  of  battle,  in  such  manner  as  would  best  command  the  crossing 
and  afibrd  a  cover  for  my  men.  The  enemy  were  seen  on  the  opposite 
bank,  drawn  ^p  in  two  lines  of  battle,  and  his  pontooniers  were  busily 
engaged  in  constructing  a  bridge.  It  was  understood  between  Colonel 
Fizer  and  myself — my  command  being  in  position — that  he  would  open 
fire  and  I  would  continue  the  same.  At  about  half  past  five,  A.  M., 
the  pontooniers  having  advanced  the  bridge  about  two-thiids  across  th« 
river,  the  seventeenth  Mississippi  opened  fire,  and  my  command  at 
once  did  the  same,  with  good  effect,  the  enemy  being  compelled  to 
abandon  his  work  and  flee  to  points  of  security.  The  force  of  the 
enemy  supporting  the  pontooniers  immediately  opened  a  heavy  fire 
with  artillery  and  musketry,  which  was  kept  up  almost  continuously 
the  whole  day.  Each  attempt  of  the  pontooniers  to  continue  their 
work  was  met  by  a  well  directed  fire  from  my  command.  Four  officers 
of  my  command  and  about  twenty  enlisted  men  were  wounded,  and 
seven  killed,  when  I  was  borne  from  the  field,  having  received  a  severe 
wound  in  the  head.  The  command  then  devolved  upon  Captain  Love, 
who  maintained  the  position,  though  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  of  shell, 
shot,  canister  and  musketry,  until  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when,  i'n 
accordance  with  orders,  he  withdrew  his  force.  I  regret  that  the  absence 
of  Capt.  Boyd,  who,  together  with  the  three  companies  composing  his 
command,  are  missing,  renders  it  impossible  to  give  a  report  of  the  ser- 
vice performed  by  him.     It  is  proper  to  remark  that  Captain  Boyd 


549 

regarded  the  position  entrusted  to  him  as  so  exposed  and  admitting 
*>f  80  little  means  of  escape,  that  he  objected  to  occupying  the  same 
until  the  order  was  repeated.  I  am  pleased  to  say  that  my  command 
behaved  in  a  manner  creditable  to  their  State  and  the  noble  cause  in 
■which  they  were  engaged.  Below  I  furnish  you  with  a  list  of  the 
casualties  of  the  eighth  Florida  regiment. 

Captain  I).  Lang,  commanding  regiment,  seriously  wounded  in  the 
head ;  Assistant  Surgeon  D.  Hooper  lost  a  leg. 

Company  B. — Privates  T.  M.  Gray  and  J.  N.  Marshall,  killed. 
First  Lieutenant  Hector  Bruce,  wounded  in  neck,  slight;  corporal 
Charles  McCall,  head,  severe  ;  corporal  T.  Harper,  hand,  slight  ;  pri- 
vates J.  P.  Braoewell,  abdomen,  serious  ;  George  S.  Lambert,  J.  F. 
<''0X,  J.  R.  Prevalt,  slight;  J.  R.  Green  missing. 

Company  A. — Sergeants  J.  N.  Fielding,  wounded,  slightly;  N.  H. 
Allman,  missing.  Privates  J.  Bootright,  F.  Briant,  G.  W.  Crawley, 
J.  Driggers,  D.  Howlk,  B.  J.  Redding,  G.  B.  Ross  and  A.  Williams, 
missing. 

Company  C. — Privates  T.  Saunders  and  E.  Curl,  wounded,  severe  ; 
H.  Daughtry,  slight. 

Respectfullv, 

D.  LANG, 
Captain  commanding  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  MAURIN. 

•  Camp  near  Dimman's  Farm,      ) 

December  18,   1862.  J 

To  General  Perry  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  my  battery  in  the  engagements  before  Fredericksburg  : 

The  signal  gun  fired  Thursday  morning,  the  11th  instant,  found 
every  man  at  his  post.  I  had  two  sections  of  my  battery  on  the 
field,  the  first  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Prosper  Landry,  and  the 
other  by  Lieutenant  Camille  MoIIere.  The  four  first  bastions,  imme- 
diately on  the  left  of  the  plank  road,  were  the  positions  assigned  and 
occupied. 

As  soon  as  the  fog,  which  covered  us  until  about  nine  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  had  disappeared,  the  enemy  opened  fire  on  me  from  his  enormous 
field  batteries  and  heavy  guns  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  his 
shots  falliDg  around,  some  striking  the  works,  but  none  doing  any 
injury.  This  he  repeated  at  intervals,  each  succeeding  day,  but  with 
no  better  result  for  him,  or  none  worse  for  me.  According  to  orders, 
I  withheld  my  fire  until  late  in  the  evening,  when  the  enemy  came 
down  to  cross,  but  the  increasing  darkness  preventing  me  from  seeing 
the  effects  of  my  shots,  I  ceased  firing. 

Friday  morning  a  company  of  sharpshooters  advanced  on  my  left, 
but  a  few  well  directed  shots  from  Mollere's  section  drove  them  back 
into  the  town.  The  enemy  was  now  seen  coming  down  in  force  from 
the  opposite  hills,  in  order  to  cross.  The  distance  was  raiher  too 
great  for  much  accuracy,  yet  a  shell  from  my  ten-pound  Parrott 
proved  effective,  bursting  in  the  midst  of  an  advancing  column,  caus- 
ing it  to  stagger,  making  some  run,  and  sending  the  mounted  oflficer? 
to  arrest  the  flight  of  the  fugitives.  That  this  shot  effected  more 
than  a  mere  panic  was  attested  a  short  time  after  by  the  arrival  on 
that  spot  of  four  ambulances,  which  returned  with  their  load  of  killed 
and  wounded. 

Saturday  morning,  a  column  of  the  enemy  being  seen  crossing 
the  street  of  which  the  plank  road  is  a  prolongation,  a  few  shots  from 
the  first  piece  forced  it  to  take  another  line  of  march,  behind  the 
brow  of  the  hills.  But  when  his  heavy  columns  debouched  from  the 
town  and  were  marching  across  the  valley,  in  line  of  battle,  to  attack 
our  lines,  the  second  and  third  pieces  were  the  only  guns  that  could 
be  brought  to  bear  on  them,  and  so  effectually  did  they  do  this  that 
the  enemy  brought  forward  immediately,  in  front  of  the  edge  of  the 
town,  eight  pieces,  which  opened  on  me  so  furiously  that  they  suc- 
ceeded in  diverting  my  fire,  but  not  before  I  had  fired  more  than  two 
hundred  rounds.  Their  shots  were  so  well  directed  that  I  could  only 
occasionally  give  a  round  to  the  infantry,  whenever  the  opportunity 
occurred.  What  harm  I  did  them  their  smoke,  as  well  as  mine,  pre- 
vented me  from  seeing,  yet  I  saw  one  shell  burst  fairly  among  one  of 


551 

his  detachments.  A  regiment  now  came  forward  to  support  them, 
which  was  driven  back  by  Lieutenant  Mollere'a  section.  It  was  then 
that  Captain  Latrobe,  of  General  Longstreet's  staff,  came  and  sug- 
gested the  propriety  of  dislodging  two  or  three  regiments  standing 
behind  a  steep  hill,  which  not  only  protected,  but  also  concealed  them 
from  our  men,  on  whom  they  were  evidently  preparing  to  make  a 
charge.  But  my  ten- pound  Parrott  could  not  bo  brought  to  bear  on 
them  without  taking  it  out  of  the  bastion,  and  to  do  this  were  to  meet 
almost  certain  death  from  the  guns  in  front,  which  had  by  this  time  ob- 
tained a  perfect  range.  However,  the  suggestion  was  no  sooner  made 
than  Lieutenant  Landry  ordered  it  out,  and,  together  with  Captain 
Latrobe,  helped  the  men  to  pull  and  put  it  in  position.  It  was  scarcely 
out  and  not  yet  in  position,  when  cannoneer  Linopier  fell  dead, 
pierced  to  the  heart  by  a  piece  of  shell.  The  fate  of  their  comrade 
seemed  to  inspire  my  men  with  renewed  determination,  and,  un- 
daunted by  the  shots  of  the  guns  and  bullets  of  the  sharpshooters, 
which  were  flying  thick  and  fast  around  them,  they  behaved  with  the 
calm  courage  which  deserves  the  highest  praise.  The  piece  was 
loaded  and  fired  with  such  precision  that  not  one  shot  was  lost,  but 
every  one  telling  with  frightful  effect.  It  was  loaded  for  the  fourth 
time  and  was  ready  to  fire,  when  it  was  disabled  by  a  shell,  which 
broke  a  wheel  and  at  the  same  time  wounded  three  men,  (Corporal 
Thomas  Morelli.  whose  skill  as  gunner" cannot  be  too  highly  prized; 
and  cannoneer  Dernot  Leblanc,  whose  foot  has  since  been  amputated, 
and  P.  Percy,  severely  wounded  in  three  different  places  )  But  the 
object  was  accomplished ;  some  fled,  some  were  killed,  and  the  re- 
mainder dared  not  leave  their  cover.  At  night  the  broken  wheel  was 
replaced  and  the  piece  relieved.  Of  the  first  piece,  cannoneers 
Adolphe  Grilhe  and  F.  Babin  were  wounded,  the  former  severely  and 
the  latter  slightly.     Three  horses  were  killed  and  two  wounded. 

Nothing  worth  mentioning  was  done  on  Sunday.  At  night  I  was 
relieved  by  Captain  Jordan,  after  having  been  in  position  since  Sun- 
day night,  the  1st  instant.  My  third  section,  of  six-pounder  guns, 
was  not  engaged,  but  on  Sunday  night,  the  14th  instant,  it  was  or- 
dered in  front,  where  it  is  at  present,   occupying  works  on  the  left. 

Before  closing  this  report,  I  can  but  render  praise  to  I^ieutenants 
Landry  and  Mollere,  for  their  gallant  conduct,  and  to  my  cannoneers 
and  drivers.  Casualties  :  one  killed  and  five  wounded  ;  three  horses 
killed  and  two  wounded. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

V.  MAURIN, 
Captain  commanding  Donaldsonville  Artillery. 


REPORT  OF  CArXAlN  E.  TALIAFERRO. 

Headquarters  McLaws'  Division,  Dec.  29,   1862. 

Major  J.  M.  Goggin,  A.  A.  G. : 

Major  :  I  herewith  transmit  to  you  a  report  of  the  ordnance  Btores- 
captured  by  this  command  in  the  recent  battles  around  Fredericksburg  :_ 
1,500  small  arms  ;  200,000  rounds  of  small  arm  ammunition  ;  400 
setts  of  accoutrements;  300  hundred  knapsacks;  \45  cartridge 
boxes,  extra ;  695  rounds  twelve-pounder  shell  and  spherical  case  ; 
120  twelve-pounder  shot;  240  rounds  of  Parrott  shells,  different 
calibres  ;  200  three-inch  shell,  of  various  kinds. 

A  considerable  proportion  of  the  shells,  which  Avere  collected  in  the 
etreets  and  houses,  are  somewhat  damaged,  but  capable  of  being  again 
rendered  serviceable.     The  arms  and  accoutrements  are,  for  the  most 
part,  in  good  condition,  and  the  small  arm  ammunition  uninjured. 
I  am,  sir,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  TALIAFERRO, 
Captain  and  Ordnance  Officer  of  Division. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  LEWIS. 


Headquarters  Lewis'  Batterf.  Decahh'er  18,  1863, 

Brigadier  General  Wilcox, 

Commandir,g  Brigade  : 

General  :  I  beg  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken 
uy  my  battery  in  the  battle  fought  before  Fredericksburg  : 

I  was  placed  in  position  on  the  hill  immediately  opposite  the  ford 
between  Falmouth  and  Fredericksburg,  on  the' night  of  tbe  23d  of 
November,  and  commenced  throwing  up  earthworks  to  protect  the 
guns  and  cannoneers,  which  were  completed  before  the  enemy  at- 
tempted to  cross  the  river. 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  1 1  th  of  Decem,ber,  after  the  signal  guns 
were  fired,  vv'e  were  at  our  guns,  ready  for  action,  and  there  remained, 
without  firing  a  gun,  until  late  in  the  evening,  when  I  saw  a  column 
of  infiintry  (about  two  regiments)  advancing  to  cross  the  upper  pon- 
toon bridge,  when  I  gave  the  command  to  commence  firing.  We 
fired  rapidly  for  a  short  time,  driving  the  second  regiment  back  be- 
hind Lacy's  house. 

A  little  later  in  the  day  "we  fired  at  some,  cavalry  and  artillery, 
which  soon  withdrew  from  sight.  I  could  have  fired  much  more,  but 
my  orders  were  very  strict  about  wasting  ammunition;  and  only  fired 
when  certain  of  doing  them  damage.   We  slept  at  our  guns  that  night. 

On  Friday,  the  12th  instant,  we  engaged  at  various  times  in  firing 
at  batteries  crossing  the  river.  About  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  a  column 
of  infantry  (about  a  brigade)  came  in  sight,  I  opened  on  them  im- 
mediately, throwing  shell  in  the  head  of  their  column,  scattering 
them  and  doing  them  much  damage,  causing  them  to  change  their 
course,  and  move  back  around  Lacy's  house.  When  we  ceased  firing, 
their  ambulances  came  after  the  wounded.  I  could,  with  a  glass,  see 
many  dead  lying  on  the  field  after  the  ambulances  had  carried  off  the 
wounded.  Later  in  the  day  I  fired  at  some  cavalry  crossing  the  river 
at  the  ford.     Again  their  ambulances  were  called  into  use. 

On  Saturday,  I  fired  on  infantry,  cavalry  and  artillery,  whenever 
they  came  within  easy  range,  with  what  effect  I  could  not  tell. 

On  Sunday,  I  only  fired  a  few  shots  at  cavalry.  Up  to  Sunday 
night,  we  fired  about  four  hundred  rounds,  at  which  time  I  was  re- 
lieved by  a  battery  of  smooth-bore  guns,  and  moved  back  to  the  posi- 
tion formerly  occupied  by  Captain  Woolfolk's  battery,  since  which 
time  we  have  remained  quiet. 

I  am  happy  to  state  that,  although  subjected  to  an  enfilading  fire 
of  more  than  twenty  guns,  (and  some  of  them  their  heaviest,)  our 
works,  though  frequently  struck,  were  so  strong  that  none  passed 
through,  but  several  passed  over  the  top  and  through  the  embrasure 
into  the  pits.  I  lost  none  killed,  and  only  two  wounded — privates 
Hughes,  in  leg  slightly,  and  liailey,  in  head,  from  conoussion.     One 


N  554 

horse  was  slightly  -woundecl.     I  think  we  could  have  done  them  much 
more  damage  but  for  defectiveness  of  ammunition,  causing  us  to  lay 
aside  our  former  experience  of  artillerists. 
I  have,  General,  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  LEWIS, 
Captain  commanding  Liwis*  Light  Ariilkry. 


REPORT   OF  CAPTAIN  GO  VAN. 

Headquarters  Company  B,  Seventeenth  Mississippi  Reg't,  > 

December  31,  1862.      5 

Colonel  FizER, 

Seventeenth  Mississippi  Regiment : 

Sir  :  The  Florida  companies  that  reported  to  me  on  the  11th  in- 
stant were  ordered  into  position  on  my  right.  The  entire  command, 
in  my  opinion,  did  not  constitute  forty  men.  They  "vvere  ordered  to 
conform  to  the  movement  of  the  coirmand.  The  officers  in  command 
of  said  companies  failed  repeatedly  to  obey  my  commands,  when  ordered 
to  fire  on  the  bridge-builders  ;  and  so  silent  was  his  command  that  1 
hardly  knew  he  was  in  position.  His  excuse  for  not  firing  was  that 
his  position  was  too  much  exposed,  and  firing  would  draw  the  fire  of 
artillery.  I  was  informed  that  the  officer  was  withdrawing  his  com- 
mand by  two  o'clock.  I  passed  the  order  down  the  line  to  fall  back, 
which  was  promptly  obeyed.  I  am  confident  that  if  any  were  cap- 
tured it  was  from  inefficiency,  and  from  fear  of  being  killed  in  the 
retreat.  The  position  was  held  until  sunset. 
Very  respectfully, 

*  A.  R.  GOVAN,  Vaptain  Cowjyany  B. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL   FIZER. 

Headquarters  Sevf.nteknth  Mi^^sissippi  Regiment,  ) 
Near  Frtdiricksburg,  December  31,  1862.      \ 
I 
Lieutenant  John  A.  Barksdale, 

A.  A.  A.  General  Third  Brigade: 

Lieutenant  :  It  becoming  luy  duty  to  report  to  you  the  action  of 
the  eighth  Florida  regiment,  commanded  by  Captain  Lang,  during  the 
engagement  at  Fredericksburg,  December  11,  1861%  I  submit  the 
following : 

About  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the  morning  of  the  11th,  General 
Barksdale  came  to  me,  at  the  ferry  near  Commerce  street,  accompa- 
nied by  a  portion  of  the  eighth  Florida  regiment,  numbering  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  I  suppose.  He  said  to  me,  "  assist  Cap- 
tain Lang,  commanding,  in  putting  his  battalion  in  position,"  -vvhich  .1 
proceeded  to  do  immediately,  suggesting  to  Captain  L.  to  place  his 
battalion  on  my  left,  which  could  be  in  point-blank  range  of  the 
enemy,  above  the  bridge  then  being  rapidly  constructed  by  them — my 
regiment  bearing  on  the  front  and  from  a  point  below.  Such  dispo- 
sition being  made,  we  easily  swept  the  enemy  from  their  bridge,  from 
above,  below  and  in  fi'ont.  The  battalion  did  good  service  and  acted 
gallantly  while  commanded  by  Captain  L.  He  obeyed  my  sugges- 
tions with  alacrity,  and  proved  himself  a  worthy,  gallant  and  efficient 
.officer,  but  fell,  severely  wounded,  about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  after 
which  time  I  received  but  little  aid  from  the  regiment,  as  it  seemed 
troubled  and  in  want  of  a  commander.  I  am  compelled  to  state  that 
a  certain  lieutenant  (his  name  I  do  not  recollect)  so  far  forgot  himself 
as  to  draw  his  pistol  and  threaten  to  kill  some  of  my  sharpshooters  if 
they  fired  again,  as  it  would  draw  the  enemy's  firo  on  the  position. 
As  to  the  conduct  of  the  portion  of  the  regiment  sent  to  reinforce 
Captain  Govan,  I  refer  you  to  his  enclosed  report. 
Very  respectfully, 

JOHN  C.  FIZER, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Seventeenth  Mississippi  RegH. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FIZER. 

Headquarters  Seventeenth  Mississippi  Regiment,  ) 
Near  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  19,  1862,      ) 

To  John  R.  Barksdale, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  the  following  report  of  the  action 
of  the  seventeenth  regiment  Mississippi  voluateers,  while  defending 
the  passage  of  the  Rappahannock,  opposite  the  city  of  Fredericksburg, 
on  the  morning  of  the  1  Ith  December,  1863  : 

Being  ordered  to  the  city  on  picket  duty  on  the  9th  instant,  I  was 
ordered  to  dispose  of  my  regiment  so  as  to  guard  the  river  from  the 
ferry  to  a  point  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  below.  I  promptly 
made  such  disposition  as  I  thought  would  check  the  enemy,  if  he  at- 
tempted to  force  a  passage  at  or  between  either  point  indicated.  The 
line  of  pickets  consisted  of  two  wings,  the  right  commanded  by  Cap- 
tain A.  G.  Govan,  andt"he  left  by  Captain  A.  J.  Pulliam.  The  reserve 
I  stationed  at  or  near  the  market-house.  About  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M., 
of  the  10th  instant,  you  ordered  me  to  double  ray  pickets,  which  was 
promptly  done,  by  sending  to  the  right  wing  companies  I  and  K,  and 
to  the  left  companies  H  and  C;  and,  about  four  o'clock,  A  M.,  of  the 
11th  instant,  you,  in  person,  ordered  me  with  my  reserve,  consisting 
of  companies  D,  E,  G,  and  part  of  F,  to  repair  at  once  to  the  upper 
ford,  as  the  enemy  were  rapidly  putting  in  their  pontoons,  preparatory 
to  crossing.  I  reached  the  point  as  soon  as  possible,  and,  on  getting 
there,  found  the  enemy  busily  working  on  the  bridge,  having  extend- 
e'd  it  about;  thirty  feet  on  the  water.  On  reaching  this  point,  I  relieved 
Captain  Pulliam  and  assumed  command  in  person.  You  having  left  it 
discretionary  with  me  when  to  begin  the  attack,  I  immediately  mad« 
sflch  disposition  of  the  seven  companies  as  I  thought  would  be  most 
effective.  Knowing  there  were  many  families  occupying  rhe  houses 
on  the  margin  of  the  river,  I  deemed  it  proper  to  notify  all  the  women 
and  children  of  their  danger,  and  give  them  time  to  get  from  under 
range  of  the  enemy's  guns.  This  being  accomplished  about  five,  A. 
M.,  1  ordered  my  men  to  fire  on  the  bridge  builders,  \>hich  they 
obeyed  promptly  and  deliberately,  and  I  think  with  stunning  effect, 
the  command  being  echoed  by  Captain  Govan  on  the  right,  in  the  same 
manner  and  with  equal  effect,  causing  the  enemy  to  throw  down  their 
implements  and  quit  their  work  in  great  confusion.  After  which 
they  immediately  opened  a  heavy,  galling  and  concentrated  fire  of 
musketry  and  artillery  upon  both  wings  for  an  hour,  and,  supposing 
they  had  driven  us  from  our  position,  they  again  began  their  work  on 
the  bridges.  B)jt  as  soon  as  we  discovered  them  at  work  we  renewed 
the  attack  and  drove  them  pell  mell  from  the  bridges.  They  made  nine 
desperate  attempts  to  finish  their  bridges,  but  were  severely  punished 
and  promptly  repulsed  at  every  attempt.  They  used  their  artillery 
incessantly,  with  a  heavy  detachment  of  sharpshooters,  for  twelve  hourp. 


558 

ve  holdinc;  our  position  firmly  the  vrhole  time  until  about  half  past 
four,  P.  M.,  when  thev  increased  their  artillery  and  infantry,  and 
their  batteries  becoming  so  numerous  and  concentrated,  we  could  not 
use  our  rifles.  Being  deprived  of  all  protection,  we  were  compelled 
to  fall  back  to  Caroline  street,  and,  from  there,  were  ordered  from 
town.     Having  to  abandon  my  position  (on  the  left)  believing  Captain 

'  Govan  still  holding  the  lower  bridge,  and  knowing  the  enemy  to  have 
crossed,  I  immediately  despatched  a  courier  to  notify  him  to  fall  back, 
fearing  he  would  be  taken.  He  rendered  me  very  valuable  assistance, 
and  held  his  position  firmly  and  with  great  gallantry  and  unusual 
firmness,  supported   by  a  part  of  the   gallant  eighteenth  Mississippi 

'regiment, 'composed  of  companies  A,  I  and  K.  Lieutenant  Radoliff 
deserves  special  notice  for  his  able  assistance  to  Captain  Govan.  I 
call  your  attention  especially  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Lieutenant 
Ourster,  commanding  company  F.  Much  credit  is  due  to  Lieutenant 
G.  E.  Thurmond,  company  B,  acting  adjutant,  for  his  promptness, 
coolness  and  efficiency  in  face  of  danger.  Lieutenant  Sweeney,  of 
company  D,  deserves  much  credit  for  promptness  and  efiiciency. 
Captain  G.  11.  Cherry,  with  his  gallant  company,  stood  the  shot  and 
shell  like  veterans,  as  did  the  commands  of  Captains  Pulliam  and 
Middleton  and  Lieutenants  Fatten  and  Lindly.  I  cannot  close  without 
according  to  Wm.  C.  Nelson,  private  of  company  G,  the  highest  praise 
for  his  services  as  courier,  bearing  dispatches  when  shot  and  shell  fell 
thickest  and  fastest.  Much  credit  is  also  due  to  private  C.  H.  John- 
son, company  F,  for  his  valuable  services  as.  courier.  First  Lieu- 
tenant Jonas  B.  Clayton,  company  G,  quit  his  post,  severely  wounded, 
.about  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  after  having  done  valuable  service  with  his 
gallant  company.  Colonel  Carter,  of  the  thirteenth  Mississippi  regi- 
ment, furnished  me  with  ten  valuable  sharpshooters,  which  rendered 
valuable  service.  • 

Very  respectfully, 

JOHN  C.  FIZER, 
Lieut.  Col.  commanding  11  th  regiment  Mis$issij.'>pi  vols. 

P.  S. — The  casualties  in  the  regiment  during  the  engagement  were 
one  hundred  and  sixteen  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  RICE. 

Headquarters  Third  Battalion  S.  C.  Infantry,  ; 
December  22,  1862.  i 

Captain:  On  Saturday  morning,  ISth  instant,  the  third  battalion, 
Kershaw's  brigade,  McLaws'  division,  South  Carolina  infantry,  was 
ordered  by  Brigadier  General  Kershaw  to  change  position,  from  that 
first  assigned  to  it,  to  the  mill  on  the  crest  south  of  Fredericksburg,  there 
to  guard  a  gap  in  the  railroad  embankment  and  prevent  its  passage  by 
enemy.  The  order  was  immediately  executed,  but  the  enemy  failing 
to  make  his  appearance  at  or  near  the  gap,  the  battalion  was  not  ac- 
tively engaged  in  the  battle  of  the  13th  instant.  This  position  was 
held  by  the  battalion  until  the  night  of  the  16th  instant,  when  it  was 
ordered  on  picket  guard.  On  Saturday  morning,  while  marching  to 
the  mill,  private  A.  W.  Anderson,  company  A,  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  head  by  a  shell  from  the  enemy's  guns.  On  Tuesday,  the  16th 
instant,  private  Wesley  Bryant,  company  E,  was  killed  by  a  frag- 
ment of  shell. 

The  above  report  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  third  battalion  South 
Carolina  infantry,  during  the  battle  of  the  1 3th  instant,  is  respect- 
fully submitted. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W,  G,  RICE, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Third  Battalion  South  Carolina  Infantry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  BLAND. 

HEAriQUARTERS  Seventh  South  Carolina  Regiment,  ) 
Camp  near  Frtdcricksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  19,  1862.      ) 

Captain  R.  C.  Holmes, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  upon  hearing  the  signal 
guns,  on  Ihe  murning  of  the  11th  instant,  I  formed  my  regiment, 
about  four  o'clock,  and  marched  to  the  position  assigned  me  in 
line,  on  the  hill  to  the  right  of  the  telegraph  road  and  left  of  Captain 
Read's  battery.  1  deployed  forward  the  iiank  companies,  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards,  to  a  ditch  in  rear  of  a  field  upon  the  edge  of  the  open 
plain.  This  position  we  occupied  during  the  bombardment  of  the 
city  and  crossing  the  river  by  the  enemy.  At  seven  o'clock,  P.  M., 
on  the  1 2th,  I  received  orders  to  occupy,  with  the  regiment,  the 
ground  held  by  our  line  of  skirmishers  and  open  rifle-pits  during  the 
night,  advancing  my  skirmishers  in  the  open  field  in  front.  The 
rifle-pits  were  finished  and  occapied  by  eight  o'clock,  A.  M,,  of  the 
13ch,  (Saturday.)  About  ten  o'clock.  A,  M.,  the  enemy  advanced  and 
attacked  the  position  held  by  General  Cobb's  brigade,  of  which  en- 
gagement we  were  c  ct  spectators,  until  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  1 
received  orders,  witli  ne  other  regiments  of  the  brigade,  to  reinforce 
General  Cobb.  I  mo  d  by  the  left  fiank,  in  rear  of  the  third  South 
Carolina  regiment,^  dj  n  the  telegraph  road  for  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards,  then  filed  to  the  left,  across  Hazel  Run.  up  the  bluff  in  rear  of 
Colonel  Walton's  battery,  to  the  hill  in  rear  of  Marye  house,  where 
I  met  Lieutenant  Doby,  of  General  Kerthaw's  staff,  who  ordered  me 
to  form  the  regiment  in  rear  of  Colonel  Nance's  third  South  Carolina, 
•which  was  on  the  left  and  upon  a  line  with  the  Marye's  house.  Im- 
mediately after  I  formed  line,  with  the  fifteenth  South  Carolina  filed  in 
my  rear.  At  this  time  1  lost  several  of  my  officers  and  men  wounded 
by  fragments  of  shell ;  among  them  Captains  Roper  and  Hudgens 
and  Lieutenant  Lovelace.  In  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  I  was 
called  upon  by  the  commanding  officer  of  the  fifteenth  North  Carolina 
regimenc  to  reim'urce  him.  1  at  once  jnoved  by  the  right  flank  into 
his  position,  which  was  to  the  right  and  front  of  the  Marye  house, 
my  three  left  companies  being  in  front  of  the  house.  The  position  was 
a  good  one,  with  the  crest  of  the  hill  just  in  our  front,  at  which  point 
it  descended  rapidly  towards  the  enemy.  About  seventy  yards  below, 
and  in  front  of  us,  was  the  telegraph  road,  with  a  stone  wall  or  fence 
on  the  enemy's  side,  behind  which  rested  three  regiments  of  Cobb's 
brigade,  and  the  second  and  eighth  South  Carolina  regiments,  the  two 
latter  having  just  reinforced  them.  The  knoll  in  my  front  rendered 
it  impossible  for  us  to  injure  our  friends,  but  placed  us  in  fine  range 
of  our  enemies.  We  would  load  and  advance  to  fire,  and  then  fall 
back  to  reload.  My  right  flank  was  exposed,  by  a  slight  depression 
in  the  hill,  to  an  oblique  fire  from  the  enemy,  which  was  taken  ad- 


561 

vantage  of.  Hence  the  greater  loss  in  the  right  wing.  We  continued 
in  the  engagement  until  night,  ■\vhen  the  final  charge  was  made  and 
the  enemy  repulsed.  My  officers  and  men  behaved  as  become  South 
Carolinians  and  soldiers  of  Kershaw's  brigade.  I  received  valuable 
assistance  from  Major  J.  S.  Hard  and  Adjutant  Carwill,  of  this  regi- 
ment, and  Lieutenant  Doby,  of  General  Kershaw's  staff,  whose  gallant 
conduct  cannot  be  too  highly^poken  of.  After  night,  I  relieved,  by 
order,  Phillip's  legion,  of  General  Cobb's  brigade,  which  was  behind 
the  stone  fence  before  mentioned,  in  my  late  front.  \Vc  held  this 
position,  Avith  the  wings  doubled,  occasionally  exchanging  shots  with 
the  enemy,  until  Tuesday  morning,  10th  instant,  when  I  was  ordered 
into  the  city  on  picket  duty.  We  were  relieved  by  one  of  General 
Barksdale's  regiments,  at  seven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  marched  backed 
to  camp,  having  been  absent  six  days  and  five  nights.  Drs.  Shine 
and  Carlisle  displayed  their  usual  skill  and  energy  in  caring  for  the 
Aounded.  My  loss  was  four  killed  and  fifty-seven  wounded.  Most  of 
the  wounds  are  slight. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

ELBERT  BLAND, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  Seventh  South  Carolina  RegiTnent, 


36 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  MOODY. 

P.  G.  Humphreys, 

Colonel  commanding  Twenty-First  B^iment  Mississippi  Vols.  : 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  order,  on  t^e  morning  of  the  llth 
December,  I  took  command  of  the  right  wing  of  the  fourth  regiment, 
composed  of  the  following  companies  :  company  A,  Lieutenant  Wall- 
cott ;  company  C,  Lieutenant  Longsfield  ;  company  H,  Lieutenant 
Erien  ;  Company  F,  Captain  Fitzgerald;  company  G,  Captain  Dud- 
ley, and  moved  to  the  support  of  Captain  Govan,  of  the  seventeenth 
Mississippi  regiment,  who  was  holding  the  enemy  in  check  at  the 
bridge,  at  the  lower  portion  of  the  town.  Immediately  upon  arriving 
I  ordered  company  G  to  his  support,  but  found  that  he  had  all  the 
icen  he  could  use  to  advantage. 

This  wing  remained  in  line  in  the  road,  about  one  hundred  yards  in 
the  rear  of  Captain  Govan's  position,  unprotected  from  A.  M.  to  P. 
M.  The  dense  fog,  which  had  before  concealed  us  from  the  enemy, 
t<ien  cleared,  and  they  concentrated  their  fire  upon  this  wing.  I  im- 
mediately ordered  the  command  to  retire  about  three  hundred  yards, 
cut  of  range  of  the  enemy's  fire.  About  four,  P.  M.,  Captain  Govaa 
gent  to  me  for  assistance,  I  ordered  forward  companies  0  and  F,  which 
order  was  obeyed  with  promptness.  In  the  meantime.  Captain  Govan 
received  orders  from  General  Barksdale  to  retire.  I  then  took  posi- 
tion on  the  railroad,  a  short  distance  in  the  rear,  leaving  two  compa- 
Eies  at  the  deep  cut  on  the  road,  and  the  other  three  1  stationed  near 
the  telegraph  road,  within  supporting  distance,  and  remained  in  this 
position  until  ordered  by  you,  about  ten,  P.  M.,  to  return  to  camp. 
You,  sir,  have  every  reason  to  be  proud  of  this  wing.  From  six,  A. 
IL,  to  one,  P.  M.,  they  were  exposed  to  the  hottest  fire  I  ever  wit- 
EGfesed,  and  I  saw  no  disposition  on  the  part  of  officers  or  men  to  move 
from  their  position  until  ordered.  Captain  Govan  and  the  brave  men 
of  his  command  are  deserving  of  the  highest  praise.  Up  to  the  time 
hxi  was  ordered  to  leave  his  position,  the  enemy  had  not  succeeded  in 
living  a  plank.  Braver  officers  and  men  than  Captain  Govan  and  hi3 
command  connot  be  found.  The  following  is  a  correct  list  of  the  killed 
aad  wounded  of  the  right  wing  :  company  A,  one  killed,  two. wounded'; 
company  C,  four  wounded ;  company  H,  six  killed,  three  wounded  ; 
company  F,  four  wounded;  company  G,  two  killed,  five  wounded. 
Total,  nine  killed,  eighteen  wounded  and  three  missing, 
I  remain  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  W.  MOODY, 
Major  Tenty-First  Regiment  Mississippi  VoluTiieers. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  NANCE,  COMMANDING  REGIMENT. 

Headquarters  Third  S.  C.  Regiment,  ) 
December  20,  1862.      \ 
Captain  C,  R.  Holmes, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  As  senior  officer  in  command  of  the  tliird  South  Carolina  re- 
giment, the  duty  devolves  upon  me  to  detail  the  operations  of  the^ 
same  in  the  recent  engagement  at  Fredericksburg,  Virginia.  Th«r 
regiment  was  aroused  about  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  Thursday,  th& 
11th  instant,  by  the  firing  of  the  signal  guns,  and  soon  afterwards  a 
courier  from  Brigadier  General  Kershaw  notified  the  Colonel  com- 
manding that  the  enemy  were  attempting  to  cross  the  Rappahannock 
river,  opposite  Fredericksburg,  and  ordered  me  to  occupy  its  pkce  in. 
the  line  of  battle,  previously  designated.  Accordingly,  the  regimens 
was  put  in  motion,  and,  about^six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  was  put  in  position 
on  the  hill  on  the  right  of  the  telegraph  road,  and  on  the  left  of  Gap- 
tain  Reid's  battery,  with  the  seventh  South  Carolina  volunteers,  com«. 
manded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bland,  on  our  right,  and  the  second 
South  Carolina  volunteer  regiment,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Johii 
D.  Kennedy,  on  our  left.  Two  companies  of  skirmishers  (Captain 
Ilance's  company  A,  of  rifles,)  and  Captain  Nance's  company  E,  rifles, 
were  deployed  so  as  to  cover  the  front  of  our  regiment,  and  placed  ia 
the  ditch  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  occupied  by  the  regiments.  The  or- 
ders given  these  company  commanders  were  to  hold  their  positions  aa- 
long  as  possible,  and,  when  compelled,  to  fall  back  upon  tho  regiments 

Thursday  and  Friday  witnessed  no  advance  by  the  enemy  upon  our 
immediate  lines.  On  Friday  night,  the  line  of  battle  was  changed 
from  the  top  of  the  hill  to  its  base,  the  regiments  occupying  the 
position  previously  held  by  tho  two  companies  of  skirmishers.  This 
position  was  strengthened,  during  the  night,  by  digging  pits  and 
throwing  up  earthen  breastworks. 

On  Saturday  morning,  the  13th  instant,  the  enemy  opened  fire 
upon  the  right  and  left  of  our  lines,  at  about  nine  o'clock.  About 
ten  minutes  before  one  o'clock,  P.  M,,  Colonel  Nance  received  an  or-, 
der  from  Brigadier  General  Kershaw  to  extend  his  lines  so  as  to  oc-- 
cupy  the  works  of  tho  second  South  Carolina  regiment  on  our  left. 
This  order  was  subsequently  revoked  upon  the  information  that  Col- 
onel Kennedy  had  left  a  company  to  do  this.  About  fifteen  minutes 
after  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  a  verbal  order  was  extended  by  Brigadier 
General  Kershaw,  ordering  Colonel  Nance  to  move  his  command,  by 
the  way  he  would  designate,  to  the  support  of  Brigadier  General  T. 
R.  R.  Cobb's  command.  The  regiment  was  accordingly  moved  down 
the  earthworks  into  the  telegraph  road,  then  down  the  telegraph  road 

near  the  mill  on creek,  and  then  up  the  newly  made  road,  to  the 

top  of  the  hill  just  in  rear  of  the  cemetery,  and  from  that  point  across 
the  field  in  the  rear  of  Marye's  house,  where  Brigadier  General  Ker- 
?baw  ordered,  through  Major   Gaillard,  of  the  second  South  Carolins 


564 

regiment,  that  tlie  regiment  should  form  inline  of  battle  and  advance 
on  a  line  wuh  the   second  South   Carolina   regiment.     An  order  was 
received  through  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Doby,  aid-de-camp,  to  the  effect 
that  our  right  should  rest  upon  Marye's  house.     Soon  after,  Lieuten- 
ant A.  E.  Doby,  aid-de-carop,  insisted  that  the  enemy  should  not  bo 
allovred  to  gain  possession  of  Marye's  house,  and   although  only  8i:s 
companies  on  the  line,  Colonel  Nance  promptly  brought  the  line  for- 
ward.    As  the  regiment  reached  the  position,  on  a  line  >vith  the  front 
of  Marye's  house,  it  was  expoi^ed   to  a  most  murderous  fire  from  the 
enemy,  plainly  visible  from  that  point.     The  line  was  ordered  to  move 
across  the  chain  fence.     The   remaining  four  companies  had  previ- 
ouslv  joined  the  advancing  line,  and  the  ranks  made  complete.    When 
the  line  reached  the  top  of  the  hill,  the  order  to  fire  was  given,  and  the 
effects  must  have  been  terrrible,  as  Cne  shots  were  delivered  coolly  and 
with  an   evident  intention  to  kill.     About  this  time.  Colonel  James 
D.  Nance  fell,  wounded  in  the  thigh.     Not  long  afterwards,  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  William   D.  Rutherford  fell,  shot  through  the  right  side, 
and  not  long   afterwards.  Major  Robert  C.  Maffct   was  disabled  by  -a 
ball  through  his  arm.     Here,  too,  CapTain  Rutherford  P.  Todd,  who 
was  acting  as  a  field  officer,  was  disabled  by  a  ball  in  an  artery  of  the 
right  arm.     Colonel  James  D.   Nance,  while  lying  down  wounded, 
suggested  to  Captain   William   W.   Ilance,  then  commanding,  that  it 
would  be  better  to  move  the  regiment  back  a  few  paces  into  a  road, 
parallel  to  the  line  of  battle,  leading  from  the  Marye  house  to  a  street 
on  our  left,  perpendicular  to  our  line  of  battle.     Whilst  occupying 
this  position,  a  vigorous  and  well-directed  fire  was  kept  up  on  the  vu- 
rious  lincF,  whenever  the^?  attempted  to  advance  or  exposed  themselves. 
Sharpshooters,  posted  about  the  Marye  house,  dealt  constant  and  well- 
directed  fire  upon  the  enemy.     Captains  W^illiam  E.  Hance  and  John 
C.   Summer  both  fell,   while  in  command  of  the  regiment,  the  for- 
mer having  his  leg  badly  shattered  ;  the  latter  killed  by  a  grape-shot 
through  the  head.     The  command  then  devolved  upon  myself,  being  the 
senior  ofiicer  present.  About  six  o'clock,  P.  M  ,  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Doby, 
aid-de-cam.p,  delivered  an  order  to  move  the  regiment  about  a  hun- 
dred vards  beyond  our  position   at  the   Marye  house,  and  behind  a 
stone' fence,  connecting  with  the  left  of  the  position  of  Phillips'  le- 
gion.    Soon  afterwards  an  order  came,  through  Capt.  C.  R.  Holmes, 
assistant  adjutant  general,  to  throw  forward  skirmishers,  covering  the 
line  of  the  regiment. .   Accordingly,  First  Lieutenant  R.  H.  Wright, 
commanding  company  E,  was  sent  forward,  and,  as  his  command  drew 
near  some  dwelling-houses,  just  in  front  of  the  regiment,  he  was  fired 
upon  by  the  enemy's   sharpshooters,  posted    in  the  houses.     Under 
these  circumstances,  and  the  further  fact  that  night  was  upon  us,  the 
line   of  skirmish'ers  were   drawn   back   some   considerable   distance. 
About  seven  o'clock.  Brigadier  General  Kemper,  with  two  hundred 
and  ninety  men  from  his  command,  by  tlie  order  of  Major  General 
Ransom,  relieved  this  command  of  its  position  in  the  immediate  front, 
and  by  the  order  of  Brigadier  General  Kershaw,  conveyed  through 
Adjutant  G.  J.  Pope,  the  regiment  was  moved  back  over  the  hill  oc- 
cupied by  our  batteries,  near  the  mill  oa  the creek,  where  the 


565 

third  South  Carolina  battalion,  commanded  hy  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Rice,  was  posted,  and  there  remained  until  the  night  of  the  15th  in- 
stant, when,  under  orders  received  from  Brigadier  General  Kershaw, 
the  regiment  was  marched  back  into  its  former  camp. 

I  cannot  refrain  from  complimenting  the  command  at  the  daunt- 
It'ss  spirit  and  bravery  displayed  thoiighout  by  the  officers  and  men. 
All  seemed  to  realize  the  call  made  upon  them,  and  none  failed  to  re- 
spond. 

The  fire  the  regiment  was  called  upon  to  sustain  was  certainly  not 
surpassed  by  that  at  Savage  Station,  Maryland  Heights  and  Sharps- 
burg.  The  command  suffered  severely  in  killed  and  wounded,  as  the 
accompanying  list  will  show.  There  wore  twenty-five  killed  and  one 
hundred  and  forty-two  wounded;  total  loss,  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
seven. 

Strength — Thirty-six  commissioned  officers,  throe  hundred  and 
sixty-four  enlisted  men;  total,  four  hundred. 

Respectfully, 

J.  K.  NANCE, 
Captain  commanding  Thiid  South  Carolina  Regimtnt. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  LUSE. 

Camp  Barksdale's  Brigade,      ) 
Near  Fredericksburg,   Va.,  December  19,   1862.  3 

General  Bark sd ale  : 

Sir  :  It  becomes  my  duty  to  report  to   you  the  action  of  the   eigh- 
teenth Mississippi  regiment  in  the  late  battle  of  Fredericksburg  : 

The  night  of  the  10th  instant  the  regiment  picketed  the  river  for 
about  half  a  mile  above,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below,  the  mouth  of 
Deep  Run  ;  that  portion  of  the  regiment  not  on  post  being  encamped 
at  Mrs.  Ferneyhough's  house,  on  the  river  road.  About  midnight  I 
received  orders  from  you  to  double  my  pickets,  which  was  immedi- 
ately done.  Between  this  time  and  daylight  I  received  information 
from  my  pickets  that  the  enemy  were  preparing  to  throw  a  pontoon 
bridge  across  the  river,  opposite  the  lower  post,  above  the  mouth  of 
Deep  Run.  You,  being  present  at  the  time,  ordered  me  to  send  three 
companies  to  support  Captain  Govan,  of  the  seventeenth  Mississippi 
regiment,  above,  and  to  take  the  rest  of  ray  command  to  the  river,  to 
2;uard  the  point  at  which  it  was  reported  the  enemy  were  construct- 
ing the  bridge,  opposite  my  line.  This  was  done  at  once.  I  went 
myself  to  examine  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  heard  them 
throw  in  the  first  boat,  about  half  an  hour  before  day.  Judging  them 
to  be  within  easy  range  of  the  mouth  of  Deep  Run,  I  lined  the  banks 
with  sharpshooters,  in  addition  to  the  pickets.  Their  boats  were 
thrown  in  with  great  rapidity  from  this  time  until  daylight,  when  I 
discovered  that  the  boats  had  been  floated  down  the  river  several 
hundred  yards,  making  the  place  of  crossing  below  and  out  of  range 
from  Deep  Run.  1  immediately  ordered  my  two  companies  of  sharp- 
shooters down  to  the  crossing,  to  open  fire  on  the  enemy  simultane- 
ously with  the  pickets  in  their  front,  and  moved  up  with  the  rest  of 
the  regiment,  getting  in  position  and  removing  a  paling  fence  just  as 
die  fire  was  opened  in  front.  The  enemy  were  driven  from  the 
bridge,  and  their  supports  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  broke 
ranks  and  were  with  difficulty  rallied.  Having  accomplished  this, 
pickets  were  posted  near  enough  to  watch  the  further  movement  of 
the  enemy,  with  two  companies  concealed  very  near  the  crossing  to 
resist  any  further  work  on  the  bridge  or  attempt  to  cross  it,  one  com- 
pany remain'mg  on  the  upper  side  of  Deep  Run  by  your  order.  The 
remaining  four  companies  of  the  regiment  I  placed  in  the  ravine  in 
front  of  the  crossing,  posting  one  where  the  river  road  crosses  Deep 
Eun,  to  guard  the  point  against  any  sudden  move  of  the  enemy.  The 
(sompanies,  thus  stationed,  remained  in  the  position  above  described 
until  about  noon,  when  two  regiments  came  to  reinforce  me,  one 
forming  on  my  right,  the  other  on  my  left.  The  ground  which  three 
of  my  companies  occupied  being  embraced  in  the  positions  of  the 
above  mentioned  regiments,  I  brought  them  in,  and  remained  in  posi- 
"iion  to  resist  the  crossiog  or  advaace  of  the   enemy  until  half-paat 


S67 

three,  P,  M.,  vrben  Colonel  DeSaussare,  commanding  the  reinforce- 
ments sent  me,  communicated  to  me  an  order  from  General  Kershaw, 
to  fall  back  to  the  river  road,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  to  our 
rear,  leaving  one  company,  (C,)  Captain  CasselPs,  in  the  ravine,  with 
instructions  to  fire  on  the  enemy  as  he  advanced.  This  order  was  exe- 
cuted. The  enemy  cx-ossed  in  our  front  between  sundown  and  dark, 
•and,  advancing  his  skirmishers,  encountered  Captain  Cassell's  com- 
pany, who  fired  on  them  and  retired,  in  obedience  to  their  instructions. 

It  is  but  just  to  state  that  all  the  above  movements,  after  daylight, 
were  performed  under  a  destructive  fire  of  the  numerous  guns  of  the 
enemy  posted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  that  all  the  dan- 
gerous duties  assigned  them  were  performed,  by  ofiicers  and  men, 
with  the  steadiness  of  veterans. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  H.  LUSE, 

Litutcnant  Colonel  commanding  Eighteenth  Missis&ippi  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  CArTAIN    STACKTIOUSE,  COMMA^'DING 

REGIMENT. 

Regimental  Quarters,  Eighth  South    Carolina  Regiment, 

December  19,   1862. 

Brigadier  General  Kershaw  : 

General  :  In  obedience  to  orders  contained  in  circular  of  this 
date,  requiring  the  commanders  of  regiments,  battalions  and  batte- 
ries to  make  reports  of  the  engagements  of  their  commands  in 
the  late  action  in  front  of  Fredericksburg,  I  submit  the  following 
report : 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th  December  instant,  on  hearinff  the  sijr- 
nal  guns,  I  formed  my  regiment,  and,  in  obedience  to  your  orders, 
formed  my  command  on  your  left,  occupying  a  good  position  on  the 
telegraph  road,  at  the  point  where  the  open  sands  connect  with  the 
woods. 

I  kept  this  position,  with  but  little  change,  till  one  o'clock,  P.  M., 
on  the  13th,  when,  in  obedience  to  your  order,  I  moved  my  command, 
left  in  front,  following  Colonel  Kennedy's  (second)  regiment,  by  a 
tortuous  and  diiScult  way,  to  the  open  sand  on  Marye's  Hill.  As 
eoon  as  we  reached  the  open  space  on  the  hill,  by  order  of  Colonel 
Kennedy,  I  formed  my  command  on  his  right.  The  two  commands 
were  then,  by  order  of  Cob  nei  Kennedy,  moved  rapidly  to  tho  front. 
On  reaching  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  front,  (my  right  resting  on  a  line 
with  the  cemetery,)  we  came  to  troops  lying  on  the  ground  and  firing 
to  the  front.  Believing  this  to  be  a  portion  of  General  Cobb's  brig- 
ade who  had  been  driven  from  their  position,  I  halted  my  command 
and  went  myself  to  the  front,  to  get  a  view  of  the  road  in  front  of 
Marye's  Hill.  Finding  General  Cobb's  brigade  in  position  in  the 
road,  I  caused  my  command  to  cease  firing  (they  had,  Avithout  orders, 
opened  fire  on  the  advancing  Yankee  lines)  and  moved  it  rapidly  to 
the  road.  I  formed  it  on  the  twenty-fourth  Georgia  regiment,  thea 
in  position  behind  the  stone  fence.  Without  much  change,  we  kept 
this  position  till  the  evening  of  the  16th.  By  your  order,  I  was 
permitted  to  form  my  command  in  four  ranks  on  Colonel  DeSaussure's 
(fifteenth)  regiment,  my  right  resting  on  the  twenty-fourth  Georgia 
regiment  till  the  evening  of  the  14th,  when  that  regiment  was  re- 
lieved by  the  tenth  Georgia  regiment  of  General  Semmes'  brigade. 

On  the  evening  of  the  13th,  the  enemy  attempted  several  times  to 
advance  on  our  position,  but  succeeded  only  in  reaching  a  defile,  two 
hundred  yards  in  front,  which  concealed  them  from  view  from  our  po- 
sition. Notwithstanding  the  long  range,  I  believe  we  did  the  enemy 
much  injury  on  his  march  to  the  defile  above  alluded  to. 

On  the  14th,  we  confined  our  fire  to  select  parties  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  15th  and  16th,  I  have  little  of  interest  to  record  in  con- 
nection with  my  command. 

I  was  much  pleased  with  the  conduct  of  my  command.     For  casu- 


569 


alties,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you   to  report   made   yeaterdav      Of  tT,A 
th.rty.nc  kmed  and  disabled,  we  lost'twent^-eighrirt'chiafot 

I  am,  General,  verj'respectfullj,  your  obedient  servant, 

r    ,  .  ,  JE.  T.  STACKIIOUSE, 

tapfam  cy>nmanding  Eighth  South  Carolina  Rgimlnt. 


REPORT   OF  COLO^JEL  DeSAUSSURE. 

Headquarters  Fifteenth  Regiment  South  Carolina  Vols.,  ) 

December  SO,  1862.      \ 

Captain  C.  R.  Holme?', 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  In  compliance  with  instructions  from  headquarters,  I  have  the 
"nonor  to  report  that,  on  Saturday  morning,  the  llth  instant,  the 
iftcenth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers  moved  down  the  Bowling 
Green  road  to  the  support  of  the  picket  at  the  Ferneyhough  farm,  com- 
^aanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Luse,  eighteenth  Mississippi,  and  was 
formed  on  the  right,  upon  the  edge  of  Deep  Run,  in  front  of  the  road, 
with  the  sixteenth  Georgia,  Colonel  Bryan,  on  the  left  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Luse.  The  command  remained  in  that  position,  with  three 
companies  thrown  forward  towards  the  river  as  skirmishers,  until 
ordered  to  retire  to  the  Bowling  Green  road  by  General  Kershaw, 
late  in  the  day.  The  regiment  remained  on  picket  all  night,  until 
live  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Friday  morning,  when,  by  order  of  Major  General 
McLaws,  it  resumed  its  proper  position  in  line. 

On  Saturday,  the  13th  instant,  the  regiment  marched  off  by  the 
left  flank,  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  to  the  support  of  General 
Cobb's  brigade,  under  Marye's  Hill.  Passing  to  the  rear  of  the  bat- 
teries, the  regiment  halted  and  lay  down  in  line  of  battle,  in  rear  of 
the  Marye  house,  until,  by  an  order  extended  through  Assistant  Ad- 
jutant General  Plolmes,  it  vras  marched  across  the  hill,  under  a  heavy 
fire,  to  the  rear  of  the  cemetery,  as  a  support  to  Colonel  Walton's 
batteries.  Later  in  the  evening  the  regiment  was  marched  down  to 
the  stone  wall,  on  the  road  below  Marye's  Hill,  to  the  support  of  the 
eecond  South  Carolina  regiment,  and  there  remained  until  the  evacu- 
ation of  the  city  of  Fredericksburg  by  the  enemy,  the  night  of  the 
15th  instant. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers  and  privates  of  the  regiment  throughout 
the  entire  five  days,  from  the  llth  to  the  16th  December,  was  such 
as  to  meet  with  my  unqualified  approbation, 

I  would  respectfully  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  Brigadier  General 
the  services  of  the  staff  officers  actually  engaged  :  Adjutant  James 
M.  Davis,  for  the  gallant  and  prompt  execution  of  all  orders  extended 
by  him ;  Surgeon  James  and  Assistant  Surgeon  Wallace,  also  the 
Rev.  H.  B.  McCallum,  chaplain  of  the  regiment,  for  their  skillful 
and  assiduous  attention  to  the  wounded;  and  Ordnance  Sergeant 
R.  W.  Boyd,  for  his  prompt  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  depart- 
ment. 

The  regiment  went  into  action  with  twenty-seven,  commissioned 
officers  and  three  hundred  and  seventy-seven  enlisted  men ;  and 
had   two  commissioned  officers    (Lieutenants    Barron  and   Derrick) 


571 

wounded,  one  sergeant  and  one  private  killed,  and  fifty-two  en- 
listed  men  wounded,  of  yhich  a  tabular  statement  has  been  here- 
tofore furnished. 

Eespectfully  submitted, 

W.  D.  DeSAUSSURE, 
Colonel  Fifteenth  Bcgiment  South  Carolina  Vdunteers. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  NANCE. 

Richmond,  December  24,  1862. 

Captain  C.  R.  Holmes, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  : 

Sir:  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  13th  instant,  I  took  my  position 
in  line  of  battle  just  to  the  right  of  the  telegraph  road,  as  you  ap- 
proach Fredericksburg,  and  immediately  at  the  foot  of  the  first  range 
of  hills  from  the  river.  Excepc  some  slight  shelling,  which  annoyed  us 
and  wounded  one  or  more  of  my  men,  nothing  of  special  interest  occurred 
to  us  until  about  two,  P.  M.,  Avhen,  by  command  of  Brigadier  General 
Kershaw,  I  moved  by  the  left,  out  of  some  breastworks  which  1  had 
thrown  up  the  night  before,  down  the  telegraph  road  five  or  six  hun- 
dred j^ard's,  filed  to  the  left,  and,  crossing  the  branch  running  by  its 
side,  took  the  road  leading  over  the  high  h'll  on  the  left  of  the  telegraph 
road,  and  into  the  open  field  behind  Marye's  house.  When  within 
five  or  six  hundred  yards  of  this  house.  Lieutenant  Doby,  A.,D.  C, 
delivered  to  me  an  order  to  form  my  regiment  and  move  forward  and 
occupy  the  crest  of  the  hill  at  Marye's  house,  with  my  right  resting 
at  the  house.  I  immediately  began  to  close  up  my  regiment  to  exe- 
cute the  order,  when  Major  Gaillard  rode  up,  and,  speaking  for  Briga- 
dier General  Kershaw,  extended  substantially  the  same  order  ;  and, 
at  my  request,  gave  me  the  direction  of  the  crest  which  I  was  to  oc- 
cupy, so  that  1  could  form  parallel  to  it  before  advancing.  The  regi- 
ment was  considerably  strung  out  in  the  flank  movement  made  in 
coming  to  this  point,  and  while  waiting  for  it  to  close  up.  Lieutenant 
Doby,  A.  D.  C,  came  to  me,  telling  me  to  hurry  up,  and  represented  to 
me  that  Marye's  house  was  in  danger  of  being  possessed  by  the  enemy. 
Seeing  the  importance  of  the  point,  and  thus  having  my  fears  for  it3 
safety  excited,  I  advanced  at  once  with  that  portion  of  my  regiment 
which  was  formed,  and  lefc  my  adjutant,  Lieutenant  G.  J.  Pope,  to 
bring  the  other  companies  forward,  as  soon  as  they  formed.  •  When 
we  reached  the  neighborhood  of  Marye's  house  a  severe  fire  was 
opened  upon  us  ;  but  we  steadily  advanced  to  the  crest  of  the  hill, 
when  ray  men  laid  down  and  opened  fire  on  the  enemy,  who  were  in 
the  flat  in  our  front.  By  this  time  their  fire  "was  strongly  directed 
against  us.  The  other  companies  of  my  regiment  came  up  imme- 
diately after  we  became  engaged.  I  went  to  the  right  to  see  that 
they  were  put  in  proper  position,  and  was  shot  down,  a  minio  ball 
entering  my  left  thigh  just  to  the  right  and  above  my  knee,  while  dis- 
charging this  duty.  At  that  time  I  declined  to  be  moved,  but  con- 
tinued to  direct  and  encourage  the  men,  who  were  already  doing 
manfully.  I  soon  saw,  however,  that  we  were  too  much  exposed,  and 
that  we  were  contending  at  disadvantage,  owing  to  the  fact  that  we 
•were  engaged  at  a  greart;  distance  and  the  enemy's  guns  were  of  su- 
perior range.  Having  been  moved  back  to  Marye's  house,  I  senb 
word  to  the  officer  in  command  to  withdravf  far  enough  to  get  shelter 


573 

behind  the  crest  of  the  hill,  -vrithout  retiring  too  far  to  deliver  an 
effective  fire.  Accordingly  Major  Maffett,  then  commanding,  with 
drew  to  the  road  running  beside  the  river  fence,  in  Marye's  yard,  wher- 
I  believe  the  regiment  held  its  position  and  continued  its  fire  until  the 
close  of  the  battle.  Afterwards,  I  sent  directions  to  the  officer  com- 
manding to  send  a  detail  after  ammunition.  He  did  so,  and  this  was 
my  last  official  communication  with  the  regiment  for  the  day.  An 
account  of  what  subsequently  occurred  and  a  list  of  the  casualties  in 
the  regiment  will,  I  presume,  be  furnished  by  some  other  officer.  It 
is  my  duty  and  pleasure  to  testify  to  the  courage  and  fortitude  with 
which  these  dangers  were  mot  and  these  fiery  trials  were  endured  by  my 
brave  comrad'^s,  so  long  as  they  were  under  my  observation.  Several 
valuable  officers  were  wounded — one,  Captain  W.  W.  Ilance,  who  has 
suffered  amputation  of  his  leg,  is  lost  to  the  service,  if  he  shall  not 
unfortunately  be  lost  to  his  friends.  He  was  a  superior  and  gallant 
officer,  and  his  loss  is  a  great  one  to  the  regiment.  Captain  John  C. 
Summer,  a  most  successful  officer;  Captain  Perrin  Foster,  an  efficient, 
zealous  and  conscientious  officer,  and  Lieutenants  Hollingsworth  and 
Hill,  both  young  lieutenants  of  promise,  were  killed.  The  three  field 
officers.  Captain  Todd,  senior  captain,  and  Captain  Hance,  third  senior 
captain  present,  were  wounded,  and  Captain  Summer,  second  senior 
captain  present,  was  killed;  thus  putting  the  six  ranking  officers  of 
the  regiment  hors  de  combat.  Ours  is  a  bloody  record  ;  but  we  trust  it 
is  a  highly  honorable  one. 

Very  respectfully, 

JAMES  D.  NANCE, 
Coloml  commanding  Third  South  Carolina  lltgiment^ 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CARTER. 

Headquarters  Thirteenth  Mrssissippi  Regiment,  } 
[Near  Fredericksburg,  Fa.,  December  28,  1862.       <[ 

General:  In  accc-ilance  with  your  order,  I  marched  my  regiment, 
at  about  five  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  11th  instant,  to  the 
market-house  in  Fredericksburg,  when  I  was  ordered  by  you  to  take 
*'  position  on  Caroline  street,  await  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fixer's  orders, 
send  him  reinforcements  whenever  he  called  on  me  to  do  so,  and 
should  he  be  enabled  to  hold  his  position,  then  in  that  event  to  with- 
draw my  regiment  to  the  raavket-house."  I  accordingly  tookpositioa 
on  Caroline  street,  immediately  in  rear  of  the  position  occupied  by 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Fizer,  and  opened  communication  with  him,  where 
I  remained  until  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  under  a, very  heavy  and 
destructive  fire  from  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  river. 

About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fizer  asked  me  for 
ten  men  to  act  as  sharpshooters,  which  I  promptly  sent  him.  About 
four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fizer  sent  to  me  for  two  com- 
panies, which  [  was  proceeding  with,  when  I  met  him  retiring  with 
bis  command  to  the  market-house,  being  unable  to  hold  his  position 
longer. 

1  immediately  formed  ray  regiment  and  withdrew  it  to  the  market- 
h^ise,  when  I  was  ordered  by  you  to  form  in  the  next  street  (towards 
the  river)  and  engage  the  enemy,  but,  before  I  could  do  so,  I  ascer- 
tained that  the  enemy  occupied  the  street  on  which  I  was  ordered  to 
form  and  was  advancing.  I  immediately  disposed  of  my  regiment  on 
the  street  which  I  then  occupied,  (Princess  Anne,)  so  as  to  command 
as  many  streets  running  at  right  angles  with  the  river  as  I  possibly 
could,  and  engaged  the  enemy  at  once,  driving  him  towards  the  river, 
after  a  spirited  engagement  of  two  hours. 

Having  fired  the  last  gun  at  the  retreating  enemy,  I  was  then  or- 
dered to  withdraw  my  regiment  from  the  town,  which  order  I 
promptly  obeyed. 

The  enemy's  loes  after  crossing  the  river,  in  the  engagement  with 
my  regiment,  is  estimated  to  be  over  two  hundred  killed  and  wounded. 
I  refer  you  to  the  report  already  furnished  you  of  the  loss  which  we 
sustained. 

Captain  J.  L.  Clark  was  killed,  by  a  gx)lid  shot,  early  in  ih<i  morn- 
ing. He  was  a  promising  young  officer.  Captain  T.  W.  Thurraan 
was  dangerously  wounded  later  in  the  day,  fell  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  and,  in  all  probability,  is  dead.  Lieutenant  J,  M.  Stovay  is 
missing,  and  is  supposed  to  be  killed. 

I  wish  to  call  your  attention  to  the  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct 
of  Captain  G.  L.  Donald,  who  had  immediate  command  of  se^veral 
companies,  which  did  fine  execution,  without  sustaining  any  serious 
loss. 


mand. 


o^u-    i      •« '    r  "icunon   or    tne  coolnoss,  braver 

soldiedj-!.ke  conduct  of  both  officers  and  enlisted  m;n  of  mV  cox- 


ri     ?  ..      ^,.  ^-  '^^'-  CARTER, 

tolonsl  c^mmandw.y  Thirteenth  Mississippi  Begimeni. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  J.  THOMPSON  BROWN. 

Headquarters  First  Virginia  Artitxery, 
December  19,  186i. 


Captain  A.  S.  Pendleton, 

Assistinit  Adjutant  General : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following 
report  of  the  operations  of  my  command  in  the  late  engagement  before 
Fredericksburg  : 

About  ten  o'clock,  Saturday  morning,  my  batteries  were  ordered  to 
a  position  in  rear  of  Hamilton's  house,  ready  to  be  called  on  as  occa- 
sion might  require.  About  t>velve  o'clock,  by  order  of  Col.  Crutch- 
field,  I  sent  two  Parrott  rifles  from  Captain  Poague's  battery,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Graham,  and  two  similar  pieces  from  the 
third  Howitzers,  under  Lieutenant  Utz,  to  report  to  Major  Pelham, 
on  the  right  of  the  railroad.  Shortly  afterwards,  I  was  ordered  to 
send  to  the  same  point  four  other  rifle  guns,  viz  :  two  ten-pounder 
Parrotts  and  one  brass  rifle  from  second  Howitzers,  and  one  three- 
inch  rifle  from  Captain  Dance's  battery,  all  under  the  command  of 
Captain  Watson,  (second  Howitzers.)  These  eight  guns  were  actively 
engaged,  and  suffered  severely  from  the  enemy's  artillery  and  sharp- 
shooters. I  have  to  lament  the  loss  on  this  part  of  the  field  of  a 
gallant  and  most  excellent  officer,  Lieutenant  Utz,  commanding 
third  Howitzers.  The  ammunition  of  most  of  the  pieces  was  ex- 
hausted before  dark,  and  the  pieces  themselves  withdrawn.  Having 
obtained  ammunition  for  the  two  rifles  of  the  third  Howitzers,  I  sent 
them  back  to  the  field,  where  they  remained,  in  company  with  the 
three  pieces  of  Captain  Watson's  battery,  until  about  nine  o'clock. 
About  two  o'clock,  by  order  of  Colonel  Crutchfield,  I  placed  in  posi- 
tion, on  the  hill  to  the  extreme  right  of  our  infantry  line,  the  two 
twenty-pounder  Parrotts  of  Captain  Poague's  battery.  These  two 
pieces,  unaided,  engaged  the  enemy's  artillery,  and  afterwards  opened 
upon  the  infantry.  The  exact  range  of  the  hill  having  been  obtained 
by  much  previous  firing,  our  loss  at  this  point  was  heavy.  Among 
the  killed  was  Lieutenant  McCorkle,  a  brave  soldier  and  estimable 
gentleman.  Later  in  the  evening,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman  brought 
up  two  howitzers  from  Captain  Dance's  battery,  and  placed  them  on 
the  left  of  Captain  Poague's  pieces.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman 
was  severely  wounded  at  this  point,  but  remained  on  the  field  until 
after  dark.  I  fear  I  shall  lose  the  assistance  of  this  valuable  officer 
for  several  months.  Late  in  the  evening,  two  pieces  of  Captain  Hupp's 
battery,  under  Lieutenant  Griffin,  were  ordered  to  the  right  of  the 
railroad,  and  were  successfully  engaged  with  the  enemy's  sharpshoot- 
ers. Captain  Brooke's  battery,  although  not  actively  engaged,  was 
exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire  on  Saturday  and  Sunday.  I  cannot  re- 
frain from  expressing  my  high  admiration  for  the  conduct  of  the  offi- 
cers and  men  of  my  command  in  the  action  before  Fredericksburg. 
After  marching  ail  of  the  previous  night,  they  came  upon  a  field 


577 

vtrewn  with  the  wrecks  of  other  batteries,  and  behaved  in  a  manner 
which  elicited  the  praise  of  all  who  saw  them.  I  append  a  list  of  cas- 
ualties : 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Coleman,  wounded  in  log.  Foague's  battery, 
fix  killed  and  ten  wounded.  Watson's  second  Ilowity.ers,  one  killed 
and  seven  wounded.  Smith's  third  Howitzers,  three  killed  and  three 
wounded.  Dance's  battery,  none  killed,  two  wounded.  Hiipp's  bat- 
tery, none  killed,  one  wounded.  Brooke's  battery,  none  killed,  two 
wounded.    "Total  killed,  ten.     Total  wounded,  twenty-six. 

I  beg  leave  to   call   attention   to  the  fact  that  but  few  of  the  shell 
for  Parrott  rifles  exploded,  ovnng  to  imperfect  fuzes. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

J.  THOMPSON  BROWN, 
37  Oolonel  First  Virginia  Artillery. 


REPORT  OF  iMAJOR  RHIDGFORa 

Hkadquartkrs  Provost  Mar.'^mal  Secpnd  Cotpb,  / 

January  9,  18G3.      J 

Jil;  jor  A.  S.  Pendleton, 

Assistnnt  ACjutant  Gemrsl : 

Major  :  In  obedience  to  an  onler  from  the  Ij>cutenant  General  com- 
manding, I  herewith  transmit  the  opevations  of  the  provost  giiai-d, 
consisting  of  the  battalion  and  Captain  Upshur's  squadron  of  cavalry  ; 

On  the  1  Ith  December  I  received  an  order  to  move  towards  Frede- 
ricksburg, with  two  days'  rations  cooked  and  placed  in  haversacks. 

L^ecemher  12th,  I  moved  at  datsn  on  the  Fredericksburg  road  to 
Hamilton's  crossing,  T^here  I  placed  a  guard  for  the  purpose  of  ar- 
restirg  all  stragglers  ;  also  placed  a  guard,  consisting  of  cavalry  and 
infantry,  along  the  whole  line  of  the  corps,  in  rear  of  the  line  of  bat- 
tle about  half  a  mile,  with  instructions  to  arrest  all  men  without  pro- 
per passes,  on  authorized  business  for  t!\eir  commands,  to  be  brought 
to  the  guard  placed  on  the  railroad.  There  my  brigade  surgeon  was 
stationed  to  examine  all  men  claiming  to  be  sick,  without  proper  passes 
from  their  brigade  or  regimental  surgeons.  Numbers,  however,  were 
really  sick  and  totally  unfit  for  duty.  They  were  without  passes. 
^Vhen  a  sufficient  number  were  collected  together,  1  sent  them,  under 
charge  of  cavalry,  to  be  delivered  to  the  first  major  general  whose 
command  was  going  into  the  fight,  to  place  them  in  front  and  most 
exposed  position  of  his  command.  I  am  happj  to  state  the  number 
arrested  and  sent  forward  were  comparatively  few,  in  consideratioa 
of  the  size  of  the  army. 

During  the  13th  and  14th,  the  "number  sent  in  under  guard  were 
only  five  hundred  and  twenty-six.  Numbers  \f ere  turned  back,  owing 
to  tlieir  not  having  proper   passes  to   return  to  the  rear  to  cook,  &c. 

1  am  most  happy  to  state  1  had  no  occasion  to  carry  into  eftect  the 
order  to  shoot  all  stragglers  who  refused  to  go  forward,  or  if  caught 
a  second  time,  upon  the  evidence  of  two  witnesses,  to  shoot  them. 
Had  I  occasion  to  carry  it  into  eiTeet^  it  sertainly  should  have  been 
executed  to  the  very  letter. 

During  the  13th  and  Nth  I  received  and  placed  under  guard  three 
hundred  and  twenty-four  prisoners  of  war,  v/hich  I  sent  to  Richmond 
by  order  of  General  Lee;  eleven  of  them  were  conjinissioned  officers 
and  paroled  by  me;  the  balance  I  took  names,  regiments,  brigades  and 
corps,  as  far  as  possible,  in  obedience  to  your  order. 

December  16th,  I  received  one  hundred  and  nine -prisoners  of  war 
which  I  paroled  and  sent  to  Guineas  Depot,  under  command  of  Cap- 
tain Upshur,  with  instructions  to  have  them  forwarded  by  railroad  to 
Richmond,  if  possible,  which  orders  were  carried  into  effect.  During 
the  same  day  1  went  through  Dr.  Black's  and  Whitehead's  hospital, 
where  I  paroled  twenty-three  Federal  prisoners. 


579 

A  considerable  number  of  wounded  prisoners  were  sent  to  Rich- 
mond, They  do  not  appear  in  this  statement,  nor  could  I  by  any 
means  ascertain  the  number. 

On  the  17th,  I  received  an  order  to  move  with  my  entire  guard  in 
rear  of  General  D.  H.  Hill's  division,  on  the  Port  Royal  road.  Cap- 
tain Upshur,  with  his  squadron,  being  absent,  I  ordered  Captain 
Tucker  to  assist  in  bringing  up  the  rear. 

On  the  18th,  I  camped  on  Mr.  Brooke's  farm,  near  where  General 
D.  11.  Hill's  division  halted.  I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  there 
was  little  or  no  straggling ;  the  number  did  not  exceed  thirty,  not- 
withstanding I  used  the  cavalry  in  scouring  the  entire  country  around. 
It  is  my  belief,  so  far  as  I  was  able  to  judge,  that  there  was  less  dis- 
position on  the  part  of  the  men  to  shirk  from  duty,  but  on  the  con- 
trary everything  went  to  prove  their  willhigness  to  do  their  utmost. 
The  great  mass  seemed  eager  to  confront  the  foe.  The  present  sys- 
tem of  provost  guard,  if  carried  into  effect,  will  prevent  all  future 
straggling, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

D.  B.  BRIDGFORD, 
Major  and  Chief  Frowst  Marshal  Second  Corps.. 

P.  S, — During  the  13th  there  were  three  hundred  and  twenty  sent" 
tack,  and  on  the  14th  two  hundred  and  six,  making  the  number,  as- 
above  stated,  five  hundred  and  twenty-six. 


LIST  OF  PRISONERS  CAPTURED  AT  FREDERICKSBURG 
BY  LIEUTENANT  GENERAL  JACKSON'S  CORPS: 

Commissioned  officers  paroled,  11 

Enlisted  men,  445 

Enlisted  men  paroled,  133 

389 
Less  68  taken  and  sent  by  Gen.  Lonstreet's  corps,         QS 

521 

This  Is  the  manner  they  were   received   here ;  five  hundred   an^ 
twenty-one  is  the  amount  taken. 


580 


RETURN  OF  SMALL  ARMS,  AMMUNITION,  ^c,  Collected  on 
the  Battle-Field  before  Fredericksburg,  in  the  Engagements  of  the  1 2th 
and  ISth  of  December,  1§62  : 


Emall  Arms. 

Amjicxitiov,  fco 

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a 

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2-0  g 

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cc    a    5^    I-? 

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3148 

1136 

772 

7g 

42':  478     I3I    26      59ll40f. 

80,000 

JM.OOO 

31,000 

60,000 

1,800 

313 

RECAPITULATION. 

Total  on  hand  at  the  reserve  trninB 7,720 

"      retained  by  the  first  army  corps 2,166 

"           "           "       Becond  army  corps 513 

forwarded  to  Richmond 692 


11,091 


RECAPITULATION. 
Qrand  total  rounds  of  ammunition 956,000 


RECAPITULATION . 

Total  Bets  of  aocoutrements 1,600 

RECAPITULATION  IN  FULL. 


Grand  total  of  arms  collected 11,091 

Probable  loss  of  our  troops 2,000 


Grnnd  total  of  arms  captured 9.091 

"        "        rounds  of  arorauDition 25ft,000 

"        "        sets  of  accoutrements l.&.'O 

Respectfully  submitted 

BRISCOE  O.  BALDWIN. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Chief  of  Ordnance,  .9.  A".  K. 
Hbadquartbrb  a.  N.  V.,     } 
Ordnance  OJ^e,  January  20,  1868.  S  


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  WHITE. 

Headquarters  White's  Cavalry,  December  24,  1862. 

Brigadier  General  W.  E.  Jones, 

Commanding   Valley  District : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  8end  you  a  detailed  acconnt  of  mv 
scout  since  I  left  camp  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  instant.  I  camped 
thlt  night  near  Hillsborough. 

On  the  13th  I  captured  twelve  infantrymen  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Hillsborough,  whom  I  sent  back  to  Snickersville.  I  learned 
from  them  that  the  enemy  had  gone  in  the  direction  of  Leesburg  and 
had  about  three  hours  start.  I  immediately  ordered  an  advanced  guard 
to  push  them  as  rapidly  as  possible  and  learn  the  force  of  their  rear- 
guard. My  advance  captured  six  infantrymen  on  the  way,  who  were  also 
sent  to  Snickersville.  I  reached  Leesburg  about  three,  P.  M.  The 
enemy's  cavalry  left  the  town  as  we  came  in  sight.  My  advance 
pushed  on  and  encountered  them  about  three  miles  below  Leesburg, 
on  the  Gentreville  road,  and,  after  a  brisk  skirmish,  drove  them  into 
the  rear-guard  of  their  infantry  and  cavalry,  capturing  two  and 
wounding  three.  Nobody  hurt  on  our  side.  I  did  not  deem  it  pru- 
dent to  attack  their  infantry  and  cavalry  combined  with  ray  force,  and 
returned  to  the  neighborhood  of  W'iterford  and  camped  for  the  night. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th  1  started  for  Waterford,  where  I  en- 
countered Sara  Means'  force,  some  sixty  men ;  we  charged  them  and 
drove  them  through  the  town,  killing  one  of  their  lieutenants  and  cap- 
turing their  orderly  sergeant  and  one  private;  both  of  whora,  together 
with  those  already  sent  to  Snickersville,  making  twenty-two  in  all, 
were  sent  to  your  headquarters  for  disposal.  We  pursued  them  about 
five  miles  in  the  direction  of  Point  of  Rocks.  Learfling  that  there 
was  a  force  of  about  sixty  cavalry  in  Poolesville,  I  determined  to  push 
forward  to  that  place ;  sent  my  worst  horses  back ;  sent  a  squad  of 
men  to  watch  the  enemy  at  Harper's  Ferry  ;  they  charged  the  pickets, 
capturing  twenty- six,  which  were  paroled.  I  crossed  the  Potomac  at 
Conrad's  ferry  with  ninety-three  men  about  one  hour  by  sun ;  arrived 
at  Poolesville  about  eight,  P.  M.  Before  entering  the  town  I  learned 
that  about  one-half  of  their  force  had  gone  on  a  scout ;  and  that  the 
remainder  were  quartered  in  the  town  hall.  Divided  my  force  and 
charged  it  in  two  directions.  Upon  surrounding  the  hall  and  demand- 
ing its  surrender,  was  answered  with  a  volley  from  door  and  windows ; 
we  returned  the  fire  with  good  effect,  killing  a  lieutenant  and  the 
orderly  sergeant,  and  wounding  eight,  including  the  lieutenant  com- 
manding. The  hall  was  then  surrendered  ;  we  captured  twenty-one 
prisoners,  all  of  whom  wo  paroled.     Our  loss  was  one  min  killed. 

Some  of  the  enemy  were  scattered  around  the  town  and,  when  they 
heard  the  firing,  made  good  their  escape.  We  also  captured  forty-three 
horses  and  destroyed  all  the  stores,  consisting  of  clothing  of  various 
kinds,   blankets,  Eafiold  rlQes  and  muskets,  also  a  largo  lot  of  comr 


582 

missary  store's,  together  ■vyith  wagons,  &c.  Remained  in  the  town  for 
several  hours  and  recrossed  the  rotomac  at  White's  ford.  Whilst 
camped  at  the  Trap,  I  sent  a  scout  to  Leesburg  on  the  2i)th  ;  they  cap- 
tured eight  prisoners  and  paroled  them. 

I  send  you  a  list  of  names  of  all  prisoners  captured  and  paroled 
during  my  scout. 

ELIJAH  V.  WHITE, 
Major  commanding  Battalion. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  LATIMER.  * 

Camp  near  Tout  Roval,  December  25,   1862. 

Major  S.  Hale, 

yl.   A.  A.    General  EmWs  Division. : 

Major  :  In  obciiienee  to  orJors,  I  would  most  rcepectfuUy  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  the  batterits 
of  Ewell's  division  in  the  engngcments  with  the  enemy  near  Frede- 
ricksburg, on  the  13th  and  I4tii  of  the  present  month: 

Early  on  tho  morning  of  the  13th,  I  was  ordered  by  General  Early 
to  take  command  of  the  batteries  of  the  division  as  acting  chief  of 
artillery,  and  I  immediately  reported  to  Colonel  Cratchfield,  chief  of 
artillery  second  corps,  for  instructions.  He  ordered  me  to  park  the 
batteries  in  a  sheltered  spot,  behind  a  range  of  hills,  about  half  a  mile 
behind  our  line  of  battle,  and' there  await  orders.  He  shortly  after 
returned  and  directed  mo  to  take  my  own  battery,  under  command  of 
Lieutenant  Tanner,  and  Captain  Brown's,  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Plater,  to  the  relief  of  some  batteries  occupying  a  position 
near  the  extreme  left  of  the  lino  formed  by  the  second  corps,  and  to 
report  to  Brigadier  General  Pender,  whose  brigade  then  occupied  this 
position.  Only  five  guns  were  required,  and,  by  direction  of  General 
Pender,  I  relieved  five  of  the  guns  at  that  point  by  the  two  rifles  be- 
longing to  my  battery  and  the  three  rifles  composing  Captain  Brown  s. 
The  position  on  which  these  guns  were  posted  was  not  a  very  advan- 
tageous one,  but  tho  best  that  could  be  selected.  It  was  a  small 
rising  in  an  open  field,  with  a  wood  to  the  right,  in  which  a  portion 
of  General  A.  P.  IlilTs  division  was  posted,  and  on  the  loft  was  a 
ditch  and  bank  running  parallel  with  the  railroad,  behind  which  a 
portion  of  General  Hood's  division  was  posted.  In  front,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  about  a  mile,  were  four  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  with  lines 
of  skirmishers  considerably  advanced  in  front  of  said  batteries.  We 
were  exposed  to  quite  a  heavy  fire  from  these  batteries,  but  gained 
the  position  without  loss.  My  orders  were  to  fire  <'only  at  infantry 
unless  the  batteries  advanced,  which  orders  I  obeyed,  firing  only  once 
at  them,  and  then  only  to  cover  the  advance  of  General  Law's  brig- 
ade, which  w^8  made  late  in  tho  day.  I  was  kept  constantly  engaged 
at  this  point  from  eleven,  A.  M.,  when  I  gained  it,  until  night,  re- 
pelling repeated  advances  of  the  enemy  by  the  use  of  canister.  I 
relieved  these  batteries  that  night  by  Captain  Carrington's  battery, 
which  engaged  the  enemy  next  morning,  upon  the  advance  of  their 
skiTmishers,  successfully  driving  them  back.  Shortly  after  moving 
to  the  left  with  the  batteries  spoken  of  above,  Captain  D'Aquin's  and 
the  Staunton  artillery,  Lieutenant  Garber,  were  ordered  by  Colonel 
Cr.utchfield  to  the  right  of  our  lines,  to  report  to  Major  Pelham,  where 
they  were  engaged  most  of  the  day.  Not  having  peisonally  super- 
intended their  movements  during  the  day,  I  am  unable  to  describe 
them  minutely.     Captain  Dement'g  battery  was  ordered  to   the  front 


534 

on  the  14th,  where  it  reraxineJ  in  battery  until  we  marched  to  thir^ 
point,  without,  however,  becoming  engaged  at  any  time.  Wo  hav* 
to  himent  the  loss  of  Captain  L.  E.  D'Aquin,  of  the  Louisiana  Guard 
artillery.  A  more  gallant  officer  or  more  worthy  man  never  fell  upoa 
the  field  of  battle.  Aleo,  Lieutenant  Grayson,  Captain  Erown'8  bat- 
tery. He  fell,  nobly,  at  hia  post.  The  losses  in  the  different  batte- 
ries are  as  follows : 

Loui;<ianA  Guard  artillery,  Captain  D'Aquin — Captain  D'Aquin, 
killed;,  one  private  ■wounded;  two  horses  disabled;  one  gun  disabled. 

Captain  Brown's  battery,  Lieutenant  Plater — Lieutenant  Grayson 
and  one  private  killed  ;  nine  wounded  ;  sixteen  horses  disabled  ;  also, 
one  gun  and  one  cais.=on. 

St-!»unton  artiJlsry,  Lieutenant  Garber — None  killed  or  wounded  , 
cne  horse  dis-abled  and  one  gun  carriage,  afterwards  repaired. 

Courtney  artillery.  Lieutenant  Tanner — One  private  killed  ;  Lieu- 
tenant Tanner  and  six  privates  wounded  ;   eight  horses  disabled. 

Captain  Carrington's  battery — Four  men  wounded  ;  seven  horses 
di3ahled.  • 

Captain  Dement's  battery — None  killed  or  wounded  ;  four  horse.* 
disabled. 

I  am  pleased  to  be  able  to  say  tJiat  all  the  officers  and   men  under 
my  command  acted   in   a    highly    creditable    manner,   promptly    and 
cheerfully  obeying  all  orders  and  standing  to  their  posts. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  vour  most  obedient  servant, 

J.   W.   LATIMER, 
Captain  and  Acting  Chief  of  Artilhry  of  JUvjell's  Division. 


ItEF.ORT  OF  COLONEL  R'.  L.  WALESR. 

Headquarters  Artillery  Corps,  December  21,  1362. 

Major  R.  C.  MoRG  \x, 

Assistant  Adjutant  Genera! : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  the  artillery  corps  of  the  light  division  in  the  engagement  oi 
Saturday,  the  13th  instant  : 

The  batteries  of  Captains  Mcintosh  and  Pogram,  with  a  section  of 
the  hatterics  of  Captains  Latham,  Johns<^n  and  Crenshavr,  commanded 
respectively  by  Lieutenonts  Potts,  Clutter  and  James  EMctt,  number- 
ing altogether  fourteen  giins,  had  position  on  the  heights  near  thi) 
railroad,  supported  by  the  brigades  of  Bl-igadier  General  Field  (Colo- 
nel Brockenbrough  commanding)  and  Brigadier  General  Archer. 
Ciiptains  Braxton  (Lieutenant  IMarye  commanding  Braxton's  battery) 
and  Davidson,  -witli  five  and  four  guns  respectively,  took  position  on 
the  left  wing  of  the  light  division,  in  the  plain  just  to  the  right  of 
Deep  Run  creek,  and  were  supported  by  the  brigades  of  Brigadier 
Generals- Pender  and  Lane.  About  ten,  A.  M\,  the  enemy  began  a 
desultory  fire  from  several  batteries,  as  if  feeling  our  position.  Their 
fire,  about  eleven,  A.  M.,  became  hot  and  well  directed,  causing  us 
some  loss  in  men  and  horses.  Captain  Mcintosh,  commanding  his 
own  guns,  Snd  the  sections  of  Captains  Latham  and  Johnson,  and 
Captain  Pegram,  commanding  his  own  guns  and  the  section  of  Cren- 
shaw, Avere  directed  to  withhold  their  fire  till  there  should  be  an  in- 
fantry demonstration.  The  enemy,  weary  of  suspense,  about  twelve, 
M.,  formed  a  front  to  attack  the  heights.  Their  advance,  made  by  a 
division  apparently,  was  speedily  broken  and  driven  back  by  Cap- 
tains Mcintosh  and  Pegram's  murderous  fire — the  enemy  opening 
vipon  them  meanwhile  very  destructively  with  at  least  twenty- five 
guns.  This  attempt  having  failed,  the  enemy,  concentrated  in  mass 
and  in  enormous  force,  moved  forward  rapidly,  protected  by  a  fearful 
fire  from  all  their  guns,  toward  the  point  of  woods  in  the  plain,  in 
defiance  of  our  guns,  which  were  served  rapidly  and  with  great  havoc 
npon  their  dense  ranks.  In  advancing  to,  and  being  routed  by,  the 
infantry  from  the  woods,  they  suffered  very  heavy  loss  from  the  fire 
of  our  guns.  While  the  attention  of  our  guns  was  devoted  to  their 
infantry,  their  artillery  caused  us  heavy  loss;  but  as  soon  as  engaged 
by  our  guns  their  shot  flew  wide,  though  in  weight  of  metal  they 
much  exceeded  us.  At  half-past  ^hree,  P.  M.,  Captains  Mcintosh 
and  Pegram  becoming  short  of  men  and  ammunition,  and  having  one 
gun  disabled  and  a  caisson  wid  limber  exploded,  they  were  relieved  by 
the  corps  of  Colonel  Brown,  except  one  section  of  Captain  Pegram'3 
battery,  which  remained  till  nightfall.  liero  we  lost  Lieutenants 
James  Ellett  and  Z.  C.  McGruder,  whoso  memory  we  should  not 
willingly  let  die.  Lieutenant  Clutter  was  wounded  also,  andi  many 
brave    men  of  the  rank    and   file,  gallantly  doing  their  duty,,  werd 


586 

wounded  and  killed.  On  the  left  of  the  light  division,  Lieutenint 
Marye  and  Captain  Davidson,  with  their  commands,  fully  sustained 
their  high  reputation.  Three  charges  were  made  upon  their  position, 
and  gallantly  repulsed  with  canister.  Outnumbered  in  weight  of 
metal,  and  often  closely  approached  by  the  enemy's  infantry,  they  as 
often  sent  them  back  with  canister  and  shrapnel,  and  held  their  posi- 
tion until  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  abandon  it.  Captain  Braxton 
was  withdrawn  about  three,  P.  M.,  and  Captain  Davidson  at  nightfall. 
Lieutenant  Brander,  of  the  latter  battery,  was  slightly  wounded. 

The  guns'  upon  both  flanks  were  served  with  the  coolness  of  a  parade, 
though  exposed  to  a  five  which  seemed  to  fill  the  air  with  destruction. 

Where  all  did  their  duty  as  well  as,  I  am  proud  to  say,  the  artillery 
of  the  light  division  did  theirs  in  this  engagement,  comparison  would  be 
invidious.  Men  and  officers  vied  with  each  other  in  their  devotion  to 
duty  and  regardlessness  of  self.  I  cannot,  however,  neglect  this  op- 
portunity to  call  your  especial  attention  to  Lieutenant  J.  li.  Cham- 
berlayneas  particularly  deserving  notice  for  his  gallant  conduct.  His 
ecrvices  are  almost  indispensable. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.   L.  WALKER, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  cojnmandiv.g  Artillery  Light  Division. 


REPORT    OF    CAPTAIN    NADENBOUSCH,    COxMMANDING 

REGIMENT. 

Headquarters  Second  Regiment  Virginia  Infantry,  j> 
Camp  near  Moss  Neck,  December  23,  1862.       ji 

Lieutenant:  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  the  second  Virginia 
regiment  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  fought  December  1.3, 
18G2: 

The  regiment  left  camp  near  Guineas  Depot  at  six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on 
the  12th  instant,  marched  to  Hamilton's  Crossing,  on  the  Richmond  and 
Fredericksburg  railroad,  thence  in  a  westwardly  direction  to  a  large 
"wood  covering  the  crest  of  hills  overlooking  the  battle-field.  After  a 
number  of  changes  of  position,  bivouacked  for  th«  night  in  the  wood 
above  referred  to,  in  rear  of  General  Gregg's  brigade,  of  A.  P.  Hill's 
division,  which  held  the  military  road. 

About  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  December  13th,  the  heavy  cannonading 
on  the  right  and  left,  and  the  sharp  skirmishing  in  front,  announced' 
the  great  battle  was  near  at  hand.  As  the  day  advanced  the  musketry 
became  more  distinct  and  continuous,  and  soon  the  line  in  front  of  us 
became  hotly  engaged.  At  this  time  an  order  to  advance  was  given, 
which  was  done  with  order  and  alacrity,  marching  in  a  northeasterly 
direction.  The  second  regiment  was  on  the  right  of  the  brigade,  and, 
in  consequence  of  this  position,  was  the  on4y  one  of  the  brigade,  so 
f\ir  as  I  know,  engaged  in  the  musketry  fight.  Marching  forward  in 
line,  vrith  the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade,  I  observed  that  there 
was  no  support  on  our  right,  and  kept  a  sharp  lookout  for  the  safety 
of  that  flank.  I  apprehended  that  if  the  enemy  was  near  at  hand  they 
■would  take  advantage  of  this  gap,  and  fall  upon  our  flank  at  this  un- 
guarded point;  and  so  it  turned  out.  How,  and  in  what  way,  the 
enemy  gained  this  advanced  position,  and  what  disposition  had  been 
made  of  our  front  line,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  say.  The  gap  was 
there,  and  they  pushed  forward  with  a  large  infantry  force  and  a  bat- 
tery of  artillery,  as  was  ascertained  from  prisoners  captured  and 
■wounded  men  upon  the  field.  Observing  them  through  the  dense 
foliage  at  a  distance,  and  the  brigadier  being  at  a  different  p)int  on 
the  line,  I  took  the  responsibility  of  filing  my  regiment  to  the  right, 
presenting  my  front  to  the  enemy.  No  sooner  had  I  gotten  into  posi- 
tion than  they  opened  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery,  to  which 
the  regiment  replied  rapidly  and  eflfectively,  men  and  officers  standing 
to  their  posts  and  doing  their  duty  as  only  veterans  know  how.  I 
rejoice  to  be  able  to  say  that  there  were  but  few  men  in  the  regiment 
■who  disgraced  the  name  of  soldier.  It  was  during  this  brief  but  brisk 
fight  that  the  regiment  sustained  a  loss  of  three  killed  and  seventeen 
■wounded.  Among  the  latter  were  Lieutenant  William  1>.  Colston, 
commanding  company  E,  and  Lieutenant  J.  J.  Haines,  xjompany  E. 


588 

The  enemy  soon  fled.  We  then  advanced  to  within  a  short  distancj 
of  the  railroad,  (the  front  line  of  the  army,)  and  remained  in  thi? 
position  until  about  seven  o'clock^,  P.  JSI,,  sending  forward  company 
C  (Captain  Randolph)  as  skirmishers  to  the  railroad.  About  this 
time  the  brigade  was  withdrawn  to  the  military  road,  where  we  slept 
upon  our  ariJfis  until  half-past  three  o'clock,  A.  M.,  14th  instant,  when 
we  were  ordered  to  take  position  in  advance,  along  the  line  of  rail- 
road. There  was  quite  lively  skirmishing  during  the  entire  day — had 
one  man  wounded. 

About  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on>  the  15th  instant,  the  brigade  wa3 
relieved  by  Rodes'  brigade,  of  Di  H.  Hill's  division,  and  returned  to 
the  rear  in  third  line — reserve. 

During  the  entire  four  days  of  exposure,  suspense  and  danger,  both 
oflicers  and  men  evinced  the  true  spirit  of  patriots  and  soldiers.  I 
cannot  but  feel  })roud  of  the  honor  of  having  commanded  such  men. 
Ciptaia  R.  T.  Colston,  second  in  command,  and  Adjutant  R.  W. 
Hunter,  deserve  honorable  mention  at  my  hands  for  gallantry  and 
good  conduct  durfng  the  engagement,  and  their  material  aid  in  th*> 
command  of  the  regiment. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

J.  Q.  A.  NADENBOUSCH, 
Captain  commanding  Second  Regiment  Virginia  Infantry. 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIS  in  the  Second  Virginia  Infantry,  December 

13,1862: 

Company  A. — Private  Thomas  Barr,  severely  wounded  by  gunshot, 
not  serious. 

Company  E. — First  Lieutenant  W.  B.  Colston,  severely  pounded  by 
shell,  very  serious ;  Second  Lieutenant  J.  J.  Haines,  severely 
wounded  by  musket  ball,  not  serious  ;  private  Samuel  Stuckey,  se- 
verely wounded  by  gunshot,  not  serious  ;  private  Harvey  Kite,  severely 
wounded  by  gunshot,  not  serious  ;  private  N,  D.  Rittenhour,  severely 
wounded  by  gunshot,  not  serious ;  private  Alexander  Porterfield, 
slightly  wounded  by  shell ;  private  John  Kiser,  mortally  wounded 
and  since  died. 

Company  F. — Private  J.  M.  Fleming,  killed  by  shell ;  private  Ford 
Friar,  mortally  wounded  by  gunshot. 

Company  G. — Sergeant  Charles  M.  Asquith,  slightly  wounded  by 
shell;  private  Fayette  Rawlins,  severely  wounded  by  shell,  serious, 
private  William  Kerl,  slightly  bruised  by  shell ;  private  Daniel  Mo- 
ler,  slightly  bruised  by  shell ;  private  Samuel  Fay,  slight ;  private 
Charles  G.  Tabb,  slight. 

Company  H. — Private  J.  A.  Luck,  severely  wounded  by  gunshot, 
not  serious ;  private  James  Hicks,  slightly  ;  private  \¥illiam  Reed, 
severely  woundedi  hj  gunshot,  not  serious. 


589 

CW;>ani'7._Private  J.  T.  Bar'r,  severely  wounded  by -unshot  not 
^^  CW.;>cny  iT.-First  Lieutenant  B.  W.  Moore,  slightly  bruieed  by 
Total,  twenty-one. 

J.  Q.  A.  NADENBOUSCH, 
Colonel  commanding  Second  Virginia  Infantry. 


REPORT  OF  lieutenant:  COLONEL  EDMONDSON. 


Headquarters  Twentv-Seventh  Virginia  Volunteers,  ) 
Camp  Paxton's  Brigade,  December  23,  1862.      ) 

Lieutenant  Arnall, 

A.  A.  A.  General  First  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  order,  I  respectfully  submit  the  following  re- 
port of  the  participation  of  my  regiment  in  the  late  battle  of  the  !3th 
instant,  before  Fredericksburg,  viz  : 

General  Paxton's  brigade,  of  which  my  regiment  forms  a  part, 
t»coupied.  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  the  rear  position,  or  the  third 
parallel  line,  in  supporting  distance  of  General  Gregg's  brigade,  which 
Dccupied  a  position  on  the  second  parallel  line.  About  nine  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  a  heavy  cannonading  commenced,  and  was  kept  up  till  about 
noon,  to  which  my  regiment,  and  the  brigade  generally,  was  severely 
j^ubjected^  but  unflinchingly  ^withstood.  About  noon  the  intu.ntry 
became  engaged,  and  the  battle,  for  hours,  raged  furiously.  Our  line 
ill  front  finally  seeming  to  give  way,  my  regiment,  together  with  the 
retnainder  of  the  brigade,  eager  for  the  fray,  moved  up  rapidly  and  in 
iTOod  order  (passing  over  troops  which,  to  all  appearance,  seerajd  co  be 
doubting  as  to  their  duty)  to  the  support  of  their  comrades  in  front. 
The  enemy,  however,  had  been  whipped  back  in  the  meantime,  and 
our  brigade  became  not  engaged.  The  remainder  of  the  day  w^s  en- 
5^'aged  in  changing  position,  but  the  enemy  did  not  advance, 

I  sustained  no  loss  in  either  killed,  wounded  or  missing.     I  would, 
however,  here  remark  that  I  have  never  seen  the  ofScers  and  men  of  my 
regiment  behave  with  more  gallantry  and  with  cooler  courage,  seem- 
in  ;zly  having  determined  to  conquer  ar  die. 
Respectfully, 

JAMES  R.  EDMONDSON, 

lAeulcnant  Colonel  commandifig  Ttcentij-Sevinth  Beg't  Virginia  Vols. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  TERRY. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Regiment  Virginia  Yoixnteers,  } 

December  23,  1862.      ) 

Captain  Charles  S.  Arnold, 

A.  A.  A.  General  Paxtoii's  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  On  the  I'Sth  instant  the  fourth  regiment  Virginia  volunteers 
loft  camp,  five  miles  northwest  of  Guineas  Station,  and  moved  in  the 
direction  of  Fredericksburg,  arriving  at  Hamilton's  Crossing  before 
noon,  remaining  near  there  some  hours.  Early  in  the  afternoon  the 
regiment,  with  the  brigade,  moved  forward,  and  was  put  in  position 
in  rear  of  a  portion  of  A.  I*.  Hill's  division,  in  the  woods  west  of  the 
railroad,  and  to  the  right  of  the  road  loading  from  Hamilton's  Cross- 
ing in  the  direction  of  the  telegraph  road.  The  regiment  several 
times  changed  position  during  the  afternoon,  and  rested  for 
the  night  by  their  guns,  a  little  in  rear  of  the  summit  in  these 
woods — the  fourth  regiment  during  the  day  occupying  the  left  of 
the  brigade. 

Early  next  morning,  the  1 3th  instant,  the  evidence  of  the  approaching 
conflict  was  heard  in  brisk  skirmishing  and  cannonading,  the  enemy's 
shot  and  shell  passing  and  frequently  bursting  near  the  fourth  regi- 
ment, but  doing  no  damage.  Towards  noon  the  regiment  v/as  retired 
a  few  hundrei  yards  and  formed  in  line  of  battle,  from  which  position 
we  soon  moved  forward  by  the  front.  Early  in  this  movement  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Gardner  was  severely  wounded  in  the  face  hv  a  fra"'- 
ment  of  shell,  whilst  gallantly  leading  his  regiment,  and  carried  from 
the  fieldi»  As  the  next  in  rank,  I  assumed  command.  The  regiment 
continued  to  move  forward  in  direction  of  the  heavy  infantry  filing  in 
front,  until  we  passed  the  crest  of  the  hill,  when  we  moved  by  the 
right  flank  along,  and  crossing,  the  military  road.  Here  the  fourth 
regiment  was  ordered  to  take  position  on  the  extreme  right  of  the 
brigade,  which  wa,f  promptly  done,  and  again  formed  in  line  of  battle. 
During  this  time  we  were  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  of  shot  and  shell, 
■which  wounded  several  of  my  men. 

The  engagement  still  progressing,  we  were  again  ordered  forward 
along  the  military  road,  and  took  a  position  then  unoccupied  by  any 
troops,  some  one  hundred  yards  to  the  west  of,  and  parallel  to,  tha 
railroad.  I  threw  out  skirmishers  in  front  of  the  regiment,  who  kept 
up  a  brisk  fire  with  the  enemy's  skirmishers  until  dark,  killing  and 
woilnding  several  of  them.  We  remained  here  until  after  night,  when 
I  was  ordered  to  follow  the  twenty-seventh  regiment.  We  moved  a 
short  distance  to  the  rear  along  the  military  road,  by  which  wo  had 
advanced,  laying  dcvrn  for  the  night  by  the  road  side. 

At  three,  A.  M.,  l4th  instant,  we  were  aroused,  moved  a  few  hun- 
dred yards  through  the  woods,  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg,  and 
were  placed  iu  position  behind  the  embankment  of  the  railroad — the 


592 

eecond  Virginia  regiment  resting  npon  a  skirt  of  woods  which  crossed 
the  railroad,  and  the  fourth  regiment  on  the  left  of  the  second.  We 
remained  in  this  position  during  Siwiday,  the  14th  instant,  hourly 
expecting  a  general  advance  of  the  enemy,  but  the  day  passed  without 
any  incident  worthy  of  notice,  beyond  the  skirmishing  between  the 
sharpshooters  on  both  sides.  I,  however,  restrained  the  fourth  regi- 
ment, and  permitted  no  firing,  and  thus  protected  my  men  from  any 
ioss. 

At  dawn  on  Monday  morning,  the  15th  instant,  ray  regiment  was 
relieved  from  duty  on  the  advance  post,  and  retired,  with  the  brigade, 
about  one  mile  to  the  rear,  in  the  woods,  where  we  remained  till  Tues-« 
day  morning,  from  which  place  we  marched  to  our  present  encamp- 
3ent  in  Caroline  county. 

Of  the  conduct  of  officers  and  men,  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gard- 
ner down,  it  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of 
commendation.  For  coolness  and  -eteadiness  under  a  trying  fire  of 
fkrtiille'ry,  I  never  saw  their  conduct  surpassed.  And  while  they  were 
icot  called  on  to  participate  in  an  infantry  fight  they  showed  they  were 
ready  to  meet  ita  danger  and  to  do  their  duty.  And  I  avail  myself 
cf  this  opportunity  to  express  my  sincere  thanks  to  the  officers  and  ■ 
men  for  their  cheerful,  prompt  and  ready  obedience  to  orders  under 
every  circumstance ;  and,  when  all  have  behaved  so  well,  I  should  do 
injustice  did  I  attempt  to  bestow  marked  distinction  upon  any.  I 
must  also  express  my  regret  at  the  loss  the  service  has  sustained  in 
the  wounding  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardner,  whose  whole  conduct 
during  this  war,  on  many  hard-fought  battle-fields,  has  marked  him 
fcs  a  most  trustworthy  and  efficient  officer. 

I  give  below  a  list  of  the  casualties. 

Very  respectfully,  ko., 

WILLIAM  TERRY, 
Major  commanding  Fourth  Kcgiment  Virginia  Voluj^teers. 


LIST  OF   CASUALTIES  in    the  Fourth  Regiment  Virginia    Vol- 

unteers  : 

Field  and  Staff. — Lieutenant  Colonel  Gardner  severely  wounded  in 
the  face. 

Company  A. — Corporal  Thomas  Chatwell,  shot  in  foot. 

Company  C. — Wounded  :  Private  S.  S.  Coddall,  in  right  foot ;  pri- 
vate William  Boyd,  in  left  leg ;  private  George  Pratt,  in  left  leg ; 
private  C.  L.  Terry,  in  the  back. 

Company  D. — Wounded  :  Private  G.  H.  Hudge,  in  right  leg  ;  pri- 
vate A.  J.  Wolfe,  in  right  hip. 

Company  F. — Wounded  :  Sergeant  T.  R.  Stamper,  in  foot ;  private 
W.  S.  Shupe,  in  right  hip  ;  private  S.  0.  Canico,  in  left  side. 

Company  G. — Wounded:  Sergeant  J,  H.  Sublett,  left  hip ;  Corpo- 
ral G.  A.  Willis,  left  arm  ;  private  P.  Hall,  in  left  hip  and  breast. 

Company  L. — Wounded  :  Private  J.  C.  Snider,  in  left  arm. 


593 

The  ■wounds  in  most  of  the  foregoing  cases  are  sliglit — fri>ra  frag- 
ment«  of  shell.     Many  have  alreaiij  returned  to  duty. 

WILLIAM  TERRY, 
Major  commanding  Fo-urth  Begiment  Virginia  Vohmturs, 

33  ^ 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  McKENDREE. 

Headquarters  C  irpenter's  Batterv^,      > 
Camp  Faxtori's  Brigade,  December  23,  1862.  \ 

General  E,  F.  Paxton, 

Commanding  First  Brigade : 

General  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  submit  the  following  report  of 
the  part  taken  by  this  company  in  the  action  of  Saturday,  the  13th 
instant : 

On  the  morning  of  the  day  above  mentioned,  about  six  o'clock,  we 
were  conducted  by  Captain  Brockenbrough,  then  acting  chief  of  artil- 
lery, to  a  position  in  front  of  General  Branch's  brigade,  being  sup- 
ported by  the  seventh  North  Carolina  regiment,  which  was  posted 
stiongside  of  the  railroad,  about  one  hundred  yards  to  our  rear.  We 
•^^ere  instructed  to  hold  our  position  until  our  support  had  passed  to 
the  front,  then,  \i  necessary ,  to  move  to  another  point  some  three  hun- 
dred yards  to  the  rear.  As  soon  as  we  arrived  on  the  ground  the 
battery  was  prepared  for  action,  but  remained  silent,  according  to 
ordei'3,  until  about  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  when  we  observed  the  enemy 
advancing'on  our  right  in  considerable  force,  (infantry,)  when  we,  in 
connection  with  Captains  Braxton's  and  Wooding's  batteries,  imme- 
diately on  our  right,  opened  a  brisk  iSre  on  the  advancing  column, 
vrhich  caused  them  to  waver  and  break  for  a  time,  but  soon  reappeared, 
at  the  same  time  advanced  several  batteries  on  our  left  and  front  to 
wiihin  short  range,  and  opened  a  destructive  fire  of  artillery  on  our 
batteries.  When  I  observed  them  advancing  with  artillery  on  our 
left,  attempting  to  enfilade  our  position,  (which  they  had  partially 
succeeded  in  doing,)  I  at  once  despatched  a  messenger  to  the  com- 
znanding  officers  of  two  batteries  to  our  left  and  rear,  requesting  them 
to  begin  firing  at  once,  and,  if  possible,  dislodge  the  pieces  thus 
advanced.  Soon  after  one  or  both  the  batteries  began  a  very  slow 
fire,  but  without  either  driving  the  enemy  from  his  position  or  attract- 
ing the  firing  in  that  direction.  The  fire  was  so  destructive  that  wo 
were  soon  compelled  to  continue  the  action  with  three  pieces  instead 
of  four;  and  still  later  withdrew  another  piece  and  placed  all  the 
available  men  I  then  had  to  the  two  remaining  guns,  and  thus  continued 
the  action  until  our  skirmishers  were  driven  to  the  rear,  and  the 
infantry  of  the  enemy  rapidly  advancing,  which  being  observed  by 
Captain  Brockenbrough,  he  called  on  our  support  to  come  to  our 
rescue,  which  they  promptly  did,  passing  some  twenty  yards  to  our 
front,  and  held  the  enemy  in  check  until  we  could  limber  up  our  two 
ismaining  guns,  which  being  done,  we  retired  in  good  order  some 
aninutes  after  the  other  batteries  had  left  the  field — this  being  about 
eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  We  left  one  caisson  on  the  field  for  want  of 
iiorses  to  haul  it  ofi*.  I  then  took  a  commanding  position  some  three 
hundred  yards  to  the  rear  of  my  first,  and  sent  the  orderly  sergeant 
^h^ving  no  commissioned  officer  to  assist  me)  to  halt  the  two  pieces 


595 

first  sent  from  the  field,  and  wliich  were  then  moving  off  Avith  Captain 
Wooding's  battery.  He  soon  returned,  informing  me  that  Captain 
Brockenbrough  was  riding  at  the  head  of  the  retiring  column.  Sup- 
posing that  he  intended  me  to  follov/-,  I  then  moved  on.  When  I  ca^.-ae 
up  ■with  him  found  that  he  had  been  severe! j  wounded,  in  conscquenoe 
of  which  he  was  retiring.  lie  then  ordered  me  to  take  command  of 
Wooding's  battery,  in  connection  with  my  own,  which  I  did,  and  reported 
to  General  A.  P.  Hill  for  orders,  who  directed  mo  to  go  to  the  nearest 
open  field  in  rear,  get  as  many  pieces  ready  for  action  as  practicable 
and  await  further  orders.  Late  in  the  afternoon  I  received  an  order 
from  General  Taliaferro  directing  me  to  return  to  a  point  on  the  left, 
near  the  one  occupied  in  the  morning,  and  open  fire  on  the  enemy  a« 
once.  Arriving  near  the  point  designated,  met  that  officer,  who  in- 
formed me  that  we  were  too  late,  directing  that  we  go  back  and  go 
into  camp  for  the  night. 


CASUALTIES: 

Second  Lieutenant  D.  R.  Barton,  killed ;  Second  Lieutenant  Wil- 
liam T.  Larabie,  wounded,  severely  ;  private  Thomas  Hastings,  killed  ; 
Sergeant  F.  Karnes,  wounded,  slight;  Corporal  P.  O'Conner,  slight; 
Corporal  J.  F.  Fudge,  severe  ;  privates  A.  Staff,  severe ;  A.  J.  Bar- 
row,-severe;  George  Myers,  severe  ;  William  Baggage,  severe  ;  Joha 
Miller,  slight;  E.  Piper,  severe  ;  John  Sawyers,  slight ;  James  Gla- 
yer,  slight  ;  Isaac  Swindle,  slight ;  R.  Martin,  slight ;  William  New- 
comer, slight;  M.  Clemm,  slight ;  H.  Loch,  severe;  A.  McCarfcy, 
slight;  J.  Hawkins,  severe;  John  O'Niel,  slight;  W^  Allemong, 
eevere ;  John  McCarty,  slight;  Joseph  Grim,  slight;  John  CadvraU- 
der,  slight ;  Joseph  Anderson,  missing.  Ten  horses  killed  and  four 
disabled. 

GEORGE  McKENDREE, 
Lieutenant  commanding  Battery, 


REPORT   OF  COLONEL  WARREN. 

]Ieadq,uarters  Taliaferro's  Brigade,  Decemhr  19,  1862. 

Mjijor  Taliaferro, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Jacksofis  Division  : 

Major  :  In  obedienee  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  fol- 
lo-R'ing  report  of  the  part  taken  by  this  brigade  in  the  recent  action 
licar  Fredericksburg  : 

The  brigade  left  its  encampment  Friday  morning  about  sunrise, 
and,  on  arriving  at  Hamilton's  Crossing,  was  put  in  position  in  rear 
of  the  Hamilton  house,  in  support  of  the  batteries  stationed  on  the 
hill.  This  position  it  occupied  the  remainder  of  the  day  and  that 
night,  but  saw  nothing  of  the  enemy. 

Early  Saturday  morning  I  was  ordered  to  the  left,  and  took  posi- 
tion in  rear  and  supporting  distance  of  Brigadier  General  Paxton's 
brigade,  in  the  following  order:  Thirty-seventh  Virginia  regiment, 
commanded  by  Colonel  T.  V.  Williams  ;  tenth  Virginia  regiment, 
commanded  by  Captain  W.  B.  Yancey ;  twenty-third  Virginia  regi- 
ment, commanded  by  Captain  A.  S.  Richardson  ;  forty-seventh  Ala- 
bama regiment,  commanded  by  Captain  I.  M.  Campbell ;  forty-eighth 
Alabama  regiment,  commanded  by  Captain  C.  B  St.  John.  During  the 
day  I  was  advanced  to  the  front,  until  1  came  up  to  the  second  line, 
zi  Vrhich  point  I  received  orders  to  fall  back  to  ihe  military  road  and 
occupy  it. 

Kext  morning,  in  accordance  with  orders,  I  occupied  the  froiit  line 
on  General  Paxton's  left.  Early  in  the  morning  my  skirmishers 
engaged  those  of  the  enemy  for  a  short  time,  but  during  the  day  and 
night  following  this  part  of  the  line  was  remarkably  quiet. 

Monday  morning,  being  relieved,  we  retired  to  the  third  line. 
Captain  Wooding's  battery  was  detached  from  the  brigade  Friday 
Morning,  and  its  action  did  not  come  under  my  observation.  It  was, 
however,  early  in  the  action,  and  sustained  its  reputation  for  gal- 
lantry and  efficiency,  but,  I  regret  to  say,  suffered  severely — Captain 
Wooding  and  Lieutenant  Jones  both  being  severely  wounded.  The 
loss  sustained  by  the  brigade,  not  including  loss  in  battery,  was 
fclight,  being  two  officers  and  fourteen  privates  wounded.  I  refer  to 
th^  report  already  furnished  for  names,  &c. 
Most  respectfully, 

E.  T.  H.  WARREN, 
Ook^nd  Tenth  Virginia  Regiment  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  H.  J.  WILLIAMS. 

Headquarters  Fifth  VrRciNrA  Volunteers,  } 
Dcceinber  24,  1862.      i 
Lieutenant  C.  S.  Arnall, 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Lieutenant:  In  pursuance  of  orders  from  brigade  headquarters.  I 
herewith  transmit  report  of  this  regiment  during  the  engagement  near 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

On  the  morning  of  12th  December,  the-regimcntVith  the  brigade 
left  camp  with  two  hundred  and  fortj-six  men,  non-commissioned, 
Lc,  with  seventeen  commissioned  officers,  taking  the  road  leadins;  to 
Fredericksburg.  Having  marched  a  distance  of  about  six  railc8,%e 
were  halted  along  the  railroad  and  ordered  to  load;  which  being 
accompliahed,  we  marched  and  countermarched  along  the  railroad" 
Taking  an  oblique  course  across  the  field  to  the  left  of  the  road,  we 
proceeded  along  and  upon  the  top  of  the  hills  overlooking  the  valicy 
about  and  around  Fredericksburg,  where  wo  remained  during  the 
remainder  of  the  day  and  night,  without  any  thing  of  importance 
occurring  worthy  of  note.  In^the  morning  at  nine  o'clock  cannon- 
ading became  very  heavy  on  our  right,  which  continued  until  the  lire 
was  extended  along  our  whole  line.  During  this  artillery  duel  seve- 
ral of  the  naen  upon  the  left  of  the  regiment  were  wounded,  one 
ecriously,  in  company  F.  About  one  o'clock  we  were  again  ordered 
back  and  formed  line  of  battle  four  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  our 
former  position.  After  remaining  in  this  position  a  short  time  the 
roar  of  musketry  plainly  indicated  that  the  battle  had  commenced. 
^  e  then  moved  forward  to  what  is  called  ''  the  military  road"  under 
heavy  fire  of  shell,  tc.  We  were  there  halted  a  few  moments,  then 
ordered  by  the  right  flank,  moving  forward  perhaps  half  a  mile  when 
halted  again  for  a  few  momets,  throwing  out  skirmishers  at  the  same 
time,  moving  forward  in  line  of  battle  for  a  few  hundred  yards  to  a 
fence  a  short  distance  from  the  railroad,  then  we  were  halted  and 
remained  until  the  firing  ceased,  which  was  a  little  after  dark,  then 
we  moved  back  to  the  military  road  and  remained  until  near  dayli<rht, 
when  we  were  moved  forward  and  took  a  position  in  front  alont^'^the 
railroad.  In  this  position  we  remained  during  the  day  and  nif»ht 
with  no  other  casualties,  save  one  man  wounded  in  company  E.  The 
firing  continued  during  the  along  the  whole  line  of  skir- 

mishers ;  remaining  in  this  position  during  the  day  and  night,  we  were 
relieved  near  daylight  by  General  Rodes'  brigade,  when  we' took  up 
the  line  of  march,  moving  back  perhaps  one  mile  and  a  half,  where 
we  remained  until  next  morning  about  nine  o'clock,  at  this  period  we 
were  ordered  to  move,  taking  the  direction  of  Port  Royal,  we  marched 
antil  a  late  hour,  where  we  encamped  upon  the  farm  of 
m  Caroline  county,  Virginia,  where  we  now  are.  I  must  say,  in  con- 
clusion, with  the  exceptions  already  mentioned  in  a  former  report,  that 


598 

men  and  officers  never  behaved  so  gallantly,  and,  in  justice  to  all,  I 
can  give  no  one  more  praise  than  another.  Sufficient  to  say  that  all 
vrere  at  their  posts  and  did  their  duty.  Annexed  jou  will  find  list  of 
casualties. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

II.  J.  WILLIAMS, 
Lmdaiant  Cclojiel  commanding  Regiment. 


List  of  CasuaUies  in  Fifth  Virginia  Volunteers. 

• 

Company  D. — Wounded  *  Cyrus  Lotts,  accidentally  in  finger. 
Company  E. — Wounded :  John  Harris,  seriously  in  abdomen. 
Company  F. — Wounded  :  Lieutenant  John  M.  Brown,  slightly  in 
leg;  Private  Alfred  Shcflet,  leg  amputated;  Sergeant  J.  Dunlop, 
slightly  in  shoulder;  Wra.  H,  Rodgers,  seriously  in  leg;  John  Jor- 
den,  slightly  in  arm;  Wm.  T.  Bixily,  slightly  in  shoulder;  James 
Trimble,  slightly  in  knee. 

Company  L  — Wounded:  Corporal  Gerard  Kin,  slightly  in  leg  ;  F. 
M.  V/ood.  accidental  in  finger. 
Total  number  wounded,  eleven. 

Respectfully, 

C.  II.  CALHOUN, 

Acting  Adjutant. 


601 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  II. 


PAGE.  J 

Battle  of  Cedar   Run.  ; 

Report  of  L.cutenant  General  T.  J.  ) 

Jackson 3  / 

Report  of  Major  General  R.  S.  Ewcll.  9  ' 

Report  of  M  ijor  General  A.  P.  Hill..  11  ; 

Report  of  Brigadier  General    W.  B.  J 

Taliaferro 15  ) 

Report  of  Brigadier  General  Charles  { 

L.  Field 19  < 

Report  of  Colonel  IT.  Forno 20  ') 

Report  of  Brigadier    General   J.    L.  '. 

Archer 21  ': 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    I.    R.  ; 

Trimble 23  \ 

R('p(?rt  of  Brigadier  General  L.  O'B. 

Branch 25 

Report  of  BrigaHer    General    W.  D. 

Fender 26  'i 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   J.    A.  / 

Early ." 27  ) 

Report  of  C.  lonel  C.  A.  Ronald 34  < 

Report  of  Lieutenant    Colonel    T.  S.  < 

Ganiett 37  ) 

Report  of  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro...  40  '^ 

Report  of  Colonel  L.  A.  Stafford 42  ;; 

Report  of  Colonel  Stapletou  Crutch-  < 

field 43  > 

Report  of  Captain  W.  A.  Witcher 46  { 

Reportof  Major  John  Scddon 48  / 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  W.  { 

Jackson 49  't 

Report  of  Captain  K.  Dobyns 51  / 

Report  of  Colonel  W.  E.  Jones 63  t 

Report  of  ."Major  H.  C.  Wood,  54  i 

Report  of  Lieutenant    Colonel    S.  T.  I 

Walton 55  ) 

Rep  rt  of  Major  II.  J.  Williams 67 

Report  of  Lieutenant    Colonel   A.  A. 

Hughes 59 

Report  of  Major  Joshua  Stover, 60 

Report  of  Major  A.  R.  Courtney 62 

Report  of  Lioutcuaut  Colonel   R.  D. 

Gardner 64 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lawson 

Botts 66 

Reportof  Captain  J.  H.  Horton 67 

Report  of  Captain  C.  L.  Haynes 68 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Edwin 

G.  Lee 70 

Report  of  Colonel  J.  A.  Walker 73 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel   R.  D. 

Walker 75 

Report  of  Captain  Wm.  T.  Poague...  77 

Report  of  Captain  L.  E.  D'Aquin 78 

Report  flf  Captain  J.  C  Carpenter...  79 

SnncBR  Campaign  of  1862,  from  the  Bat- 
tle OF  Cedar  Ruh  to  and  including 
THE  Battle  of  Sharpsburg. 

Report  of  Lieutenant  General  James 

Longstreet 80 

Reportof  Casualties 89 

Report  of  Lieutenant  General  T.  J. 

Jackson 90 

Reportof  Casualties 107 

Report  of  Major  General  D.  H.  Hill.  110  'i 
Reportof  Casualties 119  < 

39 


page. 
Report  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill..  124 

Reportof  Casualties 131 

Reports  of  Major  General  J.    E.    B. 

Stuart 132 

Reply  to  General  Trimble  from  Gen- 
eral SUiart 150 

Report  of  Major  General  I.  R.  Trim- 

lH       ble 154 

Report  of  Major  General  L.  McLawp,  160 
Report   of  Brigadier   General    J.    A. 

Early 174 

Report  of  Brigadier  General    W.    B. 

Taliaferro 198 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   J.    G. 

Walker 203 

Report  of  Brigadier   General    J.   B. 

Hood  , 209 

Reportof  Casualties 214 

Report    of  Brigadier    General  R.  E. 

Rodes 215 

Reportof  Major  General  D.  R.  Jones,  216 
Report  of  Brigadier    General    J.  R. 

Jones 221 

Report  of  Brigadier   General    C.  M. 

Wilcox 224 

Report  of  Brigadier   General    S.    G. 

French 232 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   W.  N. 

Pendleton 235 

Report  of  Brigadier    General   Wade 

JHampton 239 

Tflport  of  Colonel  B.  T.  Johnson 243 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    I.    R. 

Trimble 248 

Report  of  Colonel  H.  Forno 252 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   B.   H. 

Robertson 254 

Report  of  Colonel  E.  L.  Thomas 257 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   J.    L. 

Archer 269 

Report  of  Brigadier  General    W.    D. 

Pender 266 

Report  of  Brigadier   General   James 

11.  Lane 27tt 

Report  of  Brigadier  General  S.  Mc- 

Gowan 276 

Report  of  Casualties 264 

Report  of  Brigadier  General    N.    G. 

Evans 28T 

Report  of  Brigadier  General  R.  Ran- 
som, Jr 291 

Report  of  Brigadier   General    Roger 

A.  Pryor 294 

Report  of  Brigadier  General   W.   S. 

Featherston 296 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    H.  L. 

Benning 299 

Report  of  Colonel  E.  M.  Law 306 

Report  of  Colonel  Joseph  Walker 311 

Reportof  Colonel  G.  T.Anderson 315 

Report  of  Brigadier  General   Robert 

Toombs 321 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    R.    B. 

Garnett 328 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    R.    S. 

Ripley 334 

Report  of  Colonel  A.  H.  Colquitt 337 


602 


PAGE.   ; 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    R.   E. 

Rodes 341 

Report  of  Brigadier  General  Paul  J. 

Seinines 318 

Report   of    Brigadier    General    Wm. 

B;irk.sdale 351 

Report  of  Brigadier    General   J.    B. 

Kershaw 353 

Report  of  Colonel  AV.  S.  Wofford 350 

Report  of  Colonel  L.  A.  Siafford 3y'.> 

Report  of  Colonel  D.  F.    McRae 361 

Report  of  Colonel  E.  Pendleton 3fi2 

Report  of  Colonel  J.  B.  ■Waliou 305 

Report  of  Colonel  S.  Cnitfhfield \\'A 

Report  of  Colonel  S.  B.  Lee 3^ 

Report  of  Signal  OiScer 387 

Report  of  Captain  J.  K.  Bosweil 391 

Report  of  Captain  B.  Brown 396 

Report  of  Major  B.  ^Y.  Fr..bel..'. 39B 

Report  of  Coluncl  L.  S.  ;.aker 401 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel    P.  M. 

B.  Young 403 

Report  of  Lieuteniint    Colonel    T.  T. 

Magrudi'r 405 

Report  of  Colonel  T.  T.  Munford 407 

Rtport  of  Colonel  T.  L.  Rosser 409 

Report  of  Captain  C.  W.  Squiers.....  412 

Report  of  M.  B.  Miller 415 

Rerort  of  Lieuteniint  Colonel    R.  L. 

Walker...... , 417 

Report  of  Colonel  A.  W.  Ilr.rnian 420 

Report  of  Major  .John  Pclbam 421 

Report  of  Major  Sam'l  H.  Iiairston..  423 

Report  of  Captain   S.  B.  Myers 424 

Report  of  Major  W.  J.  Hawks, 425 

Report  of  Major  John  A.  ilaruian...  426 

Battle  of  Fkedericksiurg.  M 

Report  of  Lienteoant  General  James 

Longstreer : 427 

Report  of  Casualties 432 

Report  of  I  ieutenaut  General    T.  J. 

Jackson 434 

Report  of  Casaulties 440 

Report  of  Major  General  R.   H.  An- 
derson   442 

Report  of  Major  General  L.  JleLaws  444 

Report  of  Casuilties 449 

Reportof  Major  General  R.  Ransom, 

Jr 451 

Report  of  M  jor  General  J.  B.  Hood  456 

Reportof  Casualties 457 

Report  of  .Major  General  i>.  H.  Qill.  458 
Report  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill..  461 
Report  of  Brigadier  General   AV.  B. 

Taliaferro 466 

Report  of  Biij;adier    General   J.   A. 

Early 469  ^ 

Repor-  of  Brigadier  General    AV.  N.  ^' 

Pendleton 475  ' 

Report  of  Br-gadier    General    C.  M. 

Wilcox 481 

Report  of  Brigadier  General   W.    S. 

Featberston 485 

Report  of  Brigadier    General   J.   B. 

Kershaw 487  \ 

Reportof  Casiialtie? 490  5 

Report  of  Brigadier    General  A.    R. 

Wright 491  : 

Report    of   Brigadier    General   Wm.  ; 

Mahono 493  '. 

Report  of  Colonel  R.  M.  Miller 494  ' 


TAGK. 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    E.   A. 

Perry 496 

Reportof  Colonel  E.  D.  Hall 49T 

Report  of  Brigadier   (Jcneral  E.    M. 

Law " 498 

Report   of  Brigadier    (ienerai    P.  J. 

Semmes 500 

Report  of  Brigadier    General   E.    F. 

Paxton '. 501 

Report  of  Cidonel  H.  F.  linke 503 

Report  of  Colonel  J.  A.  AValker 505 

Report  of  Brigadier    General    H.   T. 

Hays 507 

Report  of  Colonel  Joliu  1).  Kennedy  509 

Report  of  Co'onel  C.  A.   Kvans 511 

Report  of  Brigadier  General    W.    D. 

Pender '. 514 

Reportof  C.isualtii's 615 

Report  of  Colonel  D.  H.  Hamilton...  516 
Report   of  Brigadier    General    J.  L. 

Areher , „ 516 

Report  of  Brigadier   (Jeneral-  James 

H.  Lane 521 

Report  of  Colonel. J.    M.    Brocken- 

brough 525 

Report  of  Brigadier    Genciral    E.    L. 

Thou. as 52T 

Repcrt  of  Brigadiov   General   J.    R. 

Jones ...'.'. 528 

Report  of  Uoiontl  E.  Penaictou 529 

Report  of  0.  louel  J.  B.  AValior. 532 

Reportof  Colonel  S.  Crntebiie'il 533 

Report  of  Lieutenaut    Coknol  E.   P. 

Ale\ai;der 539 

Report  of  Colonel  B.  (i.  liumpbiiLS.  642 

Report  of  Colonel  H.   0.  Cabell 544 

Report  of  C:iptain  !>    Lang i>43 

Report  of  Captain  V.  Mauriu 550 

Bepoitof  Cap:aiu  E.  Taliaferro 552 

Report  of  Captxin  J.  AV.  Lewi- 553 

Report  of  Captain  A.  R.  Govan 565 

Rejiorf  of  Lieutenant    Colonel    John 

C.  Fizer 556 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel   W.  G. 

Riee 559 

Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Elbert 

Bland 660 

Report  of  Major  i>.  W.  Moody 562 

Report  of  Captain  J.  K.  Nance 56S 

Pieport  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  H. 

Luse 566 

Reportof  Captain  E  T.  Stackhouse.  668 
Beport  of  Colonel  AV.  T>-  BeSaussure  570 
Report  of  Colonel  James  1).  Nance...  572 

Report  of  Co'Oi.cl  J.  W.  Carter 574 

Reportof  J  T.Brown 576 

Report  ol  Major  D.  B.  Bridgford 578 

Report  of  small  arm-!,  &e.,  captured.  580 

Report  01  Major  E.  Y.  AVhite 661 

Report  of  Captain  J.  AV.  Latimer 58S 

Report  of  Colonel  R.  L.  AValkfr 585 

Report  of  Captain   J.  Q.  A.  •.'aden- 

bousch 587 

Reportof  Casualties 588 

Report  o"  Colonel  J.  R.  Edmundson  590 

Report  of  Major  AVm.  Terry 591 

Reportof  Casualties 592 

Report  of  Captain  G.  McKcndree 693 

Report  of  Colonel  E.  T.  H.  AVarren..  695 

Report  of  Colonel  H.  J.  Willianjs 597 

Reportof  Casualties 698 


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